Yes. Sexual activity is a normal and important part of life, and having an ICD shouldn’t stop you.
From a physical standpoint, sex is roughly equivalent in exertion to climbing two flights of stairs, moderate activity that most people with ICDs can manage comfortably once they’ve recovered from their procedure. Your cardiologist will advise when it’s safe to resume, typically once you’re comfortable with light to moderate physical activity.
A common worry is whether a shock during sex could harm a partner. The honest answer: it’s extremely unlikely to cause any harm. If your ICD were to deliver a shock, a partner in physical contact might feel a mild tingle, but not a painful or dangerous shock. This is a widely asked question and one worth discussing openly with your care team if it’s causing anxiety.
Many people find that worry about the ICD itself affects confidence more than any physical limitation, and that is completely normal. SCA UK’s peer support community includes people who’ve navigated exactly these concerns. You’re not alone in having them.
Full guidance on intimacy and ICDs, including information for partners, is on our Sex and Intimacy After Cardiac Arrest page.
If you have specific concerns about your situation, speak to your cardiologist or specialist nurse.