Teens with Heart Defects: Romance and Sex
Ages 13 - 17 Years
Like all teens, teens with heart defects (CHDs) are usually very interested in sex and romantic relationships. Romantic relationships are a new type of social relationship that they need to understand. Caregivers can help them to be safe and informed, and to make choices that align with their values.
In this section
Confusion and Curiousity
Many teens are confused by romantic and sexual feelings. They may need help understanding:
what they are feeling and why
how they may show their feelings
how they may not show their feelings
how to recognize what others feel
Sometimes people think teens with disabilities do not have sexual or romantic feelings. This is not true. Teens with physical and mental disabilities almost always develop sexual and romantic feelings.
Teens with heart defects may have more trouble understanding romantic and sexual relationships than other teens.
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Prioritizing Safety
Every family has their own rules for sex and romance. Families should teach their own values. However, all teens need to stay safe in their relationships.
To stay safe in relationships, all teens should learn:
the difference between friendship and romance
what it means to give consent
what kind of touch is usually OK
what kind of touch is never OK without consent
what kind of talk is usually OK
what kind of talk is never OK without consent
how to say “no” to unwanted touch or attention
how to ask for consent in a way that is safe for others
how to monitor consent, and make sure if consent status changes
how to withdraw consent
how to ask for help if they do not feel safe or do not understand a social situation
Many teens do not have sex. Other teens do have sex. In order to stay safe, teens who are having sex should learn:
how to prevent disease
how to prevent pregnancy
whether their heart disease makes sex or pregnancy unsafe
A cardiologist who specializes in congenital heart defects can help teens and their families to understand any safety concerns surrounding sex and/or pregnancy.
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