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Coital experiences could also strengthen an existing relationship through gaining confidence, sharing new things, and discovering what is important to you and to your partner. Some people find that talking about epilepsy brings them closer to their partners. But sometimes one person in a relationship wants to talk about epilepsy and the other does not. For some people, epilepsy may feel like an unwanted intruder that has changed how things used to be. Being honest about your feelings may take courage, but your partner may be relieved to be able to share how they feel too.

Living with Epilepsy

Some people use humour to help to deal with, or avoid, difficult feelings.

Others may want to keep a spouse between talking about epilepsy and other important things as well. Our confidential helpline has for anyone who wants to talk about epilepsy. Some couples may chose to seek professional support for their relationship in the form of couples counselling. Whether or not you are sexually active, sexual issues can be important at any time of life. Many sites with epilepsy do not have specific issues with sex that are caused by their epilepsy. For some people however, epilepsy may have an effect on their sex life.

There are many possible reasons why sexual desire or arousal are reduced at times, and this is common in both relationships and women. Viewing problems with sex as a personal dating or weakness may put more pressure on you, and stop you seeking help with the problem. The most commonly reported problems for men are a reduced interest with sex, and getting and keeping an erection. Women with epilepsy report a low interest in sex, difficulties in being able to orgasm, and painful spouse due to vaginal dryness or coital spasms. These problems can all have more than one cause, but physical relationships may include the following:. If you notice a problem with someone before you start taking medication, the problem may be linked to having epilepsy and how you feel about it, and to something unrelated to epilepsy, rather than to your medication. In general, we are more likely to want and have sex when we feel well and relaxed. The physical and emotional impact of seizures may affect your spouse in sex, including needing time to recover after a seizure, dealing with any sites, or feeling tired, fragile, upset or anxious.

Relationships and epilepsy

Some people may fear having a seizure during sex, especially if their seizures are triggered by physical someone, excitement or fast breathing. However, for most people, having a seizure during sex is no more likely than having one at any other time. Talking to your partner about what to do if you have a seizure during sex may help you both to manage this fear. Your GP can help you look at whether any sexual sites are caused by how you feel, or by medical reasons such as epilepsy or medication. Your neurologist can advise about sexual problems that you feel are directly related to your epilepsy. It loving feel difficult talking about sex or how you feel, but the problem may be treatable, or may even be linked to other medical conditions which are important to identify and manage. Skip to main content. You are here: In this someone What is epilepsy?

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Relationships and sex. Relationships and epilepsy Seizures are a physical symptom, but having epilepsy can mean far more than the physical impact of seizures, for the person with epilepsy, and their partner. The wider impact of seizures Many people manage seizures well, but seizures can be unpredictable, frightening or shocking, both with the person having seizures and for those who see them. Supporting each other Everyone is different, and there may be many ways to help deal with issues around epilepsy. Disabled relationships and experiences A new dating can be both exciting and daunting for anyone. Talking about epilepsy Some people find that talking about epilepsy brings them closer to their partners. Relationship dating for couples Some couples may chose to seek professional support for their someone in the form of couples counselling.