The Impact of Sexual Functioning Problems on Mental Well-Being In U.S. Veterans from the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Conflicts

Nunnink, Sarah E.; Fink, David S.; Baker, Dewleen G.

doi:10.1080/19317611.2011.639441

Cited by 22 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…First, given the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among Veterans with PTSD, the need for regular sexual health screenings is evident. Nunnink et al [2] recommend the implementation of a Veterans Administration (VA) systemwide standardized policy regarding the screening and treatment of Veterans' sexual functioning concerns. Specifically, they recommend a screening "reminder" in the VA computerized record system that prompts providers to ask questions about sexual functioning.…”

Section: Recommendations For Treatment and Future Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Providers who have established rapport with the Veteran may be well suited to broach the topic and could do so in the context of a holistic assessment. Ultimately, early assessment of sexual dysfunction would lead to referral to appropriate treatments and greatly improve outcomes for Veterans in the long term [2,51].…”

Section: Recommendations For Treatment and Future Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sexual health is “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well‐being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity” [1]. Healthy sexual functioning (e.g., sexual desire, erection, orgasm, ejaculation) is an important part of sexual health and general well‐being [2]. In fact, sexual functioning is a significant predictor of physical and emotional health and overall quality of life [3].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sexual Dysfunction in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Tran

Dunckel

Teng

2015

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

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Introduction Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience high rates of sexual dysfunction. However, the topic of sexual dysfunction is often overlooked clinically and underexamined in the PTSD research literature. Clinician assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction are particularly important for Veterans, who are at increased risk of exposure to trauma. Aim Review the literature regarding sexual dysfunction among Veterans with PTSD. Method Review of the literature. Results Sexual dysfunction, including erectile difficulties in males and vaginal pain in females, is common among Veterans with PTSD. Several underlying mechanisms may account for the overlap between PTSD and sexual dysfunction. Certain barriers may contribute to the reluctance of providers in addressing problems of sexual dysfunction in Veterans with PTSD. Conclusions With the high likelihood of sexual dysfunction among Veterans with PTSD, it is important to consider the integration of treatment strategies. Efforts to further the research on this important topic are needed.

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Section: Recommendations For Treatment and Future Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Recommendations For Treatment and Future Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sexual Dysfunction in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Tran

Dunckel

Teng

2015

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

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“…Recent Veterans of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are perhaps at increased risk for sexual dysfunction, but little is known about their sexual health or function [14,15]. The majority (70%) are younger than 40 years old and there is a high prevalence of mental health conditions, such as PTSD and depression [16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perspectives on Sexual Health and Function of Recent Male Combat Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

et al. 2015

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BackgroundU.S. veterans of recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may be at greater risk for sexual dysfunction due to injuries, mental health conditions, medications used to treat those conditions, and psychosocial factors.ObjectiveTo explore the perceptions of recent Veterans about sexual health and dysfunction, contributing factors, its impact and solutions.DesignQualitative study.ParticipantsEight men who screened positive for sexual dysfunction at initial presentation to a postdeployment clinic at a Veterans Affairs medical centerApproachPatients who screened positive for sexual dysfunction and indicated an interest in participating were contacted and scheduled for an in-person private interview with a researcher. Interviews were semistructured, utilizing open-ended and follow-up probe questions to elicit the individual's perspective about sexual dysfunction and its cause, impact and solutions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed for themes.Key ResultsThese heterosexual men discussed a range of sexual dysfunction in their activities including lack of desire, erectile dysfunction, delayed orgasm, premature ejaculation, and distraction. They also discussed the importance of setting or context and changes over time to their sexual health and function. The men shared their ideas about contributory factors, including normal aging, medication side effects, injury and a possible role for combat deployment more generally. Reported solutions for sexual dysfunction included medications, herbal remedies, and new positions and approaches to sexual activity. Participants reported discussing sexual dysfunction with their health-care providers and what was helpful. Finally, the men expressed in their own words the significant impact of sexual dysfunction on their self-perception, their partners, and their relationships.ConclusionsSexual dysfunction in recent combat veterans can have important negative effects on their health and relationships. Our findings elucidate perceived contributory factors and preferred solutions, which can be applied by health-care providers to improve the management of sexual dysfunction in these patients.

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“…The sexual health of recent veterans of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan is of particular interest due to their stage of life, high prevalence of risks for sexual dysfunction, and concurrent challenges of reintegration, but there is a paucity of robust data about sexual health issues among young veterans . Limited information about this population includes an estimated 30.5% prevalence of sexual problems in OEF/OIF veterans seeking VA care using two items (“impotence or other sexual problems” and “diminished sexual desire or function”) on a self‐reported survey .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment and Documentation of Sexual Health Issues of Recent Combat Veterans Seeking VHA Care

Helmer

Beaulieu

Houlette³

et al. 2013

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

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Introduction Sexual health is an important aspect of human existence associated with disease and overall health. Despite these associations and the existence of medical treatments to improve sexual function, sexual health is often overlooked in health care. Recent combat veterans may be particularly vulnerable to sexual health issues due to their deployment-related health issues such as mental health conditions, prescription medications use, and psychosocial challenges. Aim This study assesses the sexual health issues of recent combat veterans seeking care at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) documented in the primary care and mental health notes from the first 6 months of care. Main Outcome Measures Documentation of sexual health issues in the progress notes (coded into categories), primary care vs. mental health care visit note, initial vs. follow-up visit notes, and templated vs. non-templated text. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of the first 158 consecutive patients seen for an initial assessment in the VAMC post-deployment clinic. Medical records were reviewed and text of sexual health issues and relevant patient and care characteristics were abstracted and coded into variables. Results Almost 25% of patients had documented sexual health issues in the first 6 months of care. We coded 52 separate sexual health issues into 13 distinct categories. Overall, most sexual health issues were documented in mental health care notes, in non-templated text, and at follow-up visits. The use of templated text appeared to drive the documentation of low libido (the most common sexual health issue) in mental health care notes. Conclusions Sexual health issues are prevalent in recent combat veterans seeking care at a VAMC, but patterns of documentation suggest that they may be under-reported or incompletely addressed. A more systematic and provider-initiated approach to assessment of sexual health may promote fuller discussion of sexual health issues and optimize management.

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The Impact of Sexual Functioning Problems on Mental Well-Being In U.S. Veterans from the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Conflicts

Cited by 22 publications

References 46 publications

Sexual Dysfunction in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Sexual Dysfunction in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Perspectives on Sexual Health and Function of Recent Male Combat Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

Assessment and Documentation of Sexual Health Issues of Recent Combat Veterans Seeking VHA Care

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