Studies have found that many veterans experience sexual difficulties after returning home from combat. These problems may include erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, vaginal dryness, low libido, orgasmic disorder, pain during intercourse, and more.
Social stigmas surrounding sexual health can make it difficult for these individuals to seek help or communicate with their partners about their issues. This paper will explore how these stigmas contribute to veteran's struggles with sexuality and intimacy.
Many people believe that men are supposed to be strong and invincible when it comes to their sexual functioning. They think that if a man is having trouble getting an erection or staying aroused, he must be "weak" or "less than a man." As a result, they might feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk openly about their concerns. Women, too, face societal pressure to always be "perfect" lovers who can please their partner sexually without needing help themselves. If they admit to having sexual problems, they may worry that others will see them as unattractive or inadequate.
Another challenge facing veterans is the lack of accessible resources for treatment. Veterans Affairs hospitals do not typically provide specialized services for sexual dysfunctions, leaving those affected without access to appropriate care.
Some insurance plans refuse to cover sexual health treatments, making it even harder to obtain quality care.
Military culture often promotes stoicism and independence, which can discourage seeking assistance. Soldiers are taught to "suck it up" and deal with problems on their own, rather than asking for support. This mentality can carry over into civilian life, leading many veterans to keep silent about their sexual challenges rather than seeking professional help.
Social stigma surrounding sexual difficulties creates a vicious cycle whereby individuals avoid talking about their issues out of fear of judgement or shame, which makes it more difficult for them to get treatment or improve their situation. To address these challenges, we need to encourage greater openness and acceptance around sexuality while expanding access to affordable, effective therapies. By doing so, we can create a world where all people - including our nation's heroes - feel comfortable speaking up about their needs and getting the help they deserve.
In what ways do social stigmas regarding sexual difficulties in military contexts prevent veterans from seeking help or communicating with partners?
Social stigma can be understood as prejudicial attitudes that society holds towards particular groups of people. It is often based on stereotypes, misconceptions, and unsubstantiated beliefs about the group in question (Farvid & Kerrigan, 2019). In the case of veterans suffering from sexual difficulties related to their service experiences, there are many potential stigmas at play that could discourage them from seeking assistance.