Can sex be dangerous for a person with an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator? What is the risk that gusts of passion will discharge the ICD? When can intercourse be resumed after the procedure? Questions about sexual life after the implantation of devices supporting the work of the heart are answered by dr hab. n. med. Maciej Kempa, expert of the Heart Rhythm Section of the Polish Society of Cardiology.

I have an ICD: when can I have sex?

The implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator is a surgical procedure. As after any surgery, the surgical wound must heal - usually it takes about a dozen or so days. During this time, physical activity, and thus also sexual activity, should be limited. The wide range of arm movement, rubbing and tearing at the implant site can make healing difficult. A device that moves around in a fresh wound can cause pain and discomfort, so it's worth waiting a while for sexual activity. How long?

The moment of starting sexual activity after implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator should be discussed with the attending cardiologist. It is worth remembering that the reasons for implanting the device may be different. Some patients suffer from advanced coronary artery disease or extreme heart failure and these situations require special consideration. Other patients may have genetically determined arrhythmias which do not impair physical performance, but in certain situations may pose a risk. In short, the impact of sexual activity on he alth depends not so much on the implanted device itself, as on the reasons why it was implanted at all.

I have an ICD: can sex damage my device?

Patients often fear that the implant may be damaged during sexual activity. In practice, this risk is extremely small. A properly implanted cardioverter is safe after intercourse after the wound has healed.

I have an ICD: does sex increase my risk of discharges?

It is not uncommon for ICD patients to ask if sexual activity increases the risk of cardioverter-defibrillator discharge. In some situations, especially in people with coronary artery disease, sex, like any physical exertion, causes the heart to beat faster and thus may lead to hypoxia. Hypoxia mayand contribute to the release of ventricular arrhythmias that may trigger an ICD intervention. Theoretically, excessive acceleration of the rhythm itself, not recorded in other life situations, could trigger inadequate cardioverter intervention. Therefore, it is worth discussing this topic with your cardiologist and choosing the right device settings, often depending on physical activity.

I have an ICD: what to do when there is a discharge during sex?

In the event that the ICD intervenes in an intimate situation, you should immediately visit the defibrillator and inform the doctor about the problem. The result of the consultation will be the modification of the device settings. It is worth knowing that such an inadequate intervention of the defibrillator does not endanger the partner in any way.

Sex life is a very important aspect of our functioning. Patients should not be embarrassed - it is worth asking us, doctors, about any doubts related to sexual activity after implantation of cardiac implantable devices. It's really worth it: for your he alth, well-being and joy in life.

Category:

Cardiology