Sex After Service: A Guide for Military Service Members, Veterans, and the People Who Love Them

Helmer, director of the War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center, here examines the problems with sexual health often experienced by members and veterans of the armed forces due to residual trauma and injury. As he states in the introduction, the subject merits discussion precisely because it is so "often dismissed as unimportant and stigmatized in mainstream health care settings." Opening with basic introductions to the relevant medical terminology and features of military culture, the book addresses such topics as common adverse effects suffered by service members, which range from chemical exposure to PTSD, and the impact of aging on the sex drive. Helmer also discusses how belonging to the military shapes an individual's sense of self and communication style. At the back, he lists agencies and organizations that can provide further resources, including for homosexual and bisexual people, though transgender-related issues remain a notable omission throughout. Nonetheless, for both couples and caregivers, this book can provide a valuable starting point for long-term sexual health and wellness. (Dec.)