Better Half (House)

"Better Half" is the ninth episode of the eighth season of the American television medical drama series House and the 164th overall episode of the series. It aired on Fox Network in the United States on January 23, 2012.

While in the hospital for an Alzheimer's disease drug trial, the patient starts suffering from severe vomiting and increasingly explosive temper. As the case proceeds, it becomes clear to the team that there is more conflict in the patient's marriage than either spouse is willing to let on. Meanwhile, Wilson treats a woman who claims to be in a chaste marriage and House becomes obsessed with proving her lack of interest in sex has an organic cause. House and Foreman literally play mind games over House's case and the subject of House's ankle monitor.

Andres Tavares, a patient with Alzheimer's disease, is being tested for signs of dementia when he loses his temper. His wife, Natalie tells him to be patient and he regains his temper. Dr. Banerjee tells them that he's eligible for a clinical trial, but all of a sudden Andres starts coughing violently, and coughs up blood.

Foreman is presenting the case to House's team when House arrives. Taub is away taking care of one of his daughters. House says he denied Taub the personal day, but Foreman reminds him that he approved it. House asks Adams to get an envelope from beneath her chair that predicts Foreman would pull rank on House sooner or later. They start a differential diagnosis and House orders them to discontinue the anti-emetics and do an upper endoscopy.

Meanwhile, Wilson is treating Kayla, who reveals during her examination that she and her husband have never had sex because they are asexual.

Chase speaks to Foreman, who assures Chase that, although he and House have had issues in the past, his judgment and objectivity won't be affected by that. Foreman also has to decide whether to have House's ankle monitor removed. Chase advises him to stay out of the diagnostic office.

Natalie reassures Andres while they perform the endoscopy. All of a sudden, a man called Joseph comes in. Park tells him only family is allowed in the room during procedures. Natalie says he's a good friend who helps with Andres, but Park is insistent and Chase suggests that Natalie show him where the lounge is. Chase chides Park for being undiplomatic, and states that he thinks Joseph is probably Natalie's lover. However, Chase finds a tear that's the cause of the bleeding.

Wilson tells House about the asexual patient. Wilson says she's perfectly healthy except for a routine bladder infection. House bets $100 he can find a medical reason she doesn't want to have sex. Wilson doesn't want to let House anywhere near her, and House agrees to diagnose her from her file and any remaining blood and fluid samples that might be left. Wilson agrees.