Contraception in Women With Congenital Heart Disease

Sexual Activity and Cardiovascular Disease

“…In 1 study, 9% of women with CHD reported symptoms during sexual activity, which included dyspnea, perceived arrhythmia, increased fatigue, or syncope. 66 Symptoms were more common in those with severe lesions, worse functional status, or cyanosis. In a survey of men with CHD, 9% reported dyspnea, 9% reported subjective arrhythmias, and 5% reported chest pain with sexual activity, with symptoms more common in patients with greater functional impairment (NYHA class III).…”

“…A study of women with CHD lesions associated with a high risk of pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications showed that 28% were not using adequate birth control methods, 20% were using methods considered contraindicated for their condition, 43% had not been counseled about contraception, and 48% had not been informed of pregnancy-related risks. 66 …”

Intimacy, contraception, and pregnancy prevention in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: are we counseling our patients?

“…25,26 For example, studies of patients with congenital heart disease have shown that as many as 43% of women with a moderate or high risk of maternal complications do not remember being counseled on the risks of pregnancy. 26 To our knowledge, studies addressing whether patients with PAH are being properly counseled on pregnancy prevention do not exist. The goal of this study was to survey current counseling practices among PAH HCPs for patients with PAH regarding intimacy, contraception, and pregnancy prevention.…”

Quality use of medicines and women's reproductive health: a combined responsibility for all pharmacists

“…4 Similarly, a survey among women of childbearing age with congenital heart disease identified that 25% of women were not using appropriate contraception despite having a sexual relationship and 20% were using a contraceptive method that was contraindicated for their specific cardiac condition. 5 Despite the well noted harms of poorly controlled asthma on pregnancy outcomes, previous studies have identified significant deficiencies related to the clinical management of asthmatic pregnancies related to a lack of confidence and knowledge among treating healthcare professionals, including general practitioners. 6 Further, despite attempts to raise awareness of the importance of preconception care surrounding optimisation of disease state management (e.g.…”