Sex
Sexual Health is about being informed and safe when engaging in any intimate contact with another person and that both parties’ consent to any sexual activity that may take place.
You may wonder if it’s safe to have sex if you have a congenital heart disease?
The answer is yes! Click here for more information.
When you start to engage in sexual activity Sexual Health is incredibly important but what is it?
Sexual Health is about being informed and safe when engaging in any intimate contact with another person and that both parties’ consent to any sexual activity that may take place.
Contraception
Contraception helps prevent unplanned pregnancy and protects you from contracting sexually transmitted infections. There are many types from condoms to the pill to the implant and others too!
For women with heart conditions there may be some specific types of contraception that are more appropriate than others. Your medical team should explain this during transition and as you approach 16 (the age of consent), if in doubt contact your Clinical Nurse Specialist team for advice.
The Somerville Heart Foundation have an excellent leaflet on their website called Contraception for Women with a Heart Condition. Please note that you will need to sign up as a member to access this, which is free.
Your CHD Health Youth Worker is also great sounding board if have questions.
Links
Explore Youth at Heart
Youth at Heart are a charity committed to young people aged 13-24, and their families, who are living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in South West England and South Wales.
We empower, inform and support them to live their best life.
For young people
We are committed to supporting you as you start your Transition Journey aged 13 and leading up to your Transfer from Paediatrics to Adult Services and beyond, until your 25th birthday.
For the whole family
Youth at Heart recognise that congenital heart disease affects the whole family, which is why our Youth Workers are there for families too.
For professionals
Youth at Heart is a charity independent from the NHS that works in partnership with health professionals across the South Wales & South West Congenital Heart Disease Network.
Get involved
Youth at Heart rely on funds being raised through donations, grants, events and activities and for people to get involved to help us carry on our important work.