Deployment can have a significant impact on family planning and future intimacy. It can disrupt existing birth control methods, such as condoms, diaphragms, or IUDs, which may need to be removed before deployment. Women who rely solely on their partner for contraception may find themselves without access to reliable forms of protection during their partner's absence.
Deployment can lead to changes in sexual behavior that can affect fertility, including decreased frequency or intensity of intercourse due to stress and anxiety.
Beyond physical barriers to birth control, deployment can also create emotional distance between partners, making it more difficult to discuss sensitive topics like family planning. The strain of long separations, frequent deployments, and military culture can make couples feel less connected and more distant from one another, leading to avoidance or resentment around important issues. For many couples, open communication about family planning is already challenging, and deployment can exacerbate these difficulties.
Deployment can lead to trauma and psychological distress that can affect relationships in other ways, including sexuality and intimacy. Veterans often struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues, which can negatively impact their relationships and sexual functioning. Couples may face increased arguments, infidelity, or even divorce after deployment. These factors can all contribute to decreased sexual satisfaction and difficulty achieving or maintaining an intimate relationship.
It's clear that deployment has far-reaching effects on families and relationships, including the most personal aspects of a couple's lives - their sexuality and intimacy.
There are steps couples can take to prepare for deployment and minimize its negative impacts. Military partners can work together to ensure continuity of contraception during deployment, while those who choose not to rely solely on birth control should consider alternative methods such as abstinence or sterilization. Open communication and trust are essential, and couples should be honest about their needs and expectations regarding future family planning. With the right preparation and support, military couples can navigate deployment successfully and preserve the intimacy and closeness that makes their relationship special.
How does deployment impact family planning and discussions about future intimacy?
The stress of deployment can have a significant impact on family planning and discussions about future intimacy. Deployment often brings with it fear, anxiety, and uncertainty for both spouses, which can lead to communication breakdowns and emotional distance. Couples may find themselves struggling to make decisions about important life events such as pregnancy, adoption, or childbearing due to conflicting opinions and feelings.