Representatives from CF “Sister Dalila” and PHURDA took part in a webinar hosted by Actelion, Intimacy Affiliation, Family Planning and PH – Talking with My Partner and Health care Team
According to the study, 75% of patients have difficulty in close contact with a partner, 20% reported that they were concerned about it in the first place.
Because of their chronic disease, patients with PAH cannot maintain intimacy at the same level as before.
Patients with PAH may experience  more shortness of breath and fatigue during intercourse than those who do not have PAH and require longer recovery time.
Infusion pumps or nasal oxygen cannulas also affect sexual functionality.
Most patients do not ask their doctor about sexual problems until they have more serious sexual dysfunction.
Doctors do not discuss patients’ sexual lives because of:
– fear of interfering with the patient’s privat life
– Fear of being too pushy or offensive
Start a conversation !!!
– “Is it safe to resume sexual activity?”
– Talk to your doctor or obstetrician / gynecologist about appropriate treatment to help with your sexual activity
– Men can consult an urologist if needed
– Adequate 2 barrier contraception is required. Pregnancy should be avoided
– Discuss with your doctor and partner the poses to avoid or to try
– How to conserve energy
– Plan  sexual activity.
You can:
– Explore proximity when energy levels are the highest, for someone in the morning or after lunch or insomnia in the evening.
– Patients can plan intimacy with their partners immediately after taking the medication, as long as the side effects of the medication are not an obstacle.
– Use your memory of past “special moments”
Conclusions!
– Intimacy is important and should not be avoided when dealing with chronic illnesses.
– The conversation should be started by a specialist; however, patients and their loved ones should ask specialists every time they face certain, even minor, problems.
– Proximity can be a healthy part of PAH if appropriate techniques are used and communication between the family doctor, patients and their loved ones is in place.
– Remember  PLAN !!!
Also, we asked the question, “Does Sildenafil affect women’s sexual arousal?” – Yes, some drugs can affect sexual arousal, however, no specific studies have been conducted so it cannot be said that any particular drug has an effect.