Module 5 Pull Down Navigation - Select a Page to View ------------------- Introduction Becoming More Active Warming Up and Cooling Down Other Tips and Guidelines for Exercising When You Should Not Be More Active Overexertion Doing More of What You Enjoy Other Ways to Conserve Energy Work Sexual Activity Personal Goals Learn More About Heart Failure

Sexual Activity and Heart Failure

Many people with heart failure wonder if they can still have sex. The answer is yes. Sexual activity is not dangerous to your heart. Although sex may not be as easy as it once was, it can still be rewarding. Just as with any other activity, you should not have sex if you are feeling ill, are very short of breath, or are having chest pains. To increase your ability to enjoy sex, try the following:

• Talk openly with your partner about each of your sexual needs and concerns.
  
  
• Pick a time for sex when you feel rested and comfortable, and are not pressured.
  
  
• Avoid sex after eating a big meal or drinking alcohol.
  
  
• Have sex in a comfortable room that is not too hot or too cold.
  
  
• Use foreplay to help your heart get used to the increased activity level of intercourse.
  
  
• Avoid positions in which you support your weight with your arms.
  
  
• Have sex in less strenuous positions such as lying on the bottom or with you and your partner lying side by side.
  
  

If intercourse is difficult for you, try to find other ways of being physically close and intimate with your spouse or partner. For example, consider:

• Finding other ways to show affection.
  
  
• Trying mutual forms of sexual stimulation other than intercourse.
  
  
• Increasing nonsexual affection and communication with your spouse or partner.
  
  

Also keep in mind that people with heart failure may have problems with sex including decreased sex drive, problems with ejaculation, impotence, or inability to have an orgasm or climax.

If you are having sexual difficulties, do not hesitate to talk with your doctor or nurse. Often your doctor or nurse will not bring up the topic of sex, but you should feel free to bring it up at any time.