Connect
The unasked question: TAA and sexual activity
Hello everyone. I'm a 73 yo male in good general health. No BP meds, only a statin; quit smoking 35 yrs ago (5 pack yr history), no collagen disorder. I'm physically active, mostly walking (my knees won't run anymore). My only TAA symptom is palpitations. My TAA was discovered during a mitral valve evaluation by echo cardiogram two yrs ago, 4.1 cm. Follow up study two wks ago showed 4.7 cm progression, and now I'm concerned and taking it seriously.
I have tons of questions, one of which includes sexual activity. I've read advice here to avoid heavy lifting, grunting (who does that?), and breath-holding, among others, but no one has mentioned sexual activity. Mine would be solo but it does make my heart pound for awhile after. Has anyone received any admonitions regarding sexual activity, maybe several times per week? I hope no one's offended by this topic. It's part of life, for now anyway. Thanks!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.
Connect
My sex life is far better now than it was before the aortic dissection--and it was great before. After my 2015 open heart surgery, it was a little scary for my spouse since, at first, she thought I might die from sex. That said, it has had ZERO effect negatively on sex and I'm as virile as ever at age 61. The meds and the surgery have had zero impact on erections. If anything, the more consistent aortic blood flow I think has improved every part of sex for both of us including erections.
I did have some odd post-orgasm seizure-type episodes for the first couple of years after surgery, but my doctor wasn't concerned (although my spouse initially was). I suspect that the stroke I suffered following the dissection played a role in those episodes. Following my heart surgery, undergoing Profound Deep Hypothermic Complete Circulatory Arrest (Google this), I spent a couple of weeks in coma afterwards. I can assure you that Humpty Dumpty never gets put back together the same again--but in my case better the second time around. I do not know what impact it might have for those who take Viagra or Cialis so that's the kind of question for cardiologist or urologist maybe. Life's good. I have no complaints or regrets. You're going to be fine. Peace.