Sexual concerns and educational needs after an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

BACKGROUND: Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) describe anxiety, fears, and other psychosocial issues, although sexual concerns are not well understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the experiences of patients and partners with return to sexual activity post-ICD implantation. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects were 12 patients with an ICD (10 men, 2 women) and 4 partners (I man, 3 women). Most patients with an ICD and partners were age 55 years or older, with a mean age of 62 years for patients and 47 years for partners. METHODS: A semistructured interview was used to explore the meaning and influence of the ICD on the sexual relationship . Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. RESULTS: Themes identified were (1) anxiety and apprehension, with subthemes of partner overprotectiveness and fear of ICD discharge with sexual activity; (2) varying interest and pattern of sexual activity; (3) powerfulness of ICD discharge; and (4) a need for information and sexual counseling. IMPLICATIONS: Additional research is needed to further understand the experience of ICD discharge with sexual activity and to develop educational strategies.