Traumatic experiences can lead to an increase in sexual desire or libido, known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). PTG is typically experienced through increased feelings of self-awareness, newfound strengths, a sense of empowerment, and a greater appreciation for life. Sexual desire may also be enhanced due to feelings of urgency and intensity, which are often heightened during stressful situations.
Trauma can also have a negative effect on sexual functioning, such as decreased desire, erectile dysfunction, and vaginal dryness. This discrepancy highlights the internal contradictions that arise when trauma affects sexual functioning, suggesting that there may be no clear link between trauma and sexuality.
Theories
There are several theories that attempt to explain why trauma might enhance sexual desire while simultaneously suppressing it. One theory suggests that trauma can cause individuals to seek out intense emotional experiences, including those related to sex. As such, some people may engage in riskier sexual behaviors as a way of coping with their past traumas.
They may use sex as a form of escape from unpleasant memories or as a way of feeling more alive. Another theory posits that trauma can alter brain chemistry, increasing levels of hormones like dopamine and adrenaline, which can enhance arousal and pleasure.
Some research has suggested that trauma survivors may experience hyperarousal, leading to increased sensitivity to stimuli, including sexual ones.
Clinical observations
Clinically, trauma and sexuality are intertwined in complex ways. Many patients who report experiencing trauma also report changes in their sexual lives. Some may find themselves less interested in sex, others may become hypersexualized, and still, others may exhibit both symptoms at different times. There is evidence that some forms of trauma, such as sexual assault, can lead to long-lasting effects on sexual functioning.
Not all trauma victims will have negative consequences on their sexuality. Instead, the effects of trauma vary widely depending on the individual, their social context, and other factors. It's important for healthcare professionals to consider these internal contradictions when working with trauma survivors.
What internal contradictions arise when trauma heightens sexual desire in some contexts while suppressing it in others?
One of the most common internal contradictions that may arise is when an individual experiences both increased sexual desire and suppression of sexual urges simultaneously. This can lead to confusion about one's feelings, as well as potential embarrassment or shame if they are unable to satisfy their desires. Another contradiction could be feeling attracted to someone but also feeling a sense of discomfort with intimacy, leading to mixed messages in interpersonal relationships.