Preliminary Evaluation of Sexual Problems in Combat Veterans with PTSD

This study evaluated the potential relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sexual problems. The Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction was mailed to combat veterans currently in treatment at an outpatient PTSD clinic. Completed questionnaires were received from 90 patients. Results indicated that over 80% of subjects were experiencing clinically relevant sexual difficulties. Impotence and premature ejaculation were the most frequently reported problems that have corresponding psychological diagnoses. The rates of sexual problems for this sample of veterans with PTSD was similar to those reported in other studies and exceeded rates of similar problems found in samples from community samples. These data suggest mat PTSD may be a risk factor for sexual problems.