Repeated Exposure to Combat and Operational Stress Influences Sexual Functioning and Desire
Combat veterans and active military members are exposed to life-threatening situations that can result in traumatic experiences. These include gunshots, explosions, accidents, and seeing dead bodies. This repeated exposure often causes posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects people's mental health. PTSD is characterized by feelings of anxiety, irritability, nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, and emotional numbing. It also results in low libido and erectile dysfunction.
Sexual functioning refers to how well someone performs sexually and includes desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. The brain regulates sexual functioning through hormones and neurotransmitters. Repeated combat exposure leads to changes in these systems.
Cortisol levels increase during stressful situations but decrease afterward, causing fatigue and less motivation for sex. This prolonged effect can lead to reduced testosterone production, impacting libido. Adrenaline increases during stressful situations but decreases afterwards, leading to lower levels of dopamine, which influences arousal.
During times of conflict, individuals may experience intense emotions such as anger, fear, and frustration. They may be unable to enjoy physical closeness or pleasure because they associate it with danger.
Soldiers' attitudes towards women may change due to cultural differences or their partners' reactions to the war. This can further reduce their interest in intimacy.
Combat stress also has psychological effects on sexuality, including guilt, shame, sadness, and despair. These emotions can make it difficult for veterans to feel comfortable being vulnerable or expressing themselves physically. They may have trouble trusting others or feeling desired, resulting in difficulty initiating relationships or maintaining them.
Combat veterans must receive support from loved ones who understand their experiences and struggles. Treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, and mindfulness exercises can improve mental health symptoms, which may indirectly affect sexual functioning. Veterans should discuss their concerns openly with a partner, seek medical help if necessary, and consider relationship counseling. With time and effort, sexual desire can recover, enabling individuals to regain control over their lives and relationships.
How does repeated exposure to combat and operational stress influence sexual functioning and desire?
Repeatedly being exposed to combat and operational stresses can have negative effects on an individual's sexual functioning and desire. This can be due to several reasons, including but not limited to physiological changes, changes in beliefs about sex and intimacy, and alterations in mental health status. Physiologically, chronic stress can lead to decreased levels of testosterone and increased levels of cortisol, which may impair libido and sexual arousal.