For former Army Ranger Michael Collins, 43, facing enemy fire in Afghanistan felt less daunting than confronting the invisible enemy that invaded his bedroom after returning home.
“In combat, you train for threats. You have protocols, teammates, and clear objectives,” says Collins, now six years removed from his final deployment. “But with ED, I felt completely alone and unprepared. It was like my body had betrayed me.”
Collins’ experience mirrors that of many veterans. Studies suggest that erectile dysfunction affects military veterans at significantly higher rates than the general population—up to 85% of veterans with PTSD report sexual functioning problems, compared to around 40% in similarly-aged civilian men.
The reasons are multifaceted: combat-related physical injuries, psychological trauma, medication side effects, and lifestyle factors all contribute to what many veterans describe as a “silent epidemic” in their community.
The Breaking Point
Collins’ first experience with ED came two years after his medical discharge following an IED explosion that left him with a traumatic brain injury and persistent back pain. Though he had physically recovered enough to lead a normal life, the psychological aftermath was profound.
“The first time it happened, I told myself it was just stress or fatigue,” Collins recalls. “But when it kept happening, that’s when the real anxiety set in. My girlfriend at the time was understanding, but I could see the hurt and confusion in her eyes. I started avoiding intimacy altogether.”
This avoidance created a vicious cycle. Performance anxiety compounded the physical issues, leading to relationship strain that eventually ended his three-year partnership.
“That breakup was my rock bottom,” he admits. “I was 38, single, and convinced I’d never have a normal sex life again. The VA had already put me on multiple medications for pain and PTSD, and I didn’t want to add ED drugs to the mix. I was determined to find another way.”
The Holistic Approach
Collins’ turning point came after connecting with a veterans’ support group specifically addressing sexual health challenges. There, he met Dr. James Whitaker, a urologist and former military physician who specializes in treating veterans with sexual dysfunction.
“What Michael and many veterans don’t initially realize is that ED isn’t just about blood flow to the penis—it’s often a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors,” explains Dr. Whitaker. “Prescription medications like Viagra or Cialis can be effective band-aids, but they don’t address underlying causes, particularly in veterans with combat-related trauma.”
Under Dr. Whitaker’s guidance, Collins embarked on what they called a “mission-oriented recovery plan”—a comprehensive 6-month protocol designed to address the root causes of his ED rather than just the symptoms.
The approach included five key components:
1. Trauma Processing Through Specialized Therapy
Collins began working with a psychologist experienced in both sexual health and military trauma, using a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
“We discovered that my body had formed associations between arousal and danger during combat,” Collins explains. “My nervous system essentially couldn’t differentiate between the heightened state of combat alertness and sexual arousal—both activated the same stress response.”
Through twice-weekly sessions, Collins learned to process stored trauma and create new neural pathways separating threat responses from sexual function.
2. Medication Review and Reduction
A comprehensive review of Collins’ prescription regimen revealed that several of his medications—particularly certain antidepressants and pain medications—were known contributors to sexual dysfunction.
“We didn’t eliminate necessary medications,” Collins clarifies, “but my doctors found alternatives with fewer sexual side effects and reduced dosages where possible. That alone made a significant difference.”
3. Targeted Physical Rehabilitation
Collins’ back injury and subsequent sedentary lifestyle had weakened his core and pelvic floor muscles—crucial components of erectile function that many men overlook.
“I’d never even heard of pelvic floor physical therapy,” Collins admits with a laugh. “It sounded strange at first, but the exercises specifically strengthened the exact muscles involved in getting and maintaining erections.”
His twice-weekly sessions with a physical therapist specialized in pelvic rehabilitation gradually restored strength and function to muscles weakened by injury and disuse.
4. Nutritional Overhaul
Blood tests revealed several deficiencies common among veterans, including critically low vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium levels—all essential for hormonal health and sexual function.
“My diet was terrible,” Collins acknowledges. “Lots of processed foods, energy drinks, and alcohol. I was essentially sabotaging my body’s ability to produce the hormones necessary for healthy sexual function.”
Working with a nutritionist familiar with veterans’ health challenges, Collins developed an anti-inflammatory nutrition plan emphasizing foods known to support cardiovascular and hormonal health: omega-3 rich fish, nitrate-rich vegetables like beets and leafy greens, zinc-rich oysters and pumpkin seeds, and antioxidant-packed berries.
“The nutritional changes had effects well beyond my sexual health,” he notes. “My energy improved, brain fog lifted, and chronic inflammation decreased.”
5. Stress Management and Sleep Optimization
Perhaps the most overlooked factor in Collins’ recovery was addressing his chronically elevated stress response and poor sleep patterns.
