Sex Life after a Heart Attack

A heart attack can be a traumatizing experience and can affect a person mentally and physically. The priority after a heart attack is recovery and rehabilitation. There is the ever present scare that it would happen again and the need to change habits and lifestyle and get healthy again. At this point, the last thing on the mind is intimacy. But, intimacy is a big part of life and relationships and needs to be addressed.

So, is it safe to have sex after a heart attack? Yes, it is. Here are some common doubts that people have.

How long should I wait to have sex?

Remember, having sex is an exercise in itself and is healthy for you. It takes as much effort as a brisk walk or climbing a couple of flights of stairs. If you can do these activities without shortness of breath or discomfort, you are probably ready to have sex.

Should I ask my doctor?

Yes, it is wise to check with your doctor. Many people feel shy to ask a doctor this question, but, it is a natural part of life and you should talk to your doctor about it.

Sometimes, the doctor may ask you to wait a while. This could be because of the severity of the heart attack and how well you have recovered. If you’ve had open heart surgery, your breastbone will have to heal before you can put pressure on it.

Why do I feel a loss of libido?

Fear and anxiety can cause loss of libido and this can put a dampener on your sex life. There is nothing wrong in seeking counseling. In fact, it will not only help you with intimacy issues, but can help you make lifestyle changes too.

Why are intimacy and sex important after a heart attack?

• A heart attack doesn’t just affect you; it affects your partner too. It can unbalance your relationship where you become the patient and they become the caregiver. Intimacy can help bridge the gap back into a healthy relationship.
• Depression is a common problem after a heart attack, caused by anxiety and fear. Intimacy and companionship will help alleviate depression.

The road to recovery after a heart attack can take some time, but with the help and support of the best heart doctors in Salem, Trichy, Hosur, Tirunelveli and Chennai, along with your partner, you can lead a completely normal and healthy life in no time at all.

 

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801