There aren’t many people who are completely comfortable being naked. Even if you can prance confidently around in a string bikini on the beach, you may be embarrassed when it’s time to show what’s under that itty-bitty swatch of material. Whether it’s stretch marks, extra flab, weird hairs, or other perceived flaws, sometimes you can be so obsessed with hiding that little imperfection that you can’t enjoy sex. Or can’t even get to the point of having sex.
Instead of moping about it and allowing your negative self-image to mess up your mojo, do what you can to change what you don’t like about your body. If it’s a little extra weight you’re self-conscious about, change your diet and exercise plan and drop a few pounds (an added bonus: exercise increases blood flow to the genital area and leads to better arousal and orgasmic function). See about getting those unruly hairs waxed or those unsightly moles removed.
Unfortunately, there are some things you’ll never be able to physically change about yourself (okay, at least not without expensive and painful surgery). That’s why you have to change your attitude toward your self-image. When you have a negative thought about yourself, consciously replace it with a positive thought. Change your frustration over your extra belly roll into elation over your full, sensual lips or your smooth, supple skin. And keep reminding yourself how much your body turns on and excites your partner. If you still need more help, don’t be ashamed to seek out a counselor; plenty of them actually have expertise in weight and body issues.