“Combat veterans often exist in a perpetual state of hypervigilance,” explains Dr. Whitaker. “This constant sympathetic nervous system activation—the ‘fight-or-flight’ state—makes it physiologically impossible to achieve or maintain erections, which require parasympathetic activation—the ‘rest-and-digest’ state.”
Collins implemented a structured protocol to downregulate his nervous system, including:
- Daily mindfulness meditation using a veteran-specific app
- Heart rate variability training to improve autonomic nervous system function
- A strict sleep hygiene protocol to address his chronic insomnia
- Regular exposure to nature, which research shows reduces cortisol levels and improves PTSD symptoms
The Results Timeline
Collins’ recovery wasn’t immediate, but followed a consistent trajectory:
1-2 Months: Improved energy and minor reduction in performance anxiety, though ED persisted
3-4 Months: Noticeable improvements in morning erections and occasionally successful intimate encounters, though inconsistent
5-6 Months: Significant improvements in erectile function, with successful intimacy approximately 70% of the time
6-9 Months: Near-complete resolution of erectile issues, with sexual function returning to what Collins describes as “better than pre-deployment levels”
“The key was patience and consistency,” Collins emphasizes. “This wasn’t about quick fixes but rebuilding my body’s natural capabilities from the ground up.”
Surprising Benefits Beyond the Bedroom
What began as a mission to restore sexual function expanded into comprehensive life improvements:
“My entire health transformed,” Collins shares. “My chronic pain decreased by about 60%. My sleep quality improved dramatically. Even my TBI symptoms—the cognitive fog and memory issues—became more manageable.”
Equally important were the psychological benefits: improved confidence, reduced depression, and a renewed sense of agency.
“Veterans often feel our bodies are broken beyond repair,” he reflects. “Reclaiming my sexual health helped me feel whole again in ways that transcended the bedroom.”
The Relationship Factor
Six months into his recovery journey, Collins began dating Sarah, a nurse he met through a veterans’ volunteer program. Unlike his previous relationship, he was open about his challenges from the beginning.
“Having a supportive partner who understood this as a health issue rather than a reflection of attraction or masculinity was crucial,” Collins says. “Sarah appreciated my commitment to addressing the problem holistically rather than reaching for a pill.”
That relationship has now lasted three years, with Collins reporting a satisfying and consistent sexual relationship.
“Communication was as important as any medical intervention,” he notes. “Being able to discuss challenges openly, without shame, changed everything.”
Resources for Other Veterans
Collins’ success led him to become an advocate for veteran sexual health. He now facilitates anonymous virtual support groups for veterans experiencing similar challenges and recommends specific resources:
- The Warrior Health Foundation – Provides free telehealth consultations with urologists experienced in veteran-specific sexual health issues
- Combat Trauma and Sexual Health Program – Offers specialized therapy addressing the intersection of PTSD and sexual dysfunction
- Veterans Integrative Health Alliance – Connects veterans with practitioners trained in functional medicine approaches to sexual health
- Pelvic Health for Veterans Initiative – Provides education and treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction affecting sexual health
Doctor’s Perspective: Why Non-Prescription Approaches Matter
Dr. Whitaker emphasizes that while ED medications have their place, they’re often overprescribed to veterans without addressing root causes.
“For many veterans, ED isn’t simply a hydraulic problem of insufficient blood flow,” he explains. “It’s a complex interplay of neurological, psychological, hormonal, and physical factors unique to combat experience.”
He advocates for a comprehensive approach before turning to medications, particularly for younger veterans. “When a 35-year-old combat veteran experiences ED, jumping straight to Viagra misses crucial opportunities to address underlying health issues that could have implications far beyond sexual function.”
Conclusion: Lessons for Fellow Veterans
Collins offers this advice to veterans facing similar challenges:
“First, know you’re not alone—this affects more of us than anyone talks about. Second, understand that ED isn’t just about what’s happening below the belt—it’s often your body sending signals about larger health issues that deserve attention.”
He emphasizes that reclaiming sexual health is a worthwhile mission: “In the military, we’re trained to endure pain and push through challenges quietly. But with ED, that stoicism works against us. The path forward requires a different kind of courage—the willingness to acknowledge the problem and systematically address it, just like any other mission.”
For Collins, the journey back to sexual health became unexpected ground for post-traumatic growth. “Healing this aspect of my life helped me reconnect with my body in ways I hadn’t experienced since before deployment. That reconnection has been as meaningful as the physical function itself.”
This article is based on interviews with real veterans who have experienced ED recovery. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance.
About the Author: Jennifer Martinez is a health journalist specializing in veterans’ health issues. Her work has appeared in Military Health Review, Men’s Health, and The Journal of Military Medicine.