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It Is Not Taboo: Addressing Sexual Function in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

  • Congenital Heart Disease (RA Krasuski, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Cardiology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of the Review

To review the current state of literature on sexual dysfunction in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD).

Recent Findings

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in ACHD is approximately 28%. Compared to age-matched cohorts, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among ACHD cohorts demonstrates significant variability. ACHD have a lower rate of ever having sexual intercourse and often at a later age. Regardless of complexity, ACHD with sexual dysfunction have higher level of distress, decreased quality of life, and worse New York Heart Association classification. Patients, including heart failure and ACHD, treated with dual angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor have reported improved sexual relationships.

Summary

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in ACHD patients is high and sexual dysfunction research in ACHD remains limited. Therefore, the relationship between sexual dysfunction and ACHD remains ill-defined. Cardiologists that participate in the care of these patients should proactively discuss sexual health and provide counseling and therapies to provide high-quality healthcare for ACHD.

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Abbreviations

ACHD:

Adult congenital heart disease

CHD:

Congenital heart disease

CVD:

Cardiovascular disease

ED:

Erectile dysfunction

FSFI:

Female Sexual Function Index

NYHA:

New York Heart Association

QOL:

Quality of life

SHIM:

Sexual Health Inventory for Men

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major Importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Congenital Heart Center, Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, 100 Michigan Street NE (MC248), Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA

    Sihong Huang & Stephen C. Cook

  2. Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, 15 Michigan NE, Grand Rapids, MI, USA

    Sihong Huang & Stephen C. Cook

  3. Congenital Heart Center, MC 248, 25 Michigan Street NE, Suite 4200, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA

    Sihong Huang & Stephen C. Cook

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  1. Sihong Huang
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Sihong Huang and Stephen C. Cook declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Congenital Heart Disease

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Huang, S., Cook, S.C. It Is Not Taboo: Addressing Sexual Function in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease. Curr Cardiol Rep 20, 93 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-018-1029-0

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