Sexual Dysfunction: A Common Condition Among Veterans with PTSD

When compared with the general population, veterans experiencing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk of sexual dysfunction.  Since 2012, numerous research projects have been conducted and published in major medical and mental health journals.  All of them agree and cross validate the fact that male combat veterans experiencing PTSD are at a very elevated risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED).  

Although scarce, data on women with PTSD, especially survivors of sexual assault, also show increased percentages and risk of developing sexual health related dysfunction.  Given the negative impact of PTSD on physical and emotional health, it isn't surprising that veterans with PTSD experience increased rates of sexual dysfunction.  What is surprising is the rate at which dysfunction appears.

"PTSD impairs sexual functioning across multiple domains: Desire, arousal, orgasm, activity, and satisfaction," writes one group of researchers.  The most commonly reported problems were erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and overall sexual disinterest.  One study of male combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD discovered that 85% reported ED compared with 22% of combat veterans without PTSD.   Another study that involved the examination ninety combat veterans found that 80% of the study subjects were experiencing sexual dysfunction.   ​