What is Sexual Trauma and PTSD?
Sexual trauma results from experiences of sexual abuse or assault and often leads to PTSD with significant impacts on sexual function and relationships.
Prevalence: Affects 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in US
Symptoms and Signs
- •PTSD symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares)
- •Anxiety or panic attacks
- •Avoidance of sexual situations
- •Sexual dysfunction
- •Depression
- •Trust issues
- •Emotional numbness
Causes and Risk Factors
Common Causes
- →Sexual abuse or assault
- →Childhood sexual abuse
- →Sexual coercion
- →Rape
Risk Factors
- ⚠️Abuse history
- ⚠️Lack of support
- ⚠️Untreated trauma
Treatment Options
Expected Outcomes: Good to excellent outcomes with trauma-specific therapy; 75-85% recovery
Available Treatments:
- ✓Trauma-focused CBT
- ✓EMDR
- ✓Individual therapy
- ✓Support groups
- ✓Medication for symptoms
- ✓Sex therapy (after trauma processing)
Prevention Tips
- →Education about consent
- →Support systems
- →Reporting mechanisms
Ready for Professional Help?
Our sexology specialists can provide expert assessment and personalized treatment plans.