There are few absolute rules to resuming sexual activity after a heart attack, and no hard and fast rules about sex positions to use after a heart attack either. The most important thing you need is good communication with your partner and good communication with your doctor. Intercourse probably won’t be the first kind of sex you explore after a heart attack, but if it’s on your wish list, and you’ve talked to your doctor about it, once you’re ready for intercourse there are some sex positions that can reduce the strain of sex and may be more comfortable.
The first general tip for sex positions after a heart attack is to avoid positions that require a lot of exertion just to stay in position (for example positions that involve crouching and balancing, or positions that require you to use of one or two limbs to support all your weight, like the missionary position). Secondly, you should avoid positions that restrict breathing either because they involve physical restriction or because they involve you taking your partner’s body weight on your chest. If you had surgery you also want to choose a position that doesn’t involve a lot of contact with your chest as the area may be tender and healing may not be complete.
Woman on Top
In the basic woman on top position the woman (although it could be a man on top being penetrated by a partner) is sitting upright with her legs on either side of her partner. In position neither partner has pressure or weight on their chest. It can be more comfortable for the partner who had a heart attack to be on top as they may find breathing is less congested and more comfortable then lying on their back.
Many people assume that this position is good for the partner who had a heart attack to be on the bottom as the bottom expends less energy. However some physiological research shows that this isn’t the case, and when men are on bottom their heart rate and blood pressure are similar to when they are on top.
Side by Side and Spooning Sex Positions
Lying on your side, particularly if you use pillows to support you, is a great low impact sex position. It doesn’t allow for as much movement during intercourse, but that may also be a good thing depending on your tolerance for exertion (also there are variations that allow for deeper penetration and more movement in this position that you can find by clicking the above links). Lying on your left side may cause discomfort and a feeling of tightness in the chest, but this should disappear if you make sure you’re lying on your right side. If you’ve had surgery the spooning position is not recommended as it’s much harder to avoid touching your chest regardless of which side you’re on.
Rear Entry or Doggy Style
Another great position for avoiding pressure and contact with your chest, and both partners may find breathing less restricted then when they are on their back. Incorporating the use of furniture and pillows for support can make this position even easier in terms of exertion.
