Correlates of Sexual Functioning in Women Veterans: Mental Health, Gynecologic Health, Health Status, and Sexual Assault History

ABSTRACT Military women are a unique population with occupational risks that may influence their sexual health, yet relatively little is known about specific correlates associated with servicewomen's sexual functioning. One thousand and four Midwestern U.S. women veterans aged 52 years of age and younger completed a telephone interview assessing sexual assault history, mental health, gynecologic health, and health-related quality of life. Half experienced at least one completed sexual assault during their lifetime. Most (68%) reported sex was important in their lives, and three quarters (74%) indicated that they had engaged in sex with a partner during the past 6 months. Almost one quarter of sexually active participants reported painful sexual intercourse, and approximately one third (35%) acknowledged using lubricants often to make sex comfortable. Mental health disorders (posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance use disorder), gynecologic injuries resulting from completed sexual assault...