Sexual trauma negatively impacts the victim’s body and soul by affecting the mental and physical well-being of the affected individual. But most people often wonder if sexual traumas are associated with reduced sex drive or libido.
Sexual pleasure has more to do with the mind as compared to the body. Though apparently, it is purely a physical activity if you dig in deeper, the mind plays a huge role to dictate its terms. We often talk about stress and anxiety as the sex-drive-stealers. But there is something more into it about which most of us prefer not to speak because it is disturbing to recall such events.
One of the issues that have received lesser attention that they should is sexual trauma. Many people use the term trauma to refer to the condition known as a post-traumatic stress disorder. A psychiatric condition, PTSD is usually accompanied by severe levels of flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. The symptoms can persist for many months – and even years. Some adults are dealing with PTSD caused by an ugly incident that happened when they were little – especially if the victim doesn’t speak about it in an attempt to seek help.
If you think it is something rare and happens occasionally then please rethink. This is by no means an exceptional case. In fact, the statistics are shocking. The latest world figures of women who have experienced sexual/physical violence in the hands of a partner or non-partner are startling. Imagine a world where one in every three women has gone through sexual/physical violence! It is saddening, to say the least. Besides the physical pain, such women have to deal with the aftermath, and this can negatively interfere with the various aspects of her life.
Sexual trauma is one of the leading physical causes of low female libido. In a society where physical an emotional abuse of women is quite rampant, it is increasingly becoming difficult for women to maintain a healthy sex drive. Sex traumas that leave lasting scars on the body are mainly the most prominent reason why many women suffer from low female libido because they don’t want such problems to occur again. Sexual trauma can wreak havoc on a healthy relationship, and such trauma can even contribute to infertility problems in some women.
There are two types of sexual trauma, and both can cause low female libido women, these are; emotional and physical traumas. Physical shocks, usually lead to physical symptoms or damages to certain parts of the body, especially close to the sex organs and such damages may make sexual intercourse painful or impossible. Emotional trauma is the psychological effects that such shock brings upon the victim. While emotional trauma may not make sex painful, it may frighten the victim, especially when she comes across a situation similar to what she had experienced before.
Regardless of whether a sexual trauma is emotional or physical, it can cause severe damages to sex drive, especially when the victim has refused to seek help from professionals. Sexual trauma is manageable, only if the victim agrees to put the images of the trauma behind.
Dealing with sexual trauma and low sex drive
First of all, you need to recognize the fact that sexual injury has been inflicted on you, but it will never happen to you again if you avoid certain situations that exposed you to the trauma. In order to put the trauma behind you, you need to forgive the perpetrator of the sexual act and then forgive yourself. Without forgiving the perpetrator and yourself, there is no way you can get out of the emotional pains of the trauma.
Secondly, if the sexual trauma has caused some physical scars that make pleasurable sex un-achievable for you, then you should talk to your physician about the medications or physical devices you can use in alleviating such pains. Sexual trauma pains don’t have to last forever if you are willing to get rid of it. You should also talk to your doctor about how such trauma is causing low female libido, and the doctor may recommend a psychotherapist to help you deal with the condition. Doctors are there to help you out instead of discouraging you. Women mostly prefer not to share anything that is mentally torturous but there is no solution better than seeking help from the professionals.
If you enjoy practicing different techniques in bed with your partner, it will be vital that you check the methods that may ignite the past pains caused by sexual trauma. It is better to let the old scars stay dead instead of stimulating them again because it will have a highly damaging impact by reminding you of the unfortunate incident. You should confide in your partner about your trauma and how to practice safe and long-lasting pleasurable sex. Your partner will want to explore alternate ways of helping you cope with your ordeal. You may also consider the use of certainly recommended lubricants on areas where you are injured as such can make intercourse more pleasurable and frictionless.
To summarize everything, details regarding sexual trauma were elaborated and how the trauma can kill the sex drive of a traumatized person. The content provided can help people understand how they can improve their mental health and then work on improving their libido.
Can Trauma Make You Lose Interest In Sex?
Trauma is an event or experience that is deeply distressing or disturbing, and it can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. It can occur in various forms, such as physical or sexual abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or witnessing or experiencing violence. Trauma can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life, and one area that it can greatly impact is an individual’s sexual health. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring the relationship between trauma and sexual interest. This paper will delve into the question, ‘Can trauma make you lose interest in sex?’ by examining the effects of trauma on sexual functioning, the role of psychological factors, and potential treatment options.
Trauma can have a significant impact on an individual’s sexual functioning. This can manifest in various ways, including a decrease in sexual desire or arousal, difficulty reaching orgasm, and pain during sexual activity. These effects can occur immediately after the traumatic event or can be delayed, emerging months or even years later. In a study by Lobo and colleagues (2017), it was found that individuals who had experienced trauma were more likely to report sexual dysfunction, including a decrease in sexual desire and arousal, compared to those who had not experienced trauma. This highlights the strong link between trauma and sexual functioning.
One of the reasons trauma can lead to a loss of interest in sex is through the activation of the stress response system. Traumatic events can trigger a fight or flight response, leading to increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can suppress sexual desire and arousal, making it difficult to engage in sexual activity. Moreover, trauma can also lead to a state of hyperarousal, where individuals are constantly on edge and unable to relax, which can also hinder sexual functioning. This constant state of arousal can be exhausting, leading to a loss of interest in sex.
Psychological factors also play a crucial role in the relationship between trauma and sexual interest. Trauma can cause feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, which can negatively impact an individual’s body image and sexual confidence. Furthermore, individuals who have experienced trauma may struggle with trust and intimacy, making it challenging to form and maintain healthy sexual relationships. In some cases, trauma can also lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is associated with symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. These symptoms can interfere with an individual’s ability to engage in sexual activity and can cause them to lose interest in sex.
The impact of trauma on an individual’s sexual interest can be devastating and can significantly impact their quality of life. However, it is essential to note that there is hope and that treatment options are available. Therapy, specifically trauma-focused therapy, has shown to be effective in helping individuals process and cope with their traumatic experiences. This can help reduce the symptoms of trauma, such as hyperarousal and hypervigilance, which can improve sexual functioning. Additionally, couples therapy can also be beneficial in rebuilding trust and intimacy in relationships, which may have been affected by trauma.
In conclusion, trauma can undoubtedly make an individual lose interest in sex. The effects of trauma on sexual functioning can be seen through the activation of the stress response system, psychological factors, and the development of PTSD. It is essential to recognize that trauma is a complex issue and that the impact it has on an individual’s sexual interest can be multifaceted. Seeking professional help and support is crucial in addressing and managing the impact of trauma on sexual functioning. With proper treatment and support, individuals can regain their sexual interest and improve their overall well-being.
