Some factors influencing quality of sexual life after myocardial infarction

In 49 male survivors of one myocardial infarction (MI) aspects of sexual function before and after the vascular catastrophe were investigated by means of structured interviews. In additionally 13 subjects penile blood pressure and flow were measured. In 63% of the subjects sexual function had deteriorated to some extent after the MI. The level of general sexual satisfaction decreased in 45%, and changes were associated with changes in sexual function. Stigmatization was associated with sexual dysfunctions. The findings indicate that both biologic and psychosocial factors are influential on the emergence of sexual dysfunction and, therefore, frustration.