PTSD & Sex Understanding the Efect of Trauma on Your Sex Life

PBM Academic Detailing Service What Else Causes Sexual How Does PTSD Afect Sex? What are Sexual Problems? Problems?

PTSD makes it difcult to have close Sexual problems can be physical Many factors cause sexual problems. relationships. It can also make it and emotional: Often there is more than one cause. hard to have an active sex life or enjoy intimacy. ¡ Trouble with , , OBLEMS PR Sexual problems are common in ¡ Low levels of sexual desire, arousal H T people with PTSD, regardless of the or pleasure L Pain, type of trauma experienced. A depression, ¡ Feeling disconnected or afraid E If violence in a relationship or a during sex H diabetes and does lead to PTSD, ¡ Risky or dangerous sexual behavior heart disease then sex can trigger strong memories ¡ Pain during sex can a˜ect sex. and feelings.

S ID PTSD Can Afect Couples in Many Ways E

Medications for E F

PTSD, pain, F

Loss of interest in E

sleep and blood C pleasurable activities T

Low self-esteem pressure can S cause sexual problems.

Irritability and anger Lack of trust E L Y T Drinking alcohol, S tobacco and Nightmares, E F

I marijuana use insomnia, and Feeling numb or L fatigue can impair sexual detached function and judgment. Talk to Your Provider Things You Can Do

It is normal to feel uncomfortable 3 Exercise and make healthy talking about sexual problems. food choices Don’t let this stand in your way. 3 Quit tobacco and cut back or A healthy sex life is an important stop drinking alcohol part of overall health. Sharing 3 C ontrol high blood pressure your concerns with your provider and diabetes and your partner can lead to solutions. 3 Be kind to yourself and learn to deal with everyday stress For PTSD, talk about: q Trauma-focused therapy “... it was really the impact that (PTSD) for PTSD was having on my that q T alk therapy for sexual caused me to want to go get treatment. I didn’t want to lose the one good thing problems I had left.” q Couples therapy for PTSD Stacy L. Pearsall, Veteran U.S. Air Force For medication side efects, talk about:* q Decreasing to a lower, but To hear Stacy' story go to: still efective, dose www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/AboutFace q Changing to a diferent Veteran's Crisis Line medication 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or q Adding a medication Text - 838255 to address side efects, including erectile U.S. Department of Veterans Afairs dysfunction Veterans Health Administration q Seeing a specialist VA PBM Academic Detailing Service

*Remember: Talk to your Contact info: provider before you change medication or try over-the-counter products February 2018 IB 10-1138, P96901 www.va.gov