The Male Partners' Experiences of the Intimate Relationships after a First Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Background: Stress in the intimate relationship is found to worsen the prognosis in women suffering from myocardial infarction (MI). Little is known about how male spouses experience the intimate relationship. Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe the experience of men's intimate relationships in connection to and after their female partner's first MI. Methods: An explorative and qualitative design was used. Interviews were conducted with 16 men having a partner who the year before had suffered a first MI. The data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results: Three themes emerged: masculine image challenged; life takes another direction; and life remains unchanged. The men were forced to deal with an altered image of themselves as men, and as sexual beings. They were hesitant to approach their spouse in the same way as before the MI because they viewed her to be more fragile. The event also caused them to consider their own lifestyle, changing towards healthier dietary and exercise habits. Conclusions: After their spouse's MI, men experienced a challenge to their masculine image. They viewed their spouse as being more fragile, which led the men to be gentler in sexual intimacy and more hesitant to invite sexual activity. This knowledge about how male spouses experience the intimate relationship could be helpful for health personnel in hospitals and primary care when they interact with couples where the woman suffers from cardiac disease or other chronic disorders.

Sexual Activity and Cardiovascular Disease

“…140 -142 Partners of patients with CVD often have considerable anxiety about sexual activity, which may adversely impact the sexual activity of the couple. 62,143,144 When information on sexual activity is provided to the patient, it is more likely to be provided in written form than verbally, more likely to be provided to men than to women, and rarely provided to the partner. 145 A discussion about sexual activity is appropriate for men and women of all ages who have CVD.…”

Sexual Counseling for Individuals With Cardiovascular Disease and Their Partners

“…57,75 Men as partners reported challenges to masculine self-image as a sexual being and hesitancy in approaching their female partners, viewing them as more fragile after MI. 76 Women as partners reported a great sense of loss and uncertainty, both emotional and sexual, related to their male partner with MI. 77 The experience of being in a caregiver role affects not only the intimate relationship but also the physical health of the partner.…”

Understanding the process of living as signified by myocardial revascularization surgery patients

“…It is necessary to discuss the cardiac patient's sexuality, using the appropriate language and creating suitable settings for the discussion. Continuing education for health care professionals, as well as research about sexual counseling in the post-operative period are necessary for the evaluation of problems in this matter and for appropriate and timely counseling of cardiac patients and their spouses (22) . …”