Several factors may discourage you from resuming sexual
activity with your partner after a
heart attack.
- You may have fears about your performance or
about your ability to have sex without
angina or other symptoms occurring.
- You
may be
depressed after your heart attack. This depression is
normal, and in the majority of cases it goes away within 3 months.
Professional
counseling may help you to understand and deal with
these feelings.
When you and your partner decide to start having
sex again, it might be helpful to keep in mind the following:
- Talk honestly to your partner about your concerns
and feelings.
- Choose a time when you are relaxed and comfortable in
a place that will be free from interruptions.
- Wait 1 to 3 hours
after eating a full meal so digestion can take place.
- Be aware that
anxiety on the part of either partner and the use of some medicines may
interfere with sexual arousal and performance. Discuss any difficulties with
your doctor.
Sildenafil (Viagra) or other erection-enhancing medicines
should not be used if you take nitroglycerin (such as Nitro-Bid or Nitro-Dur)
or other nitrates (such as Dilatrate-SR or Isordil) either regularly or when
needed for chest pain. Taking these medicines together can cause a drop in
blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. But experts agree that for men with
stable coronary disease who are not taking nitroglycerin, erection-enhancing
medicines are safe.
