Strategies for Sexual Health and Relationship Satisfaction for Deployed Couples in Resource-Limited Settings
Deployment is often associated with challenges to sexual health and relationship satisfaction. Soldiers stationed far from home may experience stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and isolation, which can negatively impact their mental and physical wellbeing, including their libido and desire for intimate connection.
There are ways that couples can work together to maintain positive sexual and relational health despite these obstacles. In this article, we will explore some strategies that can support deployed couples in resource-limited settings.
1. Communicate Openly about Sexual Needs
Communication is essential to maintaining sexual health and relationship satisfaction during deployment. Soldiers and partners should openly discuss their individual needs and desires before the soldier leaves for duty, as well as while they are away. This can include topics such as frequency of communication, types of touch or activity that are desired, and any limitations or concerns related to sex. By talking openly about these issues beforehand, both parties can establish expectations and boundaries, leading to a stronger connection when the soldier returns.
2. Establish Routines and Rituals
Establishing routines and rituals can help soldiers feel more connected to their partner while they are away.
Setting up a regular time for video calls or sending each other messages throughout the day can provide a sense of closeness and intimacy. Partners can also create new traditions or activities that they can do together when the soldier comes back, such as cooking favorite meals or going on date nights. These rituals can help keep the spark alive and make reunion more exciting.
3. Focus on Non-Sexual Touch
Non-sexual touch can be an important way for deployed couples to stay connected. Holding hands, hugging, cuddling, and massage can all be ways to show affection without engaging in intercourse. This can be especially helpful if there are logistical barriers to phone or video sex, such as limited internet access or privacy concerns. Partners can also send letters with sensory details (such as smells, textures, and sounds) to create a more intimate experience.
4. Explore Virtual Sex and Masturbation
If video chatting is possible, exploring virtual sex can be a fun and creative way to maintain sexual health during deployment. Partners can dress up, use props, or roleplay scenarios to add excitement and variety. Soldiers can also masturbate alone or with a partner, either via video chat or by sharing pictures or videos. This can help relieve tension and improve self-esteem, as well as provide a sense of connection and closeness.
5. Manage Stress Together
Deployment can bring a lot of stressors into the relationship, including financial strain, worries about safety, and family issues. It is essential for both partners to work together to manage these stressors, whether through counseling, meditation, exercise, or other strategies. By supporting each other emotionally, couples can better navigate challenges and remain resilient.
Deployed couples in resource-limited settings can maintain positive sexual and relational health through open communication, establishing routines and rituals, focusing on non-sexual touch, exploring virtual sex and masturbation, and managing stress together. These strategies require effort, commitment, and creativity, but they can lead to stronger relationships and improved mental and physical wellbeing.
What strategies support sexual health and relational satisfaction for deployed couples in resource-limited settings?
Sexual health is an important aspect of overall wellbeing, but it can be challenging for military personnel serving abroad due to limited resources and social isolation. Research has shown that deployments have negative effects on relationships, including decreased communication, increased stress, and reduced intimacy. To maintain healthy sexual relations while separated from their partner, individuals may benefit from engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, nutrition, and restful sleep.