Women Veterans Health Care

Sexual Health

Your sexual health is an important part of your health care.

Sexual health can be difficult to talk about, but sexual problems are common. The most common concerns are:

• Lack of interest or desire in sex
• Difficulty with arousal
• Difficulty with orgasm
• Sexual pain

If you have any of the above concerns, it doesn't mean that there is something wrong with you. But if you have sexual concerns that bother you or impact your quality of life, treatment is available at VA.

Sexual health problems might be the result of a number of things, such as:

• Medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer
• Medications: Many different types of medications can lead to sexual health concerns
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause
• Surgery or radiation therapy
• Relationship problems with your partner
• Depression, anxiety, or stress
• Experiences with sexual trauma, military sexual trauma (MST), or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD)

What services does VA provide for sexual health?

VA is actively investing in new ways to improve women's sexual health and well-being. VA is here to support you with services such as:

• Pelvic floor physical therapy
• Medications to treat specific conditions, such as various hormone therapies for menopause and non-hormonal medications that can improve sexual conditions
• EROS clitoral therapy device (EROS-CTD) * designed to treat female sexual arousal disorder
• Vaginal dilators, which are recommended for pain during sex * or may be necessary after radiation therapy that can damage tissues of the vagina
• Specialty care, such as gynecology
• Mental health support and treatment — getting help for mental health conditions like depression and PTSD or experiences of military sexual trauma — can improve your sexual health as can relationship counseling

How do I access services for sexual health at VA?

Talk with your primary care provider about your concerns. Be prepared to talk about your specific issues even though it may feel uncomfortable. Your health care provider can then direct you to the best resources and specialties for you or write you a prescription.

If you don't already use VA health care, you may want to use the following online tools:

Find out if you are eligible for VA health care.

Enroll in VA health care if you haven't already.

Find your local VA and make an appointment.

The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health

If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also help you with issues such as:

• Enrolling in VA health care if you have not already
• Setting up a medical appointment in your area
• Answering questions about eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans

WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

Call  Text  Chat 

Can I get disability compensation (monthly payments) or other benefits from VA related to sexual health disorders?

Explore disability eligibility here. If you have questions, a Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) representative at your nearest regional office can explain more. Find your nearest regional office.

Where can I find more information, help, and resources on sexual health?

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Your Sexual Health *
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Sexual Health *

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