Screening for sexual disorders remains neglected among women

Unfortunately, the subject of sexual activity remains too taboo: only 12% of women and 19% of men dare to bring it up during consultations.

When the subject is broached, patients are mostly given advice on various restrictions: limiting sexual activity (35%), adopting a more passive attitude (26%), or keeping their heart rate low (23%). However, these restrictions are not based on any scientific studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25512442/ Yet doctors have a key role to play in reassuring patients once the situation is under control. Discussion with a doctor is the strongest predictor of resuming sexual activity one year after a myocardial infarction.

Female sexual disorders are still poorly understood by healthcare professionals. Yet they are common, affecting 4 in 10 women of childbearing age and 6 in 10 women in menopause. They can take several forms: decreased or absent desire, sometimes even aversion, sexual arousal or orgasm disorders, clitoral erectile dysfunction, pain, and vaginal dryness. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512225001896

These disorders increase in the presence of risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, etc.) due to a direct impact on the functioning of the blood vessels involved in the functioning of the sexual organs, and are also more common in women with coronary artery disease.

Women are often overlooked in the screening of sexual disorders, due to a lack of knowledge on the subject, lack of time during consultations, embarrassment, and a lack of scientific data. Women receive less advice after a cardiovascular event, with little or no information. In addition, few women undergo rehabilitation, which is an ideal time to address the subject of sexuality.

Certain cardiovascular medications can induce or exacerbate sexual dysfunction: diuretics, certain beta-blockers, and certain central antihypertensive drugs. As a result, 42% of women with hypertension who are receiving treatment experience a decrease in libido. However, we should not be too quick to blame medication, but rather look for the many other factors involved, such as psychosocial issues and relationship problems. Sexual dysfunction has a significant impact on quality of life and compliance. You should never stop your treatment because of sexual dysfunction. Above all, you should talk to your doctor and keep in mind that love and affection are wonderful sources of well-being for the body, mind, and heart.

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