sex

• By KebieBear
• Reply 3348194
• September 4, 2012 at 9:50 pm
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I kinda lost interest during menopause. So sorry I have no advice for you.

Best Regards,

KB

• By yarnkitty
• Reply 3348861
• September 5, 2012 at 8:13 am
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I think what I would look at to try to figure this out is whether your heart rate seems to bother you during other exertion like stairs or carrying groceries, etc. The research says if you can walk 2 flights of stairs you are safe for sex. Another thing to look at is if you have chest pain or excessive shortness of breath. If you are having these other symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. You may be afraid and that would not be unusual. It would be hard to enjoy sex when you are afraid. You might try talking this over with one of your doctors even if you don't have other bothersome symptoms. They may be able to offer reassurance.

Here's what I can tell you from my own experience. I occasionally have chest pain during sex. I have daily angina so it is less alarming for me than disappointing. On days I think I might be more prone to chest pain, I use my nitroglycerin prophylactically. I've found having sex more often has helped me be less nervous about it.

A lot depends on your relationship too. If sex was already stressful or an object of contention, it would be more likely to cause anxiety. If sex was previously pleasurable for you then it will probably be easier to eventually become more relaxed about it.

• By MaryKathleen
• Reply 3348862
• September 5, 2012 at 8:13 am
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Good morning,

I had a heart attack and double bypass 11 months ago, it took awhile before I even felt like having sex. I had lost interest and interest in life however when I did finally make love I did notice that I was scared, very scared. We took our time and as my heart rate increased we talked each other thru it, if this even makes sense. He was very understanding and patient, I soon realized that if I was going to die this was the perfect way to go but if I wasnt I was going to enjoy.

After it felt like my heart was about to jump out of my chest. Which is normal however I think I was just so aware of my heart beating tha tI was terrified as to what might happen. As time goes on I still worry however I now am learning what is "normal" and when to just relax.

I am sure as I heal and more time passes I will not be so scared and worried about what might happen and just truly enjoy myself.

I hope something I said might help you to enjoy making love again. Time does help.

• By haveheart
• Reply 3349253
• September 5, 2012 at 10:48 am
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Thanks, ladies! Many are not that courageous to discuss this topic. You all covered not only the physical but the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects as well of this complicated issue. All of our reactions are NORMAL. Once we recognize that, it is easier to say it out loud - and discuss our sex life in terms of quality of life in detail with a physician who is ready and willing to guide us. That is the trick: finding that physician or health professional prepared and willing to do that. It takes courage on the other side of the white coat too! Have heart, have courage, and have a good talk. After all, sex is part of a healthy and happy lifestyle.

• By doctorphobe
• Reply 3349275
• September 5, 2012 at 10:54 am
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ummm...it seems to me that the endorphins released during lovemaking would be beneficial. stimulating the pleasure centers of our brain while experiencing a nice aerobic workout .... with and understanding and sensitive partner sex should be part of the healing process if it has always been good before.
as for menapause...lotsa studies out there re sex drive and mp. i could prob start a whole thread just about sex , women, and various side issues..from menapause to heart disease.....
as usual...thought provoking subjects on this forum.

• By dallasbaby
• Reply 3349526
• September 5, 2012 at 12:17 pm
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Hi haveheart, What I do is take a nitro before and sometimes right after...That has really helped me...As I have 3 stents, MVD,CAD so I have pressure alot...But my Dr said with this I can take more than 3 nitro's with out hurting me...(((HUGS))), Wendy

• By WendyJean
• Reply 3350211
• September 5, 2012 at 5:05 pm
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Thank you all for responding...was hopeing someone would. I do feel more at ease now about how my heart feels during sex. I do not feel preasure,pain so that is good! I can walk more than a mile and not be out of breath, so I got the 2 flights of stairs mastered ;) I will bring this up at my next Dr. apt just to be sure. And I agree with you MaryKathleen..if I got a go that's not a bad way to go. Again thanks for this site and the people here!

• By nia
• Reply 3351697
• September 6, 2012 at 7:55 am
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I agree nitro before sex or sometimes after. It can be scary but my hubby is very helpful when it comes to making me feel safe. I may not want to stop but he can tell when my breathing changes. One time we were having a gooood time and my heart started acting up. My hubby was so calm and gentle, we stopped and I took my nitro, taking just one worked, we waited and talked and then started up again LOL.

I must admit that I am glad someone is talking about this too :) I know my hubby must be scared to but I feel the same way MarkyK feels. If I have to go let it be like that. I know it would freak my hubby out but I think the point is that you are not scared, your feeling good and happy.

I have an issue with the beathing LOL, I know it sounds strange but this is the place to ask or say it lol. SEX BREATHING LOL OMG I SAID IT. It triggers my spasms to where I can feel the spasms, then the chest pain will start, heart beats hard and weird then I am not sure what to call it but my breathing cuts on and off like a switch. Nitro stops it

• By TamraB
• Reply 3368174
• September 12, 2012 at 1:57 am
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Yes taking the nitro just before sounds like a great idea, my cardiologist tells me to take it before I get on the Exercycle.
Not that I am suggesting sex is the same as an Exercycle ... but I suppose it is ...
thanks for bringing up this topic ... I had not thought about doing this
Smiles
Tamara