Heart failure can affect all aspects of your life, including
your energy, desire or ability to participate in sexual
intercourse. The amount of energy it requires to perform
intercourse with your partner is similar to climbing about one or
two flights of stairs or walking about one half mile at a brisk
pace. If you cannot perform these activities without becoming tired
or short of breath, talk to your doctor before participating in
sexual activity.
Keep in mind, a sexual relationship has both physical and
emotional aspects.
You can do the following to help foster a caring sexual
relationship with your partner:
- Talk openly with your partner.
- Find different ways to show affection.
- Have sex when you are rested and physically comfortable.
- Have realistic performance expectations. You may need to modify
your sexual practices to decrease the energy required.
- Be caring, loving and honest with each other.
- Your medications may affect arousal and sexual performance.
Talk to your health care provider about your concerns.
- Erectile dysfunction medications are generally safe for people
with heart failure. As with all medications, it is important to
discuss any new prescription medications with your heart failure
doctor.
Sources
www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/5360_HFGuidelineFinal.pdf
www.hfsa.org/hf_guidelines.asp