How long after atrial fibrillation surgery can one resume sexual activity?
Disease description:
Recently, I've been experiencing abnormal heart rate and was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I had surgery half a month ago. May I ask, how long after atrial fibrillation surgery can I resume sexual activity?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
The time for resuming sexual activity after surgery for atrial fibrillation mainly depends on the type of surgery, individual health status, and recovery speed.
1. Type of surgery: The main surgical approaches for atrial fibrillation include open-chest surgery and radiofrequency ablation.
2. Recovery time: Open-chest surgery causes greater trauma to the body, requiring a longer recovery period of approximately 6 to 8 weeks. During this period, patients should avoid strenuous activities, including sexual intercourse, to reduce cardiac strain and promote wound healing. In contrast, radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that causes less trauma and therefore has a shorter recovery period. Patients are generally advised to wait at least 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure.
If anticoagulant medications were taken before or after surgery, they may affect sexual function, and patients should consult their doctor regarding medication adjustments. Postoperative patients need to enhance lifestyle management, avoid physical exhaustion and emotional excitement, prioritize rest, and follow medical advice closely to promote recovery.
