I am

Show me:

Relationships and sex after a heart attack

Explore some useful things to know about intimacy after a heart attack.

Key takeaways

Your relationships may change after a heart attack.
It’s possible to resume a normal sex life.
If there are any problems, help is available.
Never stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor.

4 min read

It’s not unusual for people to find that their health affects their relationships. After a heart attack, your relationships and your sex life may change.

It can be really uncomfortable to talk about this. The good news is that most concerns can be overcome.

Relationships

After you’ve had a heart attack, you may find that some of your relationships are different. For example, your role at home might have changed. Try to be patient while you adjust.

The best thing you can do is talk about how you’re feeling. It might be hard, but it lets people know how they can help. Some couples find it easier to talk with a relationship counsellor.

Hearing from other people who have been through a similar experience as you can help. See Gary, Joanne and Margaret’s stories now.

Sex and intimacy

Your sex life doesn’t have to be on hold for too long. If you’re thinking about it, here are some guidelines:

Sex is usually a mild to moderate activity. So, if you can climb two flights of stairs without pain or shortness of breath, then you should be fine.
If you’ve had surgery, wait until you’re healed (usually 6-8 weeks). Don’t put any weight your chest.
Avoid sex after eating a large meal, drinking alcohol or when you’re tired.

You may feel less interested or less able for a while. This is normal, and the feeling usually only lasts for a short time. It can be due to being tired or anxious, or it could be caused by your medication. Try to be patient until things get back to normal.

Remember, there are other ways to feel connected. Kissing, cuddling, holding hands and just spending time together will make you feel close and loved.

Starting again

Take things slow. At first, try to be the less active partner. You can start with activities that take less energy, such as an erotic massage or touching, which will still fulfil your needs and your partner’s.

Some sexual positions may be more comfortable, and can ensure you avoid stress on your breastbone if you’ve had surgery.

Make sure you’re relaxed. Creating a romantic atmosphere can help reduce your stress.

Timing is also important. Make sure you’re well rested and don’t rush – have lots of time to enjoy each other.

And there’s more good news – the lifestyle changes that help your heart can also help your sex life!

Worries

If you’re worried about having sex after your heart attack, talk to your partner or your doctor. You can also speak to your cardiac rehabilitation coordinator, or, if you’d prefer to talk over the phone, you can call the Heart Foundation Helpline.

Some men experience erectile dysfunction. This means that they’re unable to maintain an erection. It’s common, and can be caused by things like medication, stress, anxiety or depression. Medication or other aids may be useful.

Your doctor will know how to help, and there are many excellent resources.

Side effects

Some heart medication can affect your sex life by reducing your desire for sex, or causing physical changes that make sex uncomfortable. Some antidepressant medication can also affect your ability to have an erection or an orgasm.

There are some simple things you can do. You can:

Talk to your doctor. Your doctor will have advice and suggestions
Buy lubricant from the pharmacy
Plan to have sex before you take your blood pressure medicine to avoid the negative effects (such as impotence).

Remember, never stop or change your medication without talking to your doctor.

The Heart Foundation helpline can give you more support and information. Just call 13 11 12 during business hours.

Know the warning signs of a heart attack.
Take time to return to intimacy and sex, speak to a health professional if you have any concerns.

Relationships and sex after a heart attack

Explore some useful things to know about intimacy after a heart attack.

Key takeaways

Relationships

Sex and intimacy

Starting again

Worries

Side effects

More on this topic

Feelings and emotions after a heart attack

Feelings and emotions after a heart attack

Feelings and emotions after a heart attack

Long-term recovery after a heart attack

Long-term recovery after a heart attack

Long-term recovery after a heart attack

WHAT NEXT?

Cardiac arrest at 26: adjusting to a new ‘normal’

Cardiac arrest at 26: adjusting to a new ‘normal’

Cardiac arrest at 26: adjusting to a new ‘normal’

What is a heart attack?

What is a heart attack?

What is a heart attack?

Alcohol action plan

Alcohol action plan

Heart health information in your language

Heart health information in your language

Being a carer for a heart attack patient

Being a carer for a heart attack patient

Being a carer for a heart attack patient

From diagnosis at 37 to heart surgery, rehab and now

From diagnosis at 37 to heart surgery, rehab and now

From diagnosis at 37 to heart surgery, rehab and now

Blood pressure action plan

Blood pressure action plan

What is cardiac rehab?

What is cardiac rehab?

What is cardiac rehab?

Daniel's cardiac arrest helped him discover another problem

Daniel's cardiac arrest helped him discover another problem

Daniel's cardiac arrest helped him discover another problem

Find a cardiac rehabilitation service near you

Find a cardiac rehabilitation service near you

Cardiac rehabilitation information for health professionals

Cardiac rehabilitation information for health professionals

Debbie's heart story

Debbie's heart story

Debbie's heart story

Cholesterol and triglycerides action plan

Cholesterol and triglycerides action plan

Driving and travelling after a heart attack

Driving and travelling after a heart attack

Driving and travelling after a heart attack

Cardiac arrest at 33: the challenges of restarting your life

Cardiac arrest at 33: the challenges of restarting your life

Cardiac arrest at 33: the challenges of restarting your life

Diabetes action plan

Diabetes action plan

Feelings and emotions after a heart attack

Feelings and emotions after a heart attack

Feelings and emotions after a heart attack

Gerry had heart attack warning signs on his dream holiday.

Gerry had heart attack warning signs on his dream holiday.

Gerry had heart attack warning signs on his dream holiday.

Get heart attack recovery emails

Get heart attack recovery emails

Get heart attack recovery emails

Sorting out your finances after a heart attack

Sorting out your finances after a heart attack

Sorting out your finances after a heart attack

Meditation helped Grant recover from his heart attack

Meditation helped Grant recover from his heart attack

Meditation helped Grant recover from his heart attack

Confidential. Personal. Reliable.

Confidential. Personal. Reliable.

Confidential. Personal. Reliable.

Key healthy eating messages for heart attack recovery

Key healthy eating messages for heart attack recovery

Key healthy eating messages for heart attack recovery

Heart attack at 35: Knowing the signs and symptoms

Heart attack at 35: Knowing the signs and symptoms

Key healthy eating messages for heart attack recovery 

Key healthy eating messages for heart attack recovery 

Key healthy eating messages for heart attack recovery 