Sexual Health After Acute Myocardial Infarction: The Lived Experience of Women During the First-Year Post Discharge

Abstract

The quality of life (QOL) for patients who have survived an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) depends on their perceptions of their sex lives. Although all educational-rehabilitative international guidelines recommend that this issue would be considered, healthcare professionals and patients who have suffered from AMIs rarely give it the attention it requires. Resuming normal sexual activity after a myocardial infarction can improve QOL by reducing anxiety, stress, and depression. This study aims to develop an understanding of the sexual health experiences of Italian women 1 year after they experienced AMIs. This qualitative study used Cohen’s phenomenological design. A sample of 12 women was interviewed. Each interview was audio-recorded, and all interviews had a duration ranging from 40 to 60 min. Interviews were read, re-read, and analyzed by each researcher, who then extrapolated themes. Three main themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: the fear of a recurring infarction, stress, and the desire to receive information about their recovery. Two sub-themes also emerged: changes in their sexual lives and difficult relationships with their partners. For patients who have survived myocardial infarctions, sexuality is an important aspect of their health and QOL. Understanding these experiences in women who have suffered from AMIs can facilitate deeper reflection in healthcare providers and enable them to create targeted rehabilitation and psychological programs.