We all know that fucking is good for us - especially to maintain a healthy heart. But, what if you or your partner has high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease, how safe is it to fuck? As February is heart health awareness month, Sienna Saint-Cyr writes about how to have great sex, while managing heart-related conditions.
Fuck your way to a healthy heart
High blood pressure and heart disease can be scary. When my husband was recommended diet changes and relaxation for his high cholesterol, when it came to sex, we didn’t know what to expect. Was it safe? Would there be side effects from his medications? Although my husband wasn’t diagnosed with heart disease, the information available online is similar to heart disease regarding sex.
Time to play doctor for real
When it comes to heart (cardiovascular) disease specifically, the American Heart Association has helpful information on the safety of sex. To my surprise, the site claims that once your cardiovascular disease has stabilized, it’s generally safe to have sex. Though, the site does recommend talking to your doctor before resuming sexual activity after diagnosis. It also urges you to speak with your doctor if you’re experiencing side effects from medications or the heart disease itself.
High blood pressure is the other major heart issue when it comes to sex. An article on sex and high BP by the Mayo Clinic has helpful information as well. In their write-up, the Mayo Clinic Staff suggests that in most cases, it’s safe to have sex with high blood pressure because sex doesn’t last long. Therefore, the increased blood flow doesn’t last as long either. Depending on your circumstance or if the high blood pressure isn’t being treated, I’d ask your doctor before taking part in sexual activity.
However, the biggest issue the site mentions are the side effects of medications interfering with sexual desire and satisfaction, and this is where my husband and I have had the most problems.
To treat high blood pressure, there are different medications that people need to take. Most include diuretics and/or beta-blockers. Diuretics tend to cut off blood flow to the penis and mess with testosterone, while beta-blockers mess with sexual satisfaction in their own way.
Get the blood flowing!
When you add these side effects to the issues already caused by high blood pressure, it can be a disaster. Men and women are also equally as affected. High blood pressure causes less blood flow to the genital region, which means that women may have a hard time getting aroused, getting wet, and experiencing release. Men can have a hard time maintaining an erection and achieving ejaculation. Men without high blood pressure can take Viagra or similar drugs which raise BP and can be unsafe for many patients suffering from high blood pressure. WebMD lists some of the side effects on their site and also suggests talking to your doctor about options.
For my husband and I, this was a real issue. We had to start looking at other methods for arousal and release for him. There was a lot of trial and error in the beginning and a lot of dissatisfaction sexually.
We tried everything from creams to pills that were safe for him, but when it came down to it, what worked best was when we focused on mental stimulation. Sometimes it was a bit of energy play with dominance and submission, other times it was sounds I’d make, or at times the way I touched him. We had to learn one another all over again.
Light exercise and a healthy sex life lowers stress and are useful tools for maintaining heart health. When you’re unable to achieve release and satisfaction - it gets complicated. Once you’ve talked to your doctor and know it’s safe to fuck again, I suggest exploring with masturbation and with your partner. Knowing your body is vital to having a healthy sex life.
Change is good, keep an open mind!
My husband’s body changed, so did his desires and needs. We’ve worked through the complications by being open, trying new things, and by not allowing shame or judgment to interfere when things didn’t go as planned. Sexual shaming only leads to more stress and dissatisfaction.
As always, heart health comes first. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned or unsure if you should be sexually active. Once cleared for action, explore! Finding new ways to please one another is always a joy.
Like this? Leave a comment below or start a thread in sex talk!
Sienna Saint-Cyr writes erotica and blogs about kink, poly, body image, and most things relating. Follow her on her website or on Twitter @siennasaintcyr.
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