Yet their plight and the manner in which they are affected has been largely ignored. As an important part of the Epilepsy Foundation's role in advocating for all people with epilepsy, we are committed to addressing the unique health concerns of women with epilepsy. As a group, people with epilepsy run a higher risk of sexual problems than the general population. Although we do not understand all the complex causes of sexual problems, or how they relate to epilepsy, research is producing new information. This information sheet is designed to answer, to the degree possible, some of the questions that people have about sexual relations and epilepsy.
Sexual relationships are a normal part of healthy living.
These processes depend on many reflexes that are coordinated by the nervous system, and involve hormones, nerves, and blood vessels. The desire for sex varies widely in the general population and in people with epilepsy. A person who does not think about sex or want to have sex one to three times a month probably has unusually low sexual desire. But remember, this is a very personal matter, and if you are satisfied with your level of sexual activity, you have no problem. We do not yet fully understand all the complex causes for sexual problems, especially how they may be related to epilepsy.