Greater PTSD symptoms result in worse sexual functioning amongst midlife women

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been related to a lot of hostile mental and physical health outcomes. Little is thought, nevertheless, regarding its impact on sexual functioning amongst midlife women. A brand new study is shedding light on the subject, suggesting that greater PTSD symptoms result in worse sexual functioning. Study results will likely be presented throughout the 2023 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in Philadelphia, September 27-30.

PTSD is more common amongst women than many individuals may consider, with roughly 10% of ladies reporting symptoms. Probably the most common events resulting in the event of PTSD include combat exposure, childhood physical abuse, and sexual violence. Despite the high prevalence of PTSD in women, there was little research done regarding the association between PTSD symptoms and sexual functioning amongst midlife women.

A brand new study involving greater than 100 postmenopausal women 45-66 years of age sought to find out if PTSD symptoms were related to worse sexual functioning amongst midlife women after accounting for potentially confounding aspects, resembling age, race/ethnicity, education, vaginal estrogen use, alcohol use, and depressive symptoms. To qualify, study participants needed to have experienced PTSD symptoms and had sexual intercourse throughout the month prior to evaluation.

On average, women who reported moderate and severe PTSD symptoms also reported lower sexual functioning. When specific facets of PTSD symptoms were considered, greater avoidance/numbing symptoms were related to poorer sexual functioning, causing the researchers to conclude that greater past-month PTSD symptomology was related to worse sexual functioning. Results suggest the importance of assessing and addressing PTSD symptoms amongst midlife women to enhance their sexual health and functioning as they age.

Study results will likely be presented at this 12 months’s Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society as a part of the presentation entitled “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Sexual Functioning Amongst Midlife Women.”

Many midlife women experience profound changes of their mood, physical health, and social relationships, partly related to the menopause transition. Currently, there may be little research on the long-term health effects of PTSD symptoms, specifically amongst midlife women. Our results highlight the necessity to raised understand women’s trauma histories and PTSD symptoms in an effort to provide optimal clinical take care of women during midlife.”

Dr. Karen Jakubowski, lead creator, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh

“As women age, there are various explanation why sexual functioning may turn out to be a problem for them,” says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society. “This study highlights the necessity for healthcare professionals to ask about any history of trauma and open-up the dialogue with their patients on this sensitive issue.”

Drs. Jakubowski and Faubion can be found for interviews before and after the presentation on the Annual Meeting.