Introduction: Due to the improved survival in individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD), considering their reproductive health has become more important. Currently, this topic is still underexplored.
Areas covered: We discuss fertility, sexuality, assisted reproductive technology (ART), and contraception in adults with CHD.
Expert opinion: Timely counseling regarding fertility, sexuality, pregnancy, and contraception is necessary, preferably during teenage years. Due to a lack of data, whether or not to perform ART in adults with CHD is almost always based on expert opinion and follow-up in an expert center is recommended. Future research is necessary to fill the gaps in knowledge on the risks and frequency of complications of ART in adults with CHD, but also to be able to differentiate the relative risks in the different types of CHD. Only then will we be able to counsel adults with CHD correctly and not unjustly deprive someone of a chance of pregnancy.
Keywords: Assisted reproductive technology; congenital heart disease; contraception; fertility; ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; pregnancy; reproductive health.