---
title: The Physical Symptoms of PTSD
date: 2026-01-20T09:00:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-physical-symptoms-of-ptsd"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# The Physical Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD not only affects us mentally; it can also cause chronic pain conditions. This Teen Vogue article is about people who experience trauma-induced chronic pain and the medical providers who care for them.

Experiences of trauma can change the brain and the nervous system. This can contribute to the development of stress-related conditions that include migraines, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and fibromyalgia. Not everyone who has these conditions has a history of trauma. For those who do, it is important to address the mental, emotional, and physical effects. Patients with chronic pain conditions that are related to trauma benefit from both therapy and physical treatment.

Physical symptoms of trauma may not appear until years after the event. Vulvovaginal pain, for example, can result from sexual trauma and violence. Like other conditions, people with vaginismus benefit from therapy and medical treatment that can address the physical symptoms. For vaginismus, this entails the use of dilators.

> She told me that a lot of people who are raped end up developing PTSD and sometimes it happens years after the assault… But no one ever told me that I might end up having physical health problems, too.

[Read the full article ](https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ptsd-physical-symptoms-sexual-assault-survivors)

SOURCE: Teen Vogue • AUTHOR: Caitlin Flynn • LAST UPDATED: August 19, 2020

![A woman lays on a couch with her hand on her head and her eyes closed](data:image/png;base64,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) Maridav/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ gender-based violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/gender-based-violence)
- [ chronic conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/chronic-conditions)
- [ healing after harm](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/healing-after-harm)
- [ sexual violence & trauma](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/sexual-violence-trauma)
- [ diverse experiences of chronic health conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-experiences-of-chronic-health-conditions)
- [ chronic pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/chronic-pain)
- [trauma](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trauma)
- [survivor](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/survivor)
- [healing from abuse](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/healing-from-abuse)
- [pelvic pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pelvic-pain)
- [stress](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stress)
- [therapy (psychotherapy)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/therapy-psychotherapy)

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Survivor's Toolkit for Survivors of Sexual Trauma

A collection of resources created by and designed for survivors of sexual trauma.

![Pexels polina tankilevitch metoo scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of resources created by and designed for survivors of sexual trauma.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/survivors-toolkit-for-survivors-of-sexual-trauma)

[ResourcesRead

## PTSD Symptoms Can Vary Throughout the Menstrual Cycle

This article reviews the research on how people who menstruate may experience PTSD symptoms differently throughout their cycles.

![PTSD Symptoms Can Vary Throughout the Menstrual Cycle scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADnUlEQVRIiWWWwZL0NgiEv0a65JC3zcMnuyP6PwCyp7LlqpU0Ng0NtNA/f/8FaJ5AggAhGQEgZLAxGCccSPvAwQena0HixAkJxkCUdcbQsxxYqY91vXi9Uis/6/7hvrhDuscdhHRDeewYg8BW/asdCHvwfQFNvcdW+yqBRAyA0BOdx7kizcbCRmMdGWON/w5UCLvMgcq6pBChL24mAU7DPDa2Xfy0B9bl9lK0ylENOSLUC+nSgyEt2XIBTh7d2JdLqYrCtd6rDoofSUFIIaRmqiJIG7CldFm3cOJaMyRMLDe1O6LZb3JCEb1mOHIVmJ1GKnZddp04Oo5bhxqPi6ICGN/jwagfigywrbCPZj+5yPwu0s5lYwxFj/uNoUCSddlV2sovHjr5gYeleKUzniqqlAYRWuV+KEJEV0aCTRQ/b/ev9cePzmVACKkaTbd+3hFI0V8Cabp+ynxMMwjLeQtu0nmLfg/VFZQ0RKl7gSw2y3qC/FgP0lglFU8TSIpB2p3h3jOMlVxMBVeyU4qJQB2cReJqYXe1TeMWRYxWtF5c/ZTKysSuIegyQzaGXF0iFeStoRLmR2nGEK/DL9T6/qUXd/sk6Ca7jOzO4ZwlblcbxlcaPKi+Qfz//PtB7LSHOJeIZvWkXaVRF8j9Jm+BlmS4Nam/hXpa+c0+GCuuAru/D4raqh0fk3b63mtvxz00OFDiRBom9jHgNGGWZXuVlaQb7V6QjeH0118jPBqoM5eTxP511vUbJu1lOQkho+yGSjj2MacA8o1RtwLu8n2uOUOg/etqRoUdqRQJIQIjybZUFFUEp2w3X1wMTL6Kzz05sH8zQcKBFj7SQiGFpVYfJ6T52B+T6XpsO++sURAattq68P7JRFISKNCSFwoUIVmSqxzTpDn2Sc5NReK0jdOjgUoIu6QAs//LHPXQgkDLinr6rS6YUxhZaeApqRyioMaJsi2D3gAmrOUBSEVwL+YniHSa6/4rDa3qVutGjTX738xW0yjHWdZKRShSccVrmiurWBO3SW733C7LgjFQERSAFXqsr1SIQDPXzAxR3+fMkbc3qx/hmKPpcN0IUMghrXRZX6LLqcaZGdoYQsr17uI7tooPHPNRh7J/skTJdYMtaaWXtKRVW+pmqyHmMfca93wLoYTrA7/mQIr94ytMDkg5UQrj1nccFd+Mv4Py/uu83jH7Q4dSWlSDO6uH2h7LZhTta8G91Zd1TQiTbMMRB3/gwB9d7kLXtFXBHgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

