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, SD = 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) Stable Sexual Well-Being (55.3%), characterized by consistently low sexual distress, low levels of sexual functioning problems, and minimal change in sexual activity; (2) High Sexual Distress and Improving (24.2%), marked by initially high sexual distress and reduced functioning that improved over time; and (3) High Dysfunction and Worsening Profile (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 Worsening Profile, 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.