Exposure to Combat and Sexual Functioning Post-Deployment
The psychological effects of trauma have been well documented among military personnel who served in combat zones during war.
Less attention has been given to how this traumatic experience impacts their sexual life after returning home. This article will explore the ways that exposure to combat can negatively affect sexual functioning and satisfaction post-deployment.
Sexual Dysfunction
Experiencing combat can lead to various physical and emotional challenges, including difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety, anger issues, flashbacks, and nightmares. These symptoms often interfere with one's ability to maintain healthy sexual relations.
If a veteran is having trouble sleeping due to PTSD, they may be too tired for sex. Similarly, if they are struggling with anger issues or flashbacks related to their deployment, it could make them feel distant from their partner during intimacy. Veterans also report feeling numbness or disassociation during sexual encounters, making it difficult to achieve orgasm or enjoy pleasure. In addition, some veterans find it hard to become aroused or stay aroused during sex, resulting in premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction (ED). The combination of these factors can create a vicious cycle where soldiers struggle to engage in satisfying sexual activity, which further exacerbates their symptoms.
Intimacy Problems
Combat experiences can cause significant changes in a soldier's perception of themselves and others. Many soldiers feel guilt, shame, and self-blame, leading to difficulties trusting their partners. They might have difficulty connecting emotionally during intimacy, leading to feelings of detachment and distance. Some veterans also experience intrusive thoughts or images from the battlefield that interfere with intimate moments, making them feel as though they are not fully present in the relationship.
Combat exposure can lead to increased stress levels, which can negatively impact sexual functioning by reducing libido and increasing anxiety around performance.
Other Factors Affecting Sexual Functioning Post-Deployment
While exposure to combat is a major factor affecting sexual functioning post-deployment, other factors can contribute to this issue.
Soldiers may develop alcoholism or substance abuse problems after returning home, which often leads to unhealthy sexual relationships.
Financial issues can create added stress on marriages and relationships, further compounding the effects of trauma. Similarly, reintegration into civilian life can be difficult for many veterans, who find it challenging to adjust to being back in society without the same level of control over their lives. This transition can lead to frustration, resentment, and anger, all of which can disrupt sexual functioning.
Some veterans struggle with physical injuries sustained during deployment, such as limb amputations or brain damage, making sex challenging or painful.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for those struggling with sexual dysfunction related to military service. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), has been shown to help address trauma symptoms that interfere with sexual functioning. Medication can also be prescribed to manage depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances that contribute to sexual difficulties. Couples therapy can help partners better understand each other's experiences and communicate more effectively about their needs in intimacy. Veteran-specific programs, like the Military Sexual Trauma (MST) program or PTSD Coach Online, offer resources and support tailored specifically to those struggling with traumatic memories from combat exposure.
Healthcare professionals may recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercise or meditation, to improve overall wellness and reduce stress levels that affect sexual functioning.
How does exposure to combat affect sexual functioning and satisfaction post-deployment?
Research shows that being exposed to combat can lead to various physical and mental health problems among veterans, including changes in their sexual functioning and satisfaction post-deployment. In fact, studies have found that men who experienced high levels of stress during military service are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower sexual desire than those who did not encounter such stressors.