[Sexual dysfunction in infarct patients and their partner: repercussions on the couple's relations]

We have studied the sexual dysfunction in 115 couples under 60 years a member of whom had overcome a myocardial infarction (M.I.) not less than 6 months and no more than 2 years. We used two distinct questionnaires filled in anonymously one by the patients, the other by their partners. 70 (60,8%) patients have sexual dysfunction in post infarction as: partner's lack of co-operation 34 (48,6%), premature ejaculation 12 (17,1%), erectile failure 7 (10%), frigidity 6 (8,6%), sexual dissatisfaction 4 (5,7%), retarded ejaculation 2 (2,9%), various disorders 5 (7,1%), 58 (50,4%) partners have sexual dysfunction as: frigidity 22 (37,9%), sexual dissatisfaction 19 (32,8%), partners lack of co-operation 7 (12,1%), erectile failure 3 (5,2%), retarded ejaculation 2 (3,5%), various disorders 5 (8,6%). An important factor in sexual dysfunction is the partner's fear concerning the coitus which could provoke another heart attack due to stress and consequently the consort's death. We emphasize the importance acquired by the physician's tasks in favouring a complete psychophysical recovery in patients with previous M.I. whenever there are no rehabilitation institutes.