Why Does Ptsd Lower One's Libido

[madmax]

Oh by the way PTSD has made me the weakest link.

When your numb it's virtually impossible to feel erotic.

 

[The Albatross]

Yeah, I almost posted a link to an article from Web MD (2008) that discussed the numbing aspect but it had some things I fundamentally disagreed with (about PTSD). Also it was written with regard to females. The part I agreed with though gender specific (women) was:

"Women who have PTSD are in a state of being numb. They tend to avoid the feelings of general arousal (not sexual, but more what we think of as alertness and vigilance) because it takes them out of their numbness. That is stressful and exhausting.

Arousal (the sexual kind) is required for sexual interest and response, but it is very difficult for women to choose to be aroused since it requires that they not be numb. It can also bring them closer to the memory in the amygdala of feeling afraid. And, it turns out, they are lacking a safety context because during the stressful event, safety was very much in doubt for them. So, staying numb feels like a safer choice and that makes sex out of the question.

In addition to this dynamic, people with PTSD may also have sleep disturbance, medication side effects, chemical dependency and abuse, and other psychiatric conditions that do not easily predispose a person to choose to be sexual. All in all, sexual lack of interest caused by PTSD must be treated with an understanding of the brain structures and neurotransmaitters, the nature of sexual arousal’s similarities to general arousal, and other difficulties that can develop as a result of a traumatizing event." (Source: Modern Love: Sex and Relationships, PTSD and Sexuality from Web MD March 3rd 2008

I am inclined to think that "people" rather than women, would have made a better article. It does address the preference for numbing being safer. But be forewarned if you look it up, I took exception to some aspects of the article.

 

[The Albatross]

Kinda sucks to read thought that numbing my own sexuality has been "the safer choice". Gonna have to work on that.

 

[madmax]

"People" makes more sense for sure...I can relate

Thanks again.

marc

 

[rightkindofme]

I can get off if I go pick up a stranger. It's easy. I think that part of it is the underlying feeling of subtle fear. I am "aroused" in a way I just am not with my husband. I can consistently get off if I am being hurt. I've been in the bdsm community since I was eighteen. Well, I've been out of it since I got married. My husband and I played together before we had kids. I haven't been interested in being in pain since I had kids. So I just don't really get off much.

It is hard to have self-control because I know what would "work" but those aren't appropriate choices within the current context of my life.

 

[Pencil]

A friend astutely identified the problem for me:

This is odd place to discuss this, seeing this is Max's thread, but yes, I have the same problem. You'll notice I did not copy the term - can't even say it for some reason :)

Sorry Max, back to you. (And we can have our disagreement about forgiveness on here if you want ;) )

 

[Pencil]

I can't say no.

That is just unbearably awful

 

[Pencil]

I know what would "work" but those aren't appropriate choices within the current context of my life.

I know exactly what you mean, but fortunately for me I have ZERO inclination - and it's been 10 years.

 

[madmax]

I DON'T????!!!! I missed that one thread,now it makes sense

 

[The Albatross]

I was able to over ride the inclination to avoid intimacy post adult rape (in between marriages) with not one but two boyfriends (who knew about my sexual assault and about each other and didn't have any problems with it). But being married for 23 years, I won't give myself the option to go outside f my marriage. I am faithful, I am monogamous. That is who I am.

I'd like to best the dysfunction without going there if at all possible. I check periodically for substantiated/credible sexual dysfunction therapists in my area... so far nothing.

Pencil, I'm sorry you have the same problem I do. It is a hell of a predicament.

 

[Heaven666]

Hi, Madmax. When I was suffering from depression I had a very low libido, it was awful and I felt like an 80 years old. When the depression ceased (I managed to find a wonderful job) the libido came back, stronger than before. My GP told me that low libido is a common effect of depression, the testosterone levels actually drops like a rock, making you less virile. As soon as you solve your problems, the testosterone levels will go back to normal.

Doing some /nofap will help immensely, believe me. There are a lot of young people suffering from impotence caused by excess of porn and masturbation, without any physical cause.

 

[Springer80]

Hi Max,

Apologies in advance as I limber up to say something that now seems like a spectacularly obvious arm chair diagnosis....but here goes.

Maybe your just knackered (no pun intended!)...I mean for however long you've had the condition, adrenaline has been pounding through you system, like too much electric without a fuse, your muscles must feel fired, your blood will be over pumped to your muscles everytime your stressed. No wonder you ain't getting your groove on!

I know again this sounds obvious, but you know when you hear stories about people waning kids and when they finally give up trying they concieve. Maybe if you talked to your wife told her you were worried about it but also said you've decided to not worry about it anymore as long as she doesn't and between you you might be able to Jedi mind trick the ptsd.

I wouldn't go about comparing yourself to Cash either, animals don't get ptsd and dogs only think about food, chasing cats, sleep and the other thing.......hardly a long list of concerns.