Study examines the effects of childhood trauma on later sexual well-being

Among 96 former Swiss indentured child laborers, 22 individuals showed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and 53 reported having experienced childhood trauma. Men reported a significantly higher prevalence of both sexual concerns and dysfunctional sexual behavior compared with women.

It will be important to further explore the relative role of traumatization and PTSD on sexual behavior and well-being, especially to improve sexual therapy for patients who have experienced trauma.

"Sexual problems have a great impact on the psychological well-being of individuals of all age groups, so that it is important to continue investigating sexuality also in later life," said Karin Rechsteiner, lead author of the Sexual Medicine study.