There is a multitude of potential causes of erectile dysfunction, one of them is thought to be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Upon returning from deployment, veterans are often encouraged to get checked for mental and health problems–that includes erectile dysfunction. It is a well-known fact that veterans returning from combat can find it difficult to transition back to their old lives. There are cases of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who have experienced traumatic events and are now dealing with PTSD. Part of the symptoms of PTSD are depression, which might affect sexual relations. Read on to learn more.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a description for battle fatigue syndrome, also previously called shell shock. It can happen to anyone who has experienced a traumatic event where physical harm took place or was threatened. The thing with PTSD is it appears to last forever where the individual has to deal with ordeals that can cause a wide variety of emotions from helplessness to extreme fear and horror. Everyone experiences shock, anger, nervousness, guilt and fear. Yet, for those with PTSD, these types of feelings increase to the point where it makes it difficult for the person to live a normal life.
PTSD symptoms
What makes PTSD unique is that it does not always occur right after the traumatic event. In fact, it can start several months and even years later. There are three main categories PTSD symptoms. The first one is avoiding where the person will avoid places, thoughts and people or situations that remind them of the trauma they experienced. As a result, the might live more isolated lives and lose interest in activities they used to enough. Second, there is reliving where the memories are haunting through flashbacks, nightmares and hallucinations.
Even thinking of the event anniversary brings great stress. The third is excessive emotions. This is where a person can have a difficult time showing emotion, insomnia may occur, there are outbursts of anger, they have difficulty focusing and are easily startled. Other symptoms might also be increased blood pressure, muscle tension and nausea.
Veterans with PTSD and erectile dysfunction
In studies of Vietnam veterans with PTSD, the rates of sexual dysfunction were as high as 80 percent. As a result, many mental health professionals are calling to list decreased sexual desire as one of the symptoms of PTSD. Even in studies of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, they show that 90 percent of the participants had some form of erectile dysfunction.
Since erectile dysfunction does start in the brain, there may be a connection. To illustrate, PTSD sufferers experience a high rate of anxiety, which may affect sexual functioning. Also, there is the intimacy issue. Since many PTSD sufferers feel isolated from family and friends, it makes it even more difficult for them to experience intimacy. Then there are the anger issues, which also hamper intimacy. PTSD can lead to a state of being numb. So, PTSD sufferers avoid any feelings that deal with arousal. Not just sexual arousal, but also alertness.
Getting out of their numbness is too stressful and exhausting for them. If sexual intimacy means a PTSD sufferer must stop being numb, then they may avoid it altogether. Not to mention, there is the insomnia, potential chemical dependency and abuse. These factors prevent a person even further from engaging in sexual relations. Moreover, studies show that veterans under 40 were more likely to have PTSD and substance abuse problems. On the other hand, veterans over 40 were more likely to have hypertension than their younger counterparts.
Treatment
Successful treatment of PTSD might help with erectile dysfunction, as long as it is the only underlying cause. There are a wide variety of treatment types available from cognitive-behavioral therapy to medicines known as SSRIs. These are thought to be the most effective treatments for PTSD. Getting treatment can help you feel more in control of your emotions. As a result, you might experience less anxiety and more self-confidence. You can choose to meet with a therapist on your own or in a group. It is critical to discuss the traumatic events with your therapist, especially those that exhibit themselves in your memories and feelings.
Your therapist can help you change the way you currently think about your trauma. They will also help you determine various methods for dealing with your painful feelings and memories. The end result is that you feel better overall. Even exposure therapy is beneficial where you discuss the traumatic event over and over, in a safe environment, until your fear subsides.
While there are many causes for erectile dysfunction, it is likely that PTSD sufferers will experience some form of sexual dysfunction. Talk to your doctor and find a therapist you trust. A valuable therapist is one who will listen to you while assisting you in making progress towards a more normal life.