Sexuality and Chronic Disease

Older couple.

Source: Esther Ann/Unsplash

Co-authored by Sherry Grace and Jonathan Gallagher

Healthy sexuality holds many benefits for patients with chronic diseases. These include better relationship quality, psychological well-being such as better sleep and reduced stress, as well as better health. Indeed, regular “sexercise” can reduce the risk of further heart problems, for example.

And despite media portrayals in romantic movies and beyond, older people are sexual (rates of sexually transmitted infections in retirement facilities are high!). Yet, about half of older people with chronic diseases are not having sex, and half of those are having sexual difficulties; most are not discussing this with their health care providers.

Sexual health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a comprehensive state of well-being in relation to sexuality and not merely the absence of dysfunction. This can be expressed in all sorts of constellations, including solo sex (e.g., masturbation), partnered sex (penetrative or not), be it heterosexual or otherwise, polyamory, and/or in peoples of varying gender identities. Unfortunately, however, there is not a lot of research in this field, so please accept the caveat that much of what follows in this post and the next is based on research in heterosexual cisgender couples.

WHO also asserts that sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach and the possibility of having pleasurable and safe experiences. Far too many people have been victims of sexual violence, which impacts their future sexual well-being. Please seek treatment if you have been a victim and need care. Sex should always be consensual.

Sexual dysfunction in chronic disease

People with chronic diseases have decreased sexual activity compared to their same-age peers. They are also more likely to have sexual difficulties. This is caused by their often poorer circulation due to other chronic disease risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, sleep disorders, as well as lower physical fitness, and the side effects of some medications (but please do not stop taking them without first consulting your doctor to support you in switching to an alternative as these medications prolong your life). These issues may be exacerbated by psychological problems (see this post) and the use of alcohol or drugs.

Sexual dysfunction in men most commonly involves erectile dysfunction (ED). In a sample of heart patients in the community, for example, the rate of ED was over half, which is two times higher than in the general population. This makes sense because these are vascular conditions where the flow of blood throughout the body is negatively impacted. Those with ED were more likely to be stressed about it, as well as anxious and depressed.

In women, sexual dysfunction commonly involves vaginal dryness, as well as issues with desire and arousal. Indeed, vaginal dryness may present one to three years before the onset of chronic disease and be a “warning sign,” just like ED in men.

In the next post, we will discuss the treatment of sexual issues in chronic diseases.

When can I have sex again, Doc?

After a chronic disease event, such as a heart attack, or treatment such as bypass surgery, many patients (and their partners, too) report anxiety about resuming sexual activity. For example, they might worry it could induce heart palpitations (i.e., arrhythmia), chest pain, or even death. (Rest assured, the risk is not higher than in patients who did not have heart attacks, although there is an infamous case in the literature about a patient who died during extramarital sex.)

Unfortunately, then, couples often unnecessarily reduce sexual activity, despite it being safe. Kissing and touching are always safe and can maintain intimacy in a couple during a stressful time, such as around a diagnosis or hospitalization, for example. Clinicians use the rule of thumb that once you can walk up the stairs without being too breathless, it is safe to resume masturbation, oral sex, and intercourse. Patients who have an uncomplicated heart attack, for example, can usually resume sexual activity after about four weeks, but you should always consult your health care provider for individualized clinical advice. A physician will screen you, and given the exertion level of sex is more modest than one might think, in most cases resumption is recommended given the many benefits.

Sex Essential Reads

The Power of Gentle, Whole-Body Touch

Was That a Real Orgasm?

Sexual concerns are often the top stressors for couples around the time of a chronic disease hospitalization, and distressed spouses report significantly less intimacy in their marriages. Sometimes spouses can become unnecessarily over-protective due to their fear of inciting a rhythm device shock or heart attack, so they avoid any intimacy that could potentially lead to sex. This is a shame, as couples miss out on the many benefits of sex (see above), and the social support that is so beneficial for health.

Partners who have been together for many years often have established sexual routines. They may need to be open and creative in negotiating new behaviors and roles to adapt their sex in the context of chronic conditions. For example, patients who get a ventricular assist device may feel renewed vitality and, hence, interest in sex, but they will need to consider the device itself and ensure not to disturb it with their movements. Patients with rhythm devices may need to consult with their electrophysiologist to adjust the settings.

Indeed, many couples experience sexual issues in the years leading up to a chronic disease diagnosis due to the increasing physiological effects of the disease. So, oftentimes, the diagnosis is a turning point where this could be addressed. There are treatments available, which will be discussed in the next post.

Jonathan Gallagher, BA, MPsychSc, PG Dip CBT, CRFC is a Senior Psychologist in the Department of Cardiology (Cardiac Rehabilitation) at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Beaumont Hospital’s CR Centre is internationally accredited by both AACVPR and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).