Sexual Dysfunctions among Veterans with and without PTSD

Abstract

Background: Research on the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sexual dysfunctions (SD) has clearly recognized the association among these conditions. The main objective of this research was to compare the levels of the overall and the level of certain domains of sexual functioning among veterans with and those without PTSD. Methods: Two hundred and fifty veterans with PTSD and 187 veterans without PTSD were included in the comparative study. The following assessments were conducted: LEC-5, PCL-5, ITQ, IIEF, PEDT, and MINI. Results: Veterans with PTSD had significantly higher levels of all types of SD in the PTSD group compared with the non-PTSD veterans. Veterans with PTSD more frequently experienced psychiatric and somatic comorbidities and use of medication that may contribute to the occurrence and severity of SD. Conclusions: The present study emphasized that SDs are an important issue among patients with PTSD. The study comprehensively accounted for conditions that may contribute to the occurrence and severity of SD among veterans with PTSD. Future directions of the research that could further improve the healthcare of the patients were indicated.