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How to overcome body image anxiety during sex?

Negative thoughts related to body image can negatively affect your sexual life.

Many psychological factors can compromise sex. One of them could be body image anxiety. Suppose you receive a sexual initiative from your partner but are worried that your physical appearance is too poor to arouse your partner and satisfy their sexual desires. Now, what to do?

What are the body image issues that can damage your sex life?

Body image anxiety can stem from a lot of issues. A proper solution to the problem requires the identification of the problem. The following issues related to body image and shape can devastate your otherwise healthy sexual relationship.

• Wrinkles on your face

• Bald head

• A large and loose belly

• Stretch marks on the body (from previous pregnancy)

• Severe acne or smallpox spots on the face

• Scars anywhere on the body

• Double chin, chubby face

• Too thin and lean appearance

Besides these, many more issues may not be present but are created by your mind. These issues and their related complexes can compromise your physical and mental health.

How can body image anxiety ruin your sex Life?

The consequences can be ruinous if you cannot live with your body. A problem with psychological depression is that your brain will pick up more worries from your surroundings while ignoring the supportive elements. A body image anxiety can lead to;

• Negative feelings about sex resulting in sexual avoidance

• Loss of erection (erectile dysfunction)

• Low self-esteem and poor body appreciation

• Depression

• Relationship problems

How to handle body image anxiety?

No self-conscious person can tolerate this situation for long. As the problem is purely psychological, the solution will also be psychological. If you have worries that negatively impact your sexual function, you should focus on these points.

Remind yourself that everybody is beautiful

Keep in mind that beauty is comparative. What is beautiful in your eyes may not be so in every other's eyes and vice versa. We are under the spell of what media portrays as a beautiful body, i.e., a slim and muscular body. This narrow-minded attitude of media is problematic as it misses the point that the definition of beauty is different for everyone.

Your chubby face may be a beauty for some. Similarly, your partner may be fascinated by the wrinkles on your face. The fat on your body can also be an attraction for your partner. The research shows that your confidence in yourself and not your actual body shape captivates the partner. Recent research suggests that a positive self-image during sex promotes a healthy sexual relationship.

Just go to some online video streaming websites, and you will find many romantic videos with a person like you receiving millions of views.

Try a darker room

Most of our imagination about sex comes from porn videos where professional porn stars (who are on the paid job) work under various body positions and body postures which can be unrealistic in actual settings. To enhance visibility, such videos are captured in full light.

Such an environment may not be ideal for everyone. Excellent sex can happen in semi-darker or darker environments too, which allow you to partially cover your poor body confidence.

Keep the distractions away

Body image anxiety can distract your mind causing a failure in sex. Distractions, e.g., mobile phones, will further deteriorate your sexual experience. It would be a good idea to try mindfulness meditation techniques. The following practices can be helpful.

• A regular mindfulness practice

• Exercises, e.g., yoga

• The masterful use of your senses

• Beautiful and romantic music

• Getting rid of distractions, e.g., mobile phones

Instead of worrying about what your partner thinks about you, be in the present moment and leave everything away.

Remove the social contacts that make you feel bad

Psychological depression is enhanced by the negative people around you who make fun of what you are and how you look. Filter such people, unfollow them on social media, and, if necessary, block them. It could be a friend who points at your body shape or has a habit of sharing weight loss techniques, anti-acne therapies, etc., on your wall.

Surround yourself with positive people. Comparing yourself to models and porn-star is unfair.

According to social media experts, it is good to remember that social media life is unrealistic and not actual. It is simply what people want you to see, not how actually hey are. These filtered memories and show-offs are practically impossible in routine life.

Follow and befriend the people who are like you

Following idealistic people like stars and celebrities is a good idea if you are well motivated. However, if you are struggling with the psychological depression of your body image, it is an excellent practice to unfollow such people for the time being. If your Instagram or Facebook is full of such people, there are chances that you will feel depressed whenever you look at them.

Try to follow the people who have the physique like you and are comfortable with it. Their beautiful shots will ensure you that you are sexy too.

Engage in romantic fantasy

Allow yourself some time in bed, and don't rush. Sharing a romantic and sexy story with your partner can be a good idea. Create the characters and events to communicate your feelings and desires to your partner.

This approach will allow you to spend memorable time with your partner without engaging in actual sex and will boost your mind for upcoming events. Share your mutual sexual experiences in the past.

Consult a psychologist

If, however, you are not having any improvement with these techniques, visiting a clinical psychologist can be the best thing to do. He will sort out your problem and treat it accordingly.

The end note

Body image anxiety and perception of a negative body image can be ruinous for your sexual life. It needs strong motivation, avoiding distractions, finding your strengths, and using sexual fantasies to overcome fear. If you cannot get over it, consulting a psychologist will be the next option.

Overcoming these issues is a key to a fulfilling sex life.

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