The intersection of trauma, mental health, and reproductive health among women Veterans: A scoping review

Abstract: Compared to their non-Veteran peers, women Veterans have a higher burden of trauma and mental health conditions, which intersect with reproductive health across the lifespan. This scoping review summarizes the outcomes of 83 studies focused on the associations between trauma or mental health and reproductive health among women Veterans in the United States. While research in some areas of reproductive health (i.e., sexual dysfunction, perinatal health) have steadily increased, other areas (e.g., menopausal symptoms) remain largely unstudied. Findings reveal that trauma, particularly sexual trauma, and mental health conditions, especially PTSD and depression, are associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes for women Veterans across the lifespan, including unintended pregnancies, adverse gynecological conditions, sexual dysfunction, adverse perinatal outcomes, and increased distress during routine gynecological care procedures. The review underscores the need for trauma-informed care, integration of reproductive and mental health services, and additional research on underexplored reproductive health outcomes.

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