Sexual concerns and educational needs after an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Background

Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) describe anxiety, fears, and other psychosocial issues, although sexual concerns are not well understood.

Purpose

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the experiences of patients and partners with return to sexual activity post-ICD implantation.

Participants

Subjects were 12 patients with an ICD (10 men, 2 women) and 4 partners (1 man, 3 women). Most patients with an ICD and partners were age 55 years or older, with a mean age of 62 years for patients and 47 years for partners.

Methods

A semistructured interview was used to explore the meaning and influence of the ICD on the sexual relationship. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach.

Results

Themes identified were (1) anxiety and apprehension, with subthemes of partner overprotectiveness and fear of ICD discharge with sexual activity; (2) varying interest and pattern of sexual activity; (3) powerfulness of ICD discharge; and (4) a need for information and sexual counseling.

Implications

Additional research is needed to further understand the experience of ICD discharge with sexual activity and to develop educational strategies.