Traumatic experiences can have significant impacts on an individual's mental health and wellbeing, including their sexual desires, performances, and relational satisfaction. Deployment is one such event that has been linked to increased risk for trauma exposure and its associated symptoms. In this article, I will discuss how trauma exposure alters these aspects of an individual's life after deployment.
Trauma Exposure and Its Impacts
Experiencing trauma during deployment may alter an individual's physical and emotional responses to sexual stimuli, causing difficulties with desire, performance, and satisfaction. This may include changes in libido, arousal, orgasm, and overall enjoyment of sexual activity. The effects of trauma may also be felt outside of the bedroom, leading to reduced feelings of intimacy and closeness within a relationship.
Sexual Desire
The experience of trauma during deployment can lead to a decrease in sexual desire or interest in sexual activity. This can stem from a variety of factors, including changes in hormone levels, fear of intimacy, and difficulty trusting others. It may also involve a sense of disconnect between the mind and body, making it difficult to feel pleasure during sex. Individuals who experience trauma-related guilt or shame may find it challenging to engage in sexual activity due to feelings of unworthiness or self-loathing.
Performance
Sexual dysfunction is another common issue among individuals who have experienced trauma during deployment. This may manifest as problems achieving or maintaining an erection/arousal, premature ejaculation, or vaginal lubrication. These issues can be particularly distressing for those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which often involves hypervigilance and anxiety related to sexual intimacy.
Trauma survivors may struggle with body image concerns that impact their ability to feel comfortable and confident during sexual encounters.
Relational Satisfaction
Trauma exposure during deployment can also impact relational satisfaction by altering communication patterns and trust. Survivors may struggle to express their needs and desires, leading to misunderstandings and frustration in their relationships. They may also feel emotionally distant from their partners, leading to increased conflict and tension. Trauma-related symptoms like avoidance or intrusive thoughts can make it difficult to fully connect with one's partner on an emotional level, potentially affecting the quality of intimate interactions.
Treatment and Support
There are various treatment options available for individuals experiencing these effects of trauma after deployment. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can help individuals work through their trauma-related experiences and develop healthier coping strategies. Medications may also be prescribed to address specific symptoms like depression or anxiety. It is important for survivors to seek support from trained professionals who understand the unique challenges associated with trauma exposure.
How does trauma exposure alter sexual desire, performance, and relational satisfaction post-deployment?
Traumatic experiences can affect an individual's sexual desire, performance, and relational satisfaction following deployment in multiple ways. Trauma exposure may cause changes in hormonal levels that can impact one's libido, resulting in lowered or increased sexual desire (Pietrzak et al. , 2017).