Sexuality in the Time of War: Profiles of Sexual Well-Being Over Time and Their Psychological, Relational, and Situational Correlates During an Ongoing Conflict

War profoundly impacts psychological well-being and relationships, yet its effects on sexual well-being remain understudied. This study examined changes in sexual functioning problems, sexual distress, and frequency of sexual activity following the October 7, 2023 Israel - Hamas war, identifying distinct trajectories of sexual well-being over time, and their psychological and relational determinants. A sample of 921 Israeli adults (M_age = 44.6, <i>SD</i> = 13.9) participated in a two-wave longitudinal study. The first wave (T1), conducted three weeks into the war, included retrospective reports on pre-war sexual well-being (T0) and current functioning. The second wave (T2), four months later, assessed changes over time. Latent profile analysis identified three distinct profiles: (1) <i>Stable Sexual Well-Being</i> (55.3%), characterized by consistently low sexual distress, low levels of sexual functioning problems, and minimal change in sexual activity; (2) <i>High Sexual Distress and Improving</i> (24.2%), marked by initially high sexual distress and reduced functioning that improved over time; and (3) <i>High Dysfunction and Worsening Profile</i> (20.5%), characterized by increasing sexual distress, heightened sexual functioning problems, and a sustained decline in sexual activity throughout the war. Differences between profiles were associated with psychological distress, war-related exposure, and relational disruptions. Women were significantly more likely to belong to the <i>Worsening Profile</i>, whereas sexual orientation was not associated with profile membership. The impact of war on sexuality appears heterogeneous - while some individuals experienced chronic distress, others maintained stability or showed signs of recovery. Understanding these patterns can inform interventions supporting sexual well-being in conflict-affected populations.