Myocardial infarction and its influence on male sexual function.

Sexual dysfunction was studied in 50 patients who had had a myocardial infarction (MI) matched with 50 control patients who were comparable in terms of age, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. The MI group revealed sexual dysfunction in 76%, with erectile dysfunction in 42%. In the control group there was sexual dysfunction in 68% and erectile dysfunction in 48%. There was no statistically significant difference observed between the two groups. However, there was a significant influence of sex counseling on subsequent sexual functioning. Patients who received information as to when it was safe for them to resume sexual activity showed a lesser degree of apprehension in the post-MI period. The need of sexual rehabilitation for these patients and more thorough epidemiological comparative studies are suggested.