Sexual dysfunction

 

Issues about being sexually active following stroke

This section looks at some of the issues involved in being sexually active after stroke and will help to answer some of the questions that patients may have.

Fear

The common fear following a stroke is that having sex will bring on another stroke.  If a patient feels unsure about having sex, they should arrange to speak with their GP and/or specialist.

Physical changes

Having a stroke does not have to mean the end of being sexually active, although changes may be involved.  Physically, stroke can affect men and women in different ways.

Blood Pressure

Many people worry that having sex will raise their blood pressure too high.  It is very rare for strokes to happen during sexual activity, but if this is a concern, this should be discussed with the GP and/or specialist. Unfortunately, some blood pressure lowering drugs can cause impotence in some men.  This is often reversible by changing to a different group of drugs. Therefore, if this is an issue, it is vital that the GP and/or specialist is aware.