The issue of military trauma is an important one that has been gaining increased attention in recent years due to the high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans. Military trauma can have lasting effects on many areas of life, including sexual functioning. Specifically, it can impact sexual self-esteem, arousal patterns, and emotional comfort with touch. This article will discuss how exposure to military trauma can affect these aspects of sexual health and provide recommendations for treatment options.
Sexual Self-Esteem
Military trauma can lead to a decrease in sexual self-esteem, which refers to how an individual feels about their body, desirability, and sexual performance. Veterans who experience combat or other traumatic events may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or guilty about their experiences, leading to negative feelings about themselves as sexual beings. These individuals may also struggle with intimacy and communication in relationships, making it difficult to connect sexually with others.
Veterans may have difficulty achieving orgasm or experiencing pleasure during sexual activity, further lowering self-esteem.
Arousal Patterns
Exposure to military trauma can also impact sexual arousal patterns, such as desire and erectile dysfunction (ED). Some veterans may find it difficult to become aroused or maintain an erection, while others may become hyperaroused and engage in risky sexual behaviors. Hyperarousal can result from PTSD symptoms like anxiety, depression, or insomnia, leading to increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol in the body. Treatment options include medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address these underlying issues.
Emotional Comfort With Touch
Military trauma can impact emotional comfort with touch, meaning how comfortable someone is being touched or touching others. Veterans may avoid physical contact altogether due to flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts related to their trauma. They may also have difficulty relaxing and feeling safe enough to allow another person to touch them. This can lead to relationship difficulties and decreased intimacy. Treatment options for this issue include exposure therapy, which involves gradually introducing the feared stimulus into a safe environment, and mindfulness techniques that help individuals learn to regulate their bodies' responses to sensory input.
Exposure to military trauma can significantly affect sexual health by impacting sexual self-esteem, arousal patterns, and emotional comfort with touch. It is important for veterans who experience these issues to seek treatment to improve their overall wellbeing. A combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches can be effective in treating sexual dysfunction related to military trauma.
How does exposure to military trauma affect sexual self-esteem, arousal patterns, and emotional comfort with touch?
Exposure to military trauma can have a significant impact on an individual's sexual self-esteem, arousal patterns, and emotional comfort with touch. Military personnel who experience combat or other forms of traumatic events may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can lead to changes in their sexual functioning and intimate relationships.