Does Heart Attack Recovery Lead to Penis Problems?

Many men worry about a variety of potential penis problems, and understandably so. Even with the best regular penis care, a man might run into issues of dryness, redness, itching and lack of sensitivity from time to time. But for some men, those issues are a bit of a moot point; they are simply worried about whether they can still have a good sex life after a major medical event.

Men who suffer a heart attack can face many worries and concerns about their physical health, including doubts about their ability to resume sexual relations with a partner. And in fact, some men might not be cleared to resume sexual activity until several months after the incident. But for many, the fear of getting back into the sack can be enough to keep them rather celibate for a long while after they have been cleared to get back to it.

Penis problems and heart attack

Many men suffer from penis problems after a heart attack. The biggest of these is erectile dysfunction, which has been seen in up to a quarter of all those who are recovering from a massive heart problem. The question becomes what causes it: Is it a result of blood flow problems, which are certainly possible after a heart attack? Or is it the fear a man might have of sexual activity following such a severe physical scare?

Studies have found that 19 percent of those who have suffered a heart attack have absolutely no interest in sex in the months following the cardiac event; another 16 percent are anxious about whether they will be able to handle the physical exertion required to enjoy the sexual act.

But there is also another component that men might not consider: Penis problems might be a harbinger of heart problems. Many men might notice that they have trouble with getting or maintaining an erection, coupled with occasional shortness of breath, some minor chest pain, and other symptoms that could indicate blood clots or narrowing of arteries that often lead to a heart attack. Therefore, men who suddenly experience unusual symptoms – including penis problems – should visit their doctor to rule out any serious issues.

Getting back into the swing of things

When it comes to resuming sexual activity, a man who has suffered any cardiac event should listen to his doctor on when it is okay to get busy between the sheets. For some men that might be as little as a week; for others it might mean several months of rest before sexual activity is okay. Once a man is cleared for sex, a good rule of thumb is that any activity that leads to chest pain or tightness is a sign to stop immediately.

But in addition to the physical concerns, many men might be anxious about getting back into it – and understandably so. In this case, it might be a good idea to hold off on sexual activity until a man is entirely ready, emotionally and mentally. This might take some time, and could even require talking to a therapist about the obvious worries and concerns he might have.

Once it’s time to give it a go, a man should be careful to have sex in a familiar place, in his favorite position, and don’t try anything adventurous at first. It is very important to ease back into any physical activity after a heart attack, including sex.

In the meantime, a man can still look after good penis health and watch out for penis problems. He can do this by using a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) on a regular basis. A man should look for a crème that includes vitamin C for proper blood flow and L-arginine, an amino acid that enhances blood vessel dilation, thus leading to firmer erections. Other vitamins are great too, all blended together in a high-end emollient like Shea butter.

Does Heart Attack Recovery Lead to Penis Problems? by John Dugan