From Cosmopolitan · Syeda Khaula Saad · · 1m 10s
Muscle Dysmorphia Affects Male Sex Life
Muscle dysmorphia causes men to focus on appearance during sex, leading to anxiety and disconnection.
In brief
Muscle dysmorphia causes men to focus on appearance during sex, leading to anxiety and disconnection. Muscle dysmorphia can cause men to experience anxiety, avoidance, and low desire during sex due to body image concerns. Originally reported by Cosmopolitan.
Body Image Impacts Intimacy
The way you see yourself affects all aspects of life, including how you have sex.
Male Body Image Trends
Men are bombarded with an 'ideal' body: lean, muscular, always in shape.
“therapist Phillip Reynolds, MSW, LCSW-C”
Muscle Dysmorphia Definition
Muscle dysmorphia is a psychological disorder where you're extremely dissatisfied with how you perceive your own muscles.
Sexual Issues Linked to Muscle Dysmorphia
Boys and men ages 15-35 with body dissatisfaction are more likely to experience sexual hangups and issues.
Appearance Intolerance
Appearance intolerance causes discomfort with being seen, leading to sexual anxiety and disinterest.
Spectatoring During Sex
Men focus on their appearance during sex, watching themselves instead of their partner.
Shame and Intimacy
Shame from body image concerns makes men hide, which is the opposite of what intimacy needs.
“therapist Jaron Vesely”
Partner Misunderstandings
Partners assume men are uninterested due to their attractiveness, not body image issues.
“therapist Phillip Reynolds, MSW, LCSW-C”
The short version
Muscle dysmorphia can cause men to experience anxiety, avoidance, and low desire during sex due to body image concerns.
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