# Muscle Dysmorphia Affects Male Sex Life

> Muscle dysmorphia causes men to focus on appearance during sex, leading to anxiety and disconnection.
- Title: Muscle Dysmorphia Affects Male Sex Life · Cosmopolitan
- Summary: Muscle dysmorphia causes men to focus on appearance during sex, leading to anxiety and disconnection. Muscle dysmorphia can cause men to experience anxiety…
- Keywords: muscle dysmorphia, sex life, body image, intimacy, anxiety, low desire, erectile dysfunction, sexual hangups, Muscle, Dysmorphia, Affects, Male
- Source: Cosmopolitan — https://sex.cosmopolitan.com/pleasure/a74205971/muscle-dysmorphia-sex-life
- Author: Syeda Khaula Saad
- Published: 2026-10-26T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: muscle dysmorphia, sex life, body image, intimacy, anxiety, low desire, erectile dysfunction, sexual hangups
## 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
## Key takeaway

Muscle dysmorphia can cause men to experience anxiety, avoidance, and low desire during sex due to body image concerns.