Australian veteran sexual health: '…you are the first person I've spoken to about it.'

Background Sexual health and functioning outcomes have been shown to be poor among veterans due to factors associated with military service, as well as barriers to healthcare access. However, there is currently limited research attempting to assess the scope and extent of these issues in the Australian context. Methods Ten qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian professionals working within or adjacent to veteran sexual health and were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Sexual health and functioning issues commonly develop among Australian veterans due to a variety of physical, psychological and social factors. Factors include mental ill-health, physical illness and injury, use of medication, and relationship strain. These contribute to physiological dysfunctions, poor sexual behaviours and difficulties in forming healthy, meaningful intimate relationships. Barriers, such as lack of awareness and understanding, stigma, and structural barriers, were suggested to interfere with healthcare access and worsen outcomes. Key informants recommended increasing provider training, research and military support, as well as de-stigmatising sexual health issues. Conclusions Veteran sexual health is not often on the radar of Australian health and research professionals. Our study is one of few studies in the Australian context, highlighting the need to conduct more research to better manage veteran sexual health and functioning needs.