Trauma can be a devastating experience for both individuals involved in a romantic relationship. It can have lasting effects on the mind, body, and soul of those who suffer from it. One such effect is its impact on sexual desire and pleasure. Trauma survivors may experience a decreased or absent sexual drive, difficulty achieving orgasm, pain during intercourse, or an increased need for stimulation. These issues can cause significant emotional distress and conflict within a couple's relationship. In this article, we will explore how couples work through the emotional discord that arises when trauma affects libido in unpredictable or contradictory ways.
How does trauma affect libido?
There are several ways that trauma can affect a person's sex drive and sexual functioning.
A traumatic event can make someone feel unsafe or vulnerable, making them less interested in engaging in intimate activities. They might become anxious or fearful about being touched or having sex.
Some people may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by re-experiencing the traumatic event through intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, or physical sensations. This can make it difficult to relax enough to enjoy sex or even be in close proximity to their partner.
Trauma can lead to changes in hormone levels, including testosterone and estrogen, that can impact libido.
What are some strategies for working through emotional discord related to trauma and libido?
One strategy is open communication with your partner about your feelings and needs. It is essential to express what you are experiencing and how it makes you feel. You should also listen carefully to your partner's perspective and try to understand their needs and concerns. Couples therapy can help you both identify patterns of behavior that may be contributing to the issue and learn new skills for resolving conflict. Some couples find comfort in sharing their experiences with other survivors of trauma who have similar experiences. Other couples benefit from trying different types of touch or stimulation during intimacy. It can also be helpful to seek out professional support, such as individual or couple's counseling or sex therapy.
How does one know when to seek outside help?
If you or your partner struggle with a lack of desire for more than six months without any improvement, consider seeking professional assistance. A trained counselor can provide you with tools to improve sexual functioning and intimacy within your relationship. If there are significant issues with trust or betrayal, infidelity, substance abuse, or violence, then professional intervention may be necessary. It is also recommended to seek help if one partner has been diagnosed with PTSD or another mental health condition that affects sexual functioning.
Trauma can have lasting effects on an individual's life, including their sexual desires and functioning.
Working through these challenges together as a couple requires patience, understanding, and commitment. Seeking outside help when needed can improve communication, intimacy, and sexual satisfaction. Remember, every couple's journey will look different, but by being open-minded and willing to explore, you can overcome any obstacle.
How do couples work through the emotional discord that arises when trauma affects libido in unpredictable or contradictory ways?
Trauma is an experience that causes mental, physical, or emotional distress, including sexual difficulties. Sexual dysfunction may result from past abuse, assault, traumatic events, neglect, or even medical conditions. Trauma impacts intimacy between partners as it alters how individuals view themselves, others, and relationships. The effects of trauma are long lasting. Couples should seek professional help to process these experiences together.