The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a state of whole body and mind well-being regarding sexuality and sexual relationships, which should be approached with positivity and respect as well as have the possibility of more pleasurable and safe sexual experiences free of coercion, discrimination, and violence. This entails:

• Having the ability to embrace and enjoy sexual experiences and relationships,
• Having the ability to experience sexual pleasure, satisfaction, and intimacy when desired,
• Being comfortable openly communicating with others about sexual health,
• Being able to consent and make your own decisions for your sexual health,
• Recognizing and respecting sexual rights and freedoms, and more.

While everyone should have access to quality sexual health, not everyone experiences these same liberties for a variety of reasons, one of which is trauma related to sexual activity.

Sexual Trauma

Sexual trauma looks different for everyone, and may result in a variety of mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, rape trauma syndrome (a form of PTSD that’s more specific to sexual acts without consent), and more. Shortly after a sexual assault, a person may have to deal with physical complications like pain in the genitals, bruising, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs), or unwanted pregnancy. Further down the line, individuals may struggle with sexual dysfunctions such as low libido, lack of arousal, problems achieving orgasm, or painful orgasm. All these side effects, in turn, reduce the overall sexual wellbeing of an individual experiencing trauma related to sexual activities.

For example, someone experiencing symptoms of rape trauma syndrome or PTSD due to sexual assault or violence may have debilitating emotional or psychological reactions such as:

• Flashbacks and strong startle reactions to certain triggers,
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or lack of control around sex,
• Difficulty enjoying their sexual life.

These symptoms and side effects hinder the individual’s ability to embrace and enjoy sexual experiences and relationships and may cause individuals to feel uncomfortable openly communicating with others about sexual health, such as partners or healthcare professionals.

Physical effects such as pain in the genitals or involuntary reactions to sexual acts may hinder the ability of an individual to experience sexual pleasure, intimacy, and satisfaction when desired. After an instance of sexual assault, many individuals may feel they have lost some semblance of health, safety and autonomy that puts their sexual health at risk. This feeling could be intensified by contracting an STI or STD, or by becoming pregnant due to sexual assault. Lastly, those experiencing trauma from sexual activity have now had a sexual experience that was not free of coercion, discrimination, or violence, and their sexual rights and freedoms were neither recognized nor respected.

Steps Toward Improving Sexual Health while Healing from Sexual Trauma

After experiencing sexual trauma, it may feel difficult to be sexually intimate. Know that everyone experiences trauma differently, and that any pace that feels right for you is the right pace. Communicate with your partner what feels comfortable and what does not. Partners should know this communication may take some time, and to be vigilant with checking in and asking questions like, “Do you feel safe right now?” and “Is this okay?”. It may be beneficial to share with your partner which movements or touches might be a trigger or make you feel uncomfortable. Open communication is the best way to begin and continue navigating intimacy after a traumatic sexual event.

While it is important to care for your personal sexual health needs in relationships, it is also important to care for your physical and mental health needs with help from professional healthcare providers. Seeking care while confronting sexual trauma may be difficult, but there are steps you can take to feel safe and comfortable during a physical exam:

• You can always choose to reschedule if you do not feel emotionally or mentally ready for a physical exam,
• You can always ask for a personal support person like a friend or family member, or for a second staff member to be present,
• You can always ask the provider to explain each step of the exam,
• Consent matters in every situation, including clinically. If you need to stop your healthcare appointment at any time, that is okay to do so.

Conclusion

Trauma related to sexual activity can have severe emotional, physical, and psychological impacts on an individual’s sexual health. It is important to know and recognize how and when to support individuals experiencing sexual trauma. It is also important to remember that everyone heals from trauma differently, and to be respectful and supportive of that process.

References

• McKeon Olson, R. (2024, December 5). Sexual violence can cast a long shadow on health. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sexual-violence-can-cast-a-long-shadow-on-health-202412053083
• Military Sexual Trauma. Military Sexual Trauma: Effects & Veteran Resources. (2010, April 14). https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/index.asp
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). (2017). The impact of sexual violence. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/NSVRC_Publicication_Factsheet_Impact-of-sexual-violence.pdf.
• Speckhard Plasque, L. (2024a, April 17). You can heal from sexual trauma - even decades later. Mayo Clinic. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/women-health/healing-from-sexual-abuse/
• Speckhard Plasque, L. (2024b, May 30). The lingering effects of sexual trauma. Mayo Clinic. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/women-health/lingering-effects-of-sexual-trauma/
• What is rape trauma syndrome?. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, February 7). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/rape-trauma-syndrome
• World Health Organization. (n.d.). Sexual health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexual-health#tab=tab_2