Background

Several studies have suggested a relevant overlap between eating disorders and sexual dysfunction involving the emotional component of body esteem and dissociative experiences.

Aim

To evaluate the common maintaining factors of sexual dysfunction and vulnerability to pathologic eating behaviors and their relation to a physiologic stress response.

Methods

In the present cross-sectional study, we evaluated a non-clinical sample of 60 heterosexual women (25–35 years old) for dissociation during sex with a partner, body image disturbance, and tendency toward pathologic eating behaviors.

Outcomes

Participants completed the Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale–Women, the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults, and the Eating Attitudes Test Short Version. Furthermore, we assessed cortisol levels before, during, and after exposure to explicit sexual stimuli shown within a laboratory setting.

Results

Dysfunctional body image esteem and a tendency toward binge-eating behaviors were associated with greater sexual distress in women. In particular, body esteem was significantly associated with greater dissociation during sex with a partner. Moreover, women who reported greater dissociation during sex with a partner and a tendency toward binge-eating behaviors showed higher levels of cortisol in response to sexual stimuli.

Clinical Implications

These results support further research based on trans-diagnostic treatments targeted to dissociation and body image esteem, which could lessen sexual dysfunction and vulnerability to pathologic eating behaviors.

Strengths and Limitations

Despite the small sample and self-reported questionnaires, this is the first study to consider the association of the stress response during sexual stimuli with sexual distress and with pathologic eating behaviors adopting a dimensional approach.

Conclusion

Body uneasiness and dissociation represented factors underlying pathologic eating behaviors and sexual dysfunction. Women reporting a tendency toward binge-eating episodes and dissociation during sexual experiences represented a sub-population with a higher stress response during sexual stimuli.

Dr. Sharmila Majumdar
Courtesy from the Journal of Sexual Medicine

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Some of the factors that cause sexual shyness could be:

1. A fear arising from lack of experience
2. A low self esteem
3. Bad encounters and experiences in the past
4. Body image issues

These are all factors which can be changed and controlled with a slight change in your thinking and conditioning yourself in certain ways.

While most people have active fantasies about sex, when it comes to a one on one experience, many people feel out of their comfort zone. Let’s look at a few mental and thought conditioning exercises that can help you counter sexual shyness.

a. Don’t have major expectations –

One of the biggest issues with mostly men and to some extent women, is they have elaborate fantasies which don’t come true in the real world and thus aren’t prepared to handle real life sexual situation when they come up. Thus you should preferably have a no expectation approach.

b. Ensure that the surroundings are comfortable –

If you are having a hurried encounter or in a situation you aren’t comfortable in, it might lead to bad experiences which will keep manifesting every time you have sexual encounters. Thus make sure that your surroundings are comfortable and you are relaxed before the act.

c. Don’t let physical shortcomings scare you –

Both men and women tend to be very conscious about their bodies. If you have to be naked in front of someone, you may feel even more self conscious. Stop feeling bad or sorry for yourself because of your body. No human being is perfect and if the other person wants to be with you in bed, they will ignore any physical imperfections that you think you may have.

d. Think about the act and prepare –

Remember that you are with a person and not with a fantasy. Once you are comfortable with a person and usually after a few times, you can then try fantasies and role playing. Initially think about the act before in your head and feel excited in its anticipation.

e. Enjoy the build up and the foreplay –

Sex isn’t just the penetrative part but all the fun sections like kissing and foreplay that build up to it. Go slow and enjoy those sections as well and you will automatically be aroused enough to a point where inhibitions will go away.

The post 5 Ways To Overcome Sexual Shyness appeared first on Dr. Sharmila Majumdar - Sexologist Psychoanalyst in Hyderabad.