Changes in the quantitative composition of free testosterone in the blood serum of participants in military operations and its effect on sexual activity

Relevance. Participation in military operations involves a large number of human resources, usually young men. In most cases, this leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the pathogenesis of this condition, great importance is given to changes in the hormonal background, which in turn contribute to changes in the production of sex hormones. However, despite the active discussion on this topic, many unresolved issues. Objective. To study the effect of PTSD in participants of military operations on the level of free testosterone in the blood serum and the relationship with sexual activity Materials and methods. The study involved 100 participants who agreed to participate in the survey. All subjects were divided into five groups, depending on the time since participation. The average duration of combat was 6–8 months. The studies were conducted on an outpatient basis. A study of the level of free testosterone level and the assessment of sexual activity were evaluated. Results. The study revealed a certain discordance between the free testosterone levels in the blood serum of participants in military operations at different times compared with the stress factor received and sexual activity. This phenomenon was manifested by a decrease in sexual activity against the background of an increase in free testosterone in the blood serum. Perhaps this is due to several factors that should be considered in combination. Therefore, the first and main factor may be stress, which affects and activates the sympathoadrenal system, as confirmed in the literature. Conclusions. In participants of military operations, against the background of an increase in the amount of free testosterone in the blood serum, there is a decrease in sexual activity, which gradually recovers with increasing time elapsed from the moment of stress.