Sexuological characteristics and lifestyle of patients hospitalised due to ischeamic heart disease and patients with chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Introduction. Sexual functioning plays an important role in humans’ life and there are many known factors influencing it. Two diseases have raised interest of researchers: coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic pancreatitis (CP), whose common feature are pain and frequent hospitalizations. The objective of the current study was to investigate the sexuological characteristics of patients hospitalised due to coronary artery disease and patients with chronic pancreatitis. The secondary endpoint was to assess their lifestyle.

Material and methods. Investigated population comprised 60 patients (21 F, 39 M) in mean age 55 ± 9 years: 30 pts with coronary artery disease and 30 with chronic pancreatitis. Participants completed personal questionnaire and Questionnaire of Sexual Functioning.

Results. Number of sexual intercourses decreased in 50% of population in patients with coronary artery disease and in 60% in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Lack of sexual satisfaction increased in patients with CAD and with CP in 133% and 300% respectively and decrease in sexual satisfaction was observed in 24% and 38% respectively. The changes in the way of intercourse in patients with CAD were as follows: sexual satisfaction only of the partner (71%), lengthening the initial phase and shortening the second phase of the intercourse (71%), pretending and avoiding orgasm (67%). In the group with CP the decrease in the frequency of sexual intercourses (in 63% of pts) and decrease in physical activity during intercourse (in 38% of pts) were the main change after the diagnosis of the disease. In 46% of pts with CAD and 35% in pts with CP the sexual functioning changed during last year. The disease was the cause of change in sexual techniques in 36% of pts with CAD and 42% of pts with CP.

Conclusions. 1. The main cause of change in sexual functioning was current state of health in both groups of patients. 2. The disease was the cause of decrease in the frequency of sexual intercourses and decrease in sexual satisfaction. 3. In patients who led a hedonistic or Dionysian lifestyle the disease exerted a negative impact on sexual activity.