How Soon Can I Resume Sexual Intercourse After A Heart Attack?

Dr. Mandeep Mehra answers the question: 'Sexual Intercourse After Heart Attack?'

ByABC News
January 30, 2008, 5:55 PM

— -- Question: How soon can I resume sexual intercourse after a heart attack?

Answer: The period of most intense healing after a heart attack occurs in the first two weeks. And we typically advise you not to engage in sexual activity for that vulnerable period of time for the first two weeks.

Now beyond the first two weeks, one can be judicious about engaging in sexual activity. If you are not suffering from shortness of breath, or fatigue or chest pain, and your physician has conducted a stress test that has shown that your ability to exercise is reasonably preserved without chest discomfort, then you can engage in sexual activity after two weeks.

Most importantly, after six weeks of heart attack, most patients can engage in sexual activity.

Next: Are There Cardiac Medications That Are Going To Decrease My Sexual Performance? What About Beta Blockers?

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