Sexual problems after myocardial infarction

Sexual Counseling for Individuals With Cardiovascular Disease and Their Partners

“…Anal sex can be a pleasurable sexual activity enjoyed by both heterosexual and homosexual couples; however, anal penetration stimulates the vagus nerve, which leads to a slowed heart rate, rhythm, impulse conduction, and coronary blood flow, 135 which can result in diminished cardiac performance and chest pain. 136 Therefore, sexual counseling might include the avoidance of anal sex until the cardiac condition is stabilized and after further evaluation of the safety of sexual activity.…”

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

“…Importantly, most patients also experience a decrease in frequency of sexual relations. [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.…”

“…This finding has been observed in previous studies as well. [118][119][120][121][122] Advanced heart failure does not necessarily mean the end of satisfying sexual relations, but it is important that health-care professionals address the changes related to the disease, clarify misconceptions and provide appropriate counseling, in particular in patients with chronic heart failure.…”

A multidisciplinary approach to assess erectile dysfunction in high-risk cardiovascular patients

“…Importantly, most of the patients also experience a decrease in frequency of sexual relations. [30][31][32] Female patients who were studied a mean of 18 months post-MI reported slightly lower rates of return, with only 73% having resumed sexual relations with their husbands. 33 In a study by Papadopoulos et al, 34 134 patients were interviewed about the impact of cardiovascular (bypass) surgery on their sexuality; 39% of patients reported decreased frequency of sexual activity, with 17% of patients and 35% of their partners expressing fear of resuming sexual activity.…”