SEXUAL ASSAULT AND LIFETIME INFERTILITY DIAGNOSIS IN MALE AND FEMALE U.S. MILITARY VETERANS

Our past survey of women Veterans in one U.S. state suggested an association between lifetime attempted or completed sexual assault (LSA) and self-reported difficulty having a baby. The objective this study was to query associations infertility LSA as well military (SAIM) large, nationally-representative population reproductive-aged men using robust prevalence measures. This cross-sectional 3,018 computer-assisted telephone interview that averaged 87 minutes duration. Data were collected on Veterans’ socio-demographics, characteristics exposures, histories (before, during, after service), reproductive history health, amongst other experiences. included 1,410 1,608 aged 19 - 45 years. analysis include the 1,388 1,590 who answered questions about whether they themselves current partner had ever been diagnosed with infertility. Chi-square testing used associations. 13.6% 12.1% 1590 reported diagnosis for and/or partner. 775/1388 (55.8%) experienced at least 501/1388 (36.1%) SAIM (not mutually exclusive). 184/1590 (11.6%) 56/1590 (3.5%) Both significantly associated increased risk (15.5% vs. 11.3% without, p=0.02; 16.0% 12.3% p=0.05). Risk increased, but not statistically significantly, exposures (14.7% 10.2% p=0.07; 17.8% 10.5% p=0.08). Negative repercussions resulting from distressingly prevalent experience in-military may decreased fecundability, measured by diagnosis. Further database will elucidate possible correlated conditions mediators such chronic pain, PTSD, sexually transmitted infection, wellness.