PTSD May Affect Your Sexual Health

Statistics show that one in three returning troops are diagnosed with serious symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One of the issues related to this problem can be decreased sexual health and many men dealing with the issue will oftentimes complain of sexual symptoms, including a lack of need for intimacy and potential erectile dysfunction.

New findings published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine show that PTSD-related biological and congitive processes significantly influence the development of sexual dysfunction following traumatic stress.

This may explain what could be due to how PTSD victims feel unsafe, finding it difficult to trust and feel connected with other individuals, which may result in problems pertaining to sexual arousal.

"It is clear that PTSD is associated with sexual problems, even among relatively young people regardless of the type of trauma they experienced," co-author Dr. Amy Lehrner said in a news release. "We need to better understand this relationship and develop new treatments for sexual dysfunction in PTSD that will improve quality of life and promote resilience among trauma survivors."

The symptoms of PTSD may include a range of emotions for those suffering with the issue and can be significantly different for many going through the behavioral health problem. If you or someone you know may be going through the rpoblem, contact your doctor for help and the treatment plan that's right for you.

PTSD can be helped with medications and/or therapy/psychotherapy. And if you know someone who's in danger of committing suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.