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Can I have sex if I have heart disease? Zaki Lababidi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Sharolyn McClurg, NP, and the team At Home Cardiology in Gilbert, Arizona, hear this question a lot and have made sexual health one of the services they offer at the telehealth cardiology practice. Your sexual health is an important part of your physical, emotional, and social well-being, and the team provides personalized guidance so you can continue to enjoy intimate moments with your partner. Call today or book your sexual health virtual visit online. Home visits are also available.
What should I know about sexual health?
You should know that your sexual health is an important part of your overall health.
Your sexual well-being is more than testing negative for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It’s your ability to feel positive about your sexuality and relationships and have pleasurable sexual experiences.
Cardiovascular diseases may affect your ability to have safe and enjoyable intimate moments with your partner.
At Home Cardiology is a telehealth practice specializing in cardiovascular disease and the health problems that come with it, like sexual dysfunction.
Can I have sex if I have heart disease?
If you have heart disease, you may worry about having a heart attack during sex. Sexual activity increases your heart rate, but if your cardiac condition is stable, it’s safe to have sex.
The At Home Cardiology team can talk to you about your cardiovascular condition and how you can enjoy sex safely.
The team may suggest abstaining from sexual activity if you have unstable angina or chest pain at rest from coronary artery disease (CAD) until your condition is stable.
What cardiovascular conditions affect sexual health?
Cardiovascular conditions like peripheral vascular disease (PVD) may reduce blood flow to the sexual organs, affecting function.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual health problem in men, making it difficult for men to get and sustain erections long enough to enjoy sex. ED has many causes, including blockages in the penile arteries that limit blood flow into the penis for an erection.
Women with PVD may experience vaginal dryness or pain during sex due to a decrease in oxygen-rich blood to the tissue, affecting health and moisture.
What can I do to improve my sexual health?
The At Home Cardiology team conducts a thorough evaluation, so they fully understand how your cardiovascular health may affect your sexual health. Then, they create a personalized plan, focusing on your needs and goals.
Getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are lifestyle changes you can make that may improve your sexual health. The team may also prescribe medications or recommend other treatments to address cardiovascular conditions affecting sexual health.
Call At Home Cardiology today or schedule your sexual health consultation online.