EFFECT OF MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION ON SEXUAL FUNCTIONING

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of myocardial infarction on the marital and sexual functioning of 100 married male VA patients. Data were collected from questionnaires sent to subjects six months following discharge from the hospital. The study shows that a large number (30 percent) of the patients still had not resumed sexual intercourse six months after their discharge. The data also indicate that sexual activity generally reduced in frequency and that this decrease was related to a variety of concerns. It is also shown that high frequencies of sexual dysfunctioning occurred, specifically erectile difficulties (60 percent), premature ejaculation (37 percent) and retarded ejaculation (54 percent). The need for active sexual counseling as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program is discussed. © 1979 Human Sciences Press.