Relationships
Sex and relationships are not about fitting in—everyone is different. The main thing is knowing all the facts, making your own choices, and being happy with them.
Is it safe for me to have sex?
There are many different myths out there about people with heart conditions and sex. They all come from people’s worries. But the good news is that your heart condition shouldn’t stop you from having a healthy sex life.
Sex should always be consensual between both parties and be something you both feel ready for, remembering the age of consent in the UK is 16.
Your cardiologist or nurse specialist will be willing to chat with you about any of your concerns about sex and relationships. We know this can feel really embarrassing and make you feel really weird, but they are used to talking about this, and it is totally confidential.
A top tip for discussing something awkward with your cardiologist or nurse is to write the question down and hand it to them.
What about protection?
Protection is especially important for women with congenital heart conditions, as it is best to plan pregnancy. Your doctor, cardiologist or nurse specialist will be able to advise you on the best forms of contraception, testing and screening for STIs.
There are a lot of different contraceptives. All are free on the NHS in the UK. It is important for both partners to practise safe sex. It is not just one person’s responsibility. Talk to your specialist nurse or cardiologist about which is best for you.
For most girls with a heart condition, the combined pill may be too risky, as it can make blood clots more likely. Contraception can sometimes be taken by women who have problems caused by their hormones, such as heavy, irregular or prolonged periods or acne and mood swings.
If any of these affect you, speak to your cardiologist or nurse specialist.
What about my heart?
Once you have recovered from any surgery, then it is ok for most people with a heart condition to drink a moderate amount of alcohol. However, depending on your condition, it may be advised for you to avoid drinking alcohol. Check with your doctor for advice on what is safe for you to drink and how much.
Be careful with your medication. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about what is safe to drink and how much, depending on your medication.
If you are taking sleeping tablets or painkillers, remember that alcohol will have a more powerful effect. Everyone should avoid drinking too much alcohol, but it is particularly important to be careful if you are taking anticoagulant medication like warfarin.
With alcohol, follow these steps:
- Speak to your doctor about what is safe or how much
- Check your drinks and record your units
- Keep alcohol-free days
When protection doesn't work?
Protection should always be thought about before sex, not left till after. It is like most things in life—a little planning and preparation beforehand will always work better than trying to fix something when it goes wrong. It is really important to know what to do if your normal form of contraception fails, for example:
- the condom splits
- if you have forgotten to take your pill
- you have forgotten to use any form of contraception
- women can go to their local pharmacist to get an emergency contraceptive. This contraceptive is not 100% effective and does not offer you protection from STIs.
Emergency contraceptive pill?
Emergency contraceptives are more effective the sooner after sex is taken. It is important to speak to your pharmacist as quickly as possible. Speak to your cardiologist or a nurse specialist about whether the emergency contraceptive pill is safe for you to take with your heart condition.
Starting a family?
With a heart condition, it is really important to plan ahead. Before trying for a family, a woman should speak with their cardiologist or nurse specialist. This is so both you and the baby can be monitored, checked and helped through every stage of the pregnancy. Any problems can then be picked up and treated as soon as possible.
A heart condition will make every pregnancy different. Sometimes, you will notice no difference from everyone else, and at other times, you will be checked more regularly. Speak to your medical team about what a pregnancy would mean for you.
Will my baby have a heart condition?
There is an increased risk of the baby having a heart condition if one or both parents have congenital heart disease. Although the risk, as a whole, is still very small. Your cardiologist or nurse specialist will be able to advise you on any tests which can be carried out to check your baby’s heart.
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