In fact, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, nearly 20% of soldiers returning home from war have PTSD, and those who are age 40 or younger have an 81% greater risk of sexual problems than their peers without PTSD.
There is a wide range of reasons that PTSD can affect erections, intimacy and orgasms (or lack thereof).
Harming intimacy
For some men, the battlefield creates a correlation between aggression and sex. As Dr. Michael Sapiro, who trained as a neurocognitive rehabilitation specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, said in an interview with Men’s Health, “It’s not uncommon for soldiers to become erect on the battlefield. They’re not getting pleasure from killing. But it’s invigorating.”
Erectile dysfunction
Impotence is also a major complaint among servicemen with PTSD. In fact, research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine cites that veterans with PTSD were 29 times more likely than those without PTSD to report experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED). When you consider that men with genital injuries only have a ninefold risk of ED, it’s easy to see just how much of an impact PTSD plays on erections.
For combat veterans struggling with ED, the VA’s primary treatment is a prescription for ED drugs, such as Viagra or Levitra.
According to the Men’s Health article, the VA spent $77.9 million on ED drugs in 2014 alone, almost three times more than in 2006.
Self-medicating with drugs and alcohol
It’s not uncommon for war veterans to develop addictions to drugs and alcohol. Many turn to these forms of self-medicating to cope with the physical, mental and emotional wounds of war.
Unfortunately, overindulging in drugs and alcohol can lead to sexual dysfunction, including impotence.
Talk to your doctor to find out if Viagra, Cialis or Levitra can help your ED.
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