SEX & LOVE The Body Image-Pleasure Connection

How to tune out negative thoughts for better sex

- RACHEL ZAR, L.M.F.T., C.S.T.

It's no secret that bodies change throughout our lifetimes, from softening bellies to weight gain to wrinkles. As normal as these changes are, even the most body positive among us may struggle with not feeling at home in our bodies and we may start to see the impact in our sexual relationships.

According to some reports, up to 90% of women and between 20% and 40% of men report dissatisfaction with their bodies. And for women, research has shown that negative body image is one of the biggest factors to interfere with sexual pleasure and responsiveness (second only to relationship distress). Let's be clear: There's nothing about the changes in your body that makes you less sexy or sexual. It's what you think about your body that can cause a problem.

THE IMPACT OF NEGATIVITY