Over the past year, I’ve had a difficult time getting and maintaining an erection. My doc said it may be because of my PTSD. What’s one got to do with the other?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) has many causes. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and low testosterone are common culprits — although these are typically seen in older men. Other causes include excessive alcohol use, prolonged periods of stress, antidepressant medications, and loss of emotional intimacy with your partner.
Less known is the surprising connection between PTSD and ED. A 2015 study found that veterans with PTSD were more likely to suffer from ED than their civilian counterparts. Another study found that approximately 85 percent of combat veterans with PTSD experienced ED compared to only 22 percent of combat veterans with no psychiatric diagnosis.
What’s the connection? It’s not fully known. We do know PTSD is a disorder that negatively impacts emotional, physical, and relationship health. We also know that these same areas are important to maintaining healthy sexual functioning.
ED is one of those topics men just don’t like to talk about. It’s embarrassing for many and can cause a man to question his masculinity. If you are having this issue, then you need to put those feelings and doubts behind you and see a doctor. The exact cause can often be identified, and good treatments are available.
I’ve always had a strong sex drive. But for some reason I just don’t care about it anymore. I think it started sometime after my third deployment. My husband thinks I don’t love him anymore, but I do very much.
Sexual dysfunction comes in many different forms. Some people experience disturbances in arousal, whereas others struggle with desire or completion (achieving orgasm).
Low sex drive, or what experts refer to as hypoactive or inhibited sexual desire, is a relatively common problem for women. For some, it may be short-lived and tied to a transient period of increased stress or fatigue. For others, it’s more chronic and can wreak havoc on intimate relationships.
The first step is to visit a healthcare provider to rule out hormonal abnormalities. Just like with men, certain hormones that are too high or too low can lead to sexual problems.
If things check out medically, then it’s time to consider psychological causes. You may need to rid your life of stress, increase your sleep, or have an overdue conversation with your partner to assess the health of your relationship.
Bret A. Moore, Psy.D., is a board-certified clinical psychologist who served two tours in Iraq. Email him at kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to convey specific psychological or medical guidance.
