Psychopathology of delayed resumption of sexual activity after myocardial infarction.

ABSTRACT

A total of 300 male cases of myocardial infarction were analyzed to evaluate the effect of myocardial infarction on sexual activity with particular stress on resumption of sexual activity and to determine the factors in cases of delayed resumption. Sexual activity decreased with age and correlated negatively to total sexual activity. 26 per cent cases developed one or other symptoms which occurred during all the phases of sexual activity but were more marked during resolution phase. Sexual activity returned to normal within six months only in 11.33 per cent cases and in the remaining cases resumption was delayed. In 27.8 per cent cases phobia of marked exertion involved in sex act, created by physicians in 12.7 per cent was the factor responsible for the delayed resumption. Quality of sexual activity decreased in 39 per cent cases and it was due to change in position from Male on top to male on bottom position in 31 per cent cases. Counselling for sexual rehabilitation has been discussed.