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10 Week Depression Support GroupBegins7/2/8 World Wide Sex Therapist Directory Links
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Sex and Heart Attacks For men, there is a connection between the blood flow in the heart and the blood flow in the penis. If a man has erectile dysfunction (ED), there is a possibility he is developing cardiovascular problems at the same time (does not wake up with an erection). If a man has angina or has had a heart attack or a stroke, his chances of having erection problems doubles or triples. Eating well, losing weight and exercising can decrease a man's risk for heart disease and also a man's risk for erectile dysfunction. The good news is that most people who have had a heart attack can safely have sex again. Ultimately it will be up to your cardiologist to determine whether it's safe to have sex again. Most people can start having sex again 3 to 6 weeks after their condition becomes stable following an attack. And once sex is resumed, start slowly. This is the time for good communication. The closeness and intimacy that cuddling and lovemaking provide for both you and your partner may also turn out to be a major positive in not only the physical healing but also the psychological healing. If heart
disease is involved, you or your partner might be anxious about the effects of
having sex on the heart. Sex can increase the heart rate and blood pressure,
which means that the heart has to work harder. For someone with coronary heart
disease, this could lead to breathlessness or chest pain. If you get angina during sex, you may like to discuss this with your doctor who may suggest taking nitrate drugs such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray beforehand. You could keep your nitrate spray by your bed as a safeguard. If you experience breathlessness during sex, it is best to consult your doctor, as he or she may be able to prescribe medication to help with this. Try not to have sex for at least two hours after having a meal or a hot bath, as this can put extra strain on the heart. You may also be less likely to get symptoms after a good night's sleep, because you will be more relaxed. Make sure the bedroom is comfortable and warm, as the cold can bring on an angina attack. If your breathlessness is very limiting, you may need to depend on your partner taking a more active role in sex, or use the least stressful position possible. You might notice a change in your libido after a heart attack or surgery. Anxiety and medications may affect your sex drive, causing a loss of interest in sex. Your physician will be able to share with you the side effects of the different medications that you are taking. Talking with a sex therapist can help you manage the anxiety that goes along with having had a heart attack, and give you tips on ways to recover, sexually and emotionally. It is quite normal for you and even your partner to be scared about resuming sex. The two of you should focus on being loving, gentle and caring with each other. Be romantic with soft music and candlelight dinners. And most importantly, speak honestly with your partner about your sexual changes. You both will be much happier, and together, you can make things better. Written by "Alex" Caroline Robboy, CAS, ACSW, LCSW |
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To schedule an appointment with: The Founder
of Sex Therapy in Philadelphia The Staff at Sex Therapy in
Philadelphia Please call Alex Caroline Robboy at (215) 570-8614 or the main intake number (267) 324 - 9564 Fax (215) 922-6302 Directions to Sex Therapy in Philadelphia If you do not live in the Greater Philadelphia Area, and need a Sex Therapist (Are you a sex therapist? JOIN NOW)
TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR The Center for Growth, Inc also known as Sex Therapy in
Philadelphia
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