Sexual Therapy For The Post Coronary Patient

Abstract

This paper examines the theory and research on the subject of sexual activity post myocardial infarction. An etiological model of sexual dysfunction following MI is presented, treatment implications from the model are discussed, and a treatment program with specific interventions is discussed. Extensions of the conceptual model and treatment outline result in a format for feasible "preventative" therapy implemented immediately following the cardiac event. Emphasis is placed on the systemic etiology and effects of sexual dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction and Risk of Clinical Cardiovascular Events: A Meta-Analysis of Seven Cohort Studies

“…[43] reported that the patients with a penile brachial pressure index (PBPI) of 0.65 or less had a significantly greater risk of a MI or a cerebrovascular accident than patients with higher PBPIs. But most of the experts [44–47] considered ED as a complication or late consequence of MI at that time. Our analysis indicated that compared with healthy subjects, the subjects with ED had an overall RR 1.43 time developing MI.…”

Some Prospects for Couples Therapy

“…Hospital rates are highest among divorced, separated and widowed individuals Some Prospects for Couples Therapy 145 (Segraves, 1980). Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between psychiatric disturbance and marital relationships (Birchnell & Kennard, 1983;Bullock, 1972;Collins et al, 1971;Hinchliffe et al, 1978;Kreitman et al, 1971;Pattern & Waring, 1984;Weissman & Paykel, 1974).…”

“…Another surgical group that has received attention in relation to post-operative marital and sexual functioning are patients who have undergone coronary bypass surgery (Althof et al, 1984;Thurer, 1982;Waxberg, 1979) or who have recovered from coronaries (Hellerstein & Friedman, 1969;Sanders & Sprenkle, 1980;Scalzi & Dracup, 1978;Tuttle et al, 1964). Althof et al (1984) investigated the effects of coronary bypass on female sexual, psychological and vocational adaption.…”