This article reviews the research on how people who menstruate may experience PTSD symptoms differently throughout their cycles.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ptsd-symptoms-can-vary-throughout-the-menstrual-cycle)

[ResourcesRead

## PTSD in Survivors of Sexual Assault

When a bad thing happens to you, like sexual assault, sometimes, it feels like it's still happening even long after it’s over.

![A caricature of a woman in bed, her face in terror and pain. She and the bed are light pink with a deeper pink in the background.](data:image/png;base64,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)

When a bad thing happens to you, like sexual assault, sometimes, it feels like it's still happening even long after it’s over.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ptsd-in-survivors-of-sexual-assault)

[Stories & ConversationsListen

## Loving Relationships and Vulvovaginal Pain

In this podcast episode, a married couple shares how they navigate their sexual and emotional relationship when penetration causes vulvovaginal pain.

![Two hands clasped together with flowers](data:image/png;base64,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)

In this podcast episode, a married couple shares how they navigate their sexual and emotional relationship when penetration causes vulvovaginal pain.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/loving-relationships-and-vulvovaginal-pain)

[ResourcesRead

## Artists Address Gender-Based Violence

This article features the work of eight artists who participated in the "Talking Cure" exhibit, at the University of Minnesota, showing how art can allow us to express ourselves and to find healing after violence.

![A woman lays on the floor surrounded by red knots](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article features the work of eight artists who participated in the "Talking Cure" exhibit, at the University of Minnesota, showing how art can allow us to express ourselves and to find healing after violence.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/artists-address-gender-based-violence)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Artist Clarity Haynes on Art, Humor, and Healing from Sexual Violence

Artist Clarity Haynes reflects on how her work has been shaped by the sexual violence she has experienced throughout her lifetime. She discusses her choice to laugh in the face of violence and trauma.

![Three large images of people's naked torsos](data:image/png;base64,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)

Artist Clarity Haynes reflects on how her work has been shaped by the sexual violence she has experienced throughout her lifetime. She discusses her choice to laugh in the face of violence and trauma.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/artist-clarity-haynes-on-art-humor-and-healing-from-sexual-violence)

[ResourcesRead

## Five Tips to Handle Holiday Stress

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.

![pexels-askar-abayev-6192017](data:image/png;base64,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)

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/5-tips-to-handle-holiday-stress)

[ResourcesRead

## A Sex Positive and Transformative Justice Approach to #MeToo

This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.

![Mihai surdu me too unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-sex-positive-and-transformative-justice-approach-to-metoo)