Sexual Experiences of Patients with Acute Onset of Coronary Artery Disease in Korea

Abstract

Research on the sex life experiences of patients with acute onset of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Korea is limited. This study explored the sex life experiences of Korean patients with acute onset of CAD. In-depth interviews were conducted from April 2019 to March 2020 and responses were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Participants were nine patients with acute onset of CAD. Five theme clusters were discovered: clearing some doubts about CAD and sex, but remains confused; becoming disheartened after disease onset in a society that considers discussion about sex as taboo; avoiding sexual intercourse after recognizing changes in sexual function; experiencing an imbalance in their relationship with their spouse; and hoping to overcome sex life difficulties and return to their old self. Overall, participants experienced challenges in their sex lives after diagnosis and treatment of CAD. The study results contribute to the nursing knowledge on sexual experiences after CAD.