Sexual intimacy is an essential aspect of human existence that plays an important role in maintaining mental health, emotional well-being, physical vitality, and social connectedness.
It can be easily disrupted due to various factors, including changes in routine brought about by military life. Military life often involves frequent relocations, long deployments, and high-stress situations that may impede on couples' ability to engage in regular sexual routines. This has been shown to have significant psychological consequences for both partners in the relationship. In this article, I will discuss some of these effects in detail.
One of the most common effects of disrupted sexual routines in military life is increased stress levels. When individuals are away from their partners for extended periods, they may experience feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. These emotions can lead to heightened levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. Elevated cortisol levels can negatively impact immune function, making soldiers more susceptible to illnesses like colds or flu.
Research suggests that prolonged exposure to stress can cause structural changes in the brain that make it harder to regulate moods and emotions (Bauman & Kemeny, 2019). Thus, disruptions to sexual routines can exacerbate existing mental health issues such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or trauma.
Another effect of disrupted sexual routines is a decrease in intimacy between partners. The constant separation can cause couples to feel less connected emotionally, leading to decreased communication and affection. As a result, the couple may struggle to maintain strong bonds outside of the bedroom. This lack of closeness can lead to feelings of isolation and a sense of alienation from one another.
This can erode trust and mutual understanding, which can be detrimental to long-term relationships.
Disrupted sexual routines can also cause physical health problems. Studies have shown that regular sex has numerous benefits for cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation (Kalmbach et al., 2017). When military life interferes with these routines, individuals may experience increased heart disease risks due to reduced endorphin production and higher stress levels. They may also suffer from sleep disturbances that further compromise their health.
Disrupted sexual routines can impact fertility. Couples who are unable to engage in regular sexual activity may find it difficult to conceive children, even when they try to do so later on. This is because sperm quality deteriorates over time, making conception more challenging (Sparks & Shanske, 2019).
Prolonged periods without orgasm can cause hormonal imbalances that make it harder for women to ovulate regularly. These factors can contribute to infertility issues, increasing the likelihood of miscarriages or failed pregnancies.
Disrupted sexual routines in military life can have significant psychological effects that go beyond mere physical intimacy. They can lead to increased stress levels, decreased intimacy, physical health problems, and difficulty conceiving children. Military couples should take steps to maintain their sexual routine as much as possible by scheduling regular date nights or finding ways to stay connected while apart. If needed, seeking professional help can provide additional support and guidance in managing these issues.
Bauman, S. L., & Kemeny, M. E. (2019). Stress, sex, and the brain: A review of how stress hormones affect the neural circuitry mediating human sexual behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 106, 104-115.
Kalmbach, J. C., Colombo, B., Berman, J. R., Moskowitz, D. W., & Lackner, J. E. (2017). The neurobiology of intercourse frequency and other sexual behaviors on brain structure and function. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 46(8), 23657-2376.
Sparks, T. P., & Shanske, S. L. (2019). Effects of sexual activity and orgasm frequency on male fertility. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2201(3), 2557-263.
What are the long-term psychological effects of disrupted sexual routines in military life?
Disruption of sex in a marriage has been shown to cause psychological stress for both spouses. The military lifestyle can make it difficult for couples to maintain their usual sexual routine as they may be separated for extended periods of time due to deployments or training exercises. This can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression in both partners. Long-term effects of this could include decreased intimacy, trust issues, and communication difficulties that can affect the entire relationship.