Myocardial infarction and sexual activity of the female patient

Abstract

Although successful rehabilitation of cardiac patients should include consideration of their sexuality, there is a paucity of data regarding the sexual activity of female patients who have had myocardial infarctions. We report on interviews with 130 such patients. Sexual concerns soon developed in 30% of those sexually active before the myocardial infarction. Fear of resumption of sexual activity was expressed by 51% of the patients and 44% of the husbands. Sexual activity was not resumed by 27%, was unchanged by 27%, and was decreased by 44%. Only 45% of the total group received sexual instructions before discharge, and in only 18% of cases did the physician raise the topic. Symptoms during intercourse were reported by 57% of the patients. Myocardial infarction has a negative impact on the sexuality of the female patient, and although many patients who have had myocardial infarction desire sexual counseling, their demands are still not being met. Accurate and complete sexual instructions of both partners with specific attention to the woman's concerns and needs should be part of cardiac rehabilitation.

Prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and correlated conditions in a sample of Brazilian women—results of the Brazilian study on sexual behavior (BSSB)

“…13,[18][19][20][21] Women with cardiopathies reported sexual difficulties in up to 57% of cases. 22 Anxiety about the future of their sexual lives and decreasing sexual desire was reported in a study published in 2001. 23 Depression is frequently associated with different sexual dysfunctions; this study, however, only indicated a statistically significant association with depression and pain related to sexual intercourse.…”

Why do patients with heart failure suffer from erectile dysfunction? A critical review and suggestions on how to approach this problem

“…[77][78][79] Female patients at 18 months post-MI reported slightly lower rates of return to a 'normal' sexual function, with 73% having attempted to resume sexual relations with their husbands. 80 Another comparison between men and women which was performed to determine whether there are gender differences in the quantity and quality of sexual activity showed that a first MI appears to reduce the frequency of and satisfaction with sexual activity of women and men equally. 81 …”

Diretrizes

“…O nível de satisfação após o ato sexual é diminuído, independentemente do paciente ser homem ou mulher 585 . Um estudo nacional, com 43 pacientes, atribuiu à idade e aos distúrbios psicológicos a redução da frequência de relações sexuais e a elevada incidência de disfunção sexual no período pós-infarto 586 589 .…”