How To Deal with Sexual Problems when You Have an Eating Disorder
Recovery from an eating disorder is possible.You may lose your sex drive when you have an eating disorder.It is possible that you are not comfortable with physical intimacy or pleasure.It is possible to increase your libido, connect with your body, build intimacy, and get support to overcome your sexual problems.Don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable, take your time.
Step 1: You should have pleasurable experiences in your day.
It is common to deny yourself pleasure when you have an eating disorder.It's hard to have a good sex life since sex is enjoyable.You should be happy and feel good.If you want to feel better, make a list of things you enjoy and enjoy one pleasurable thing each day.Go out to coffee with a friend, borrow your friend's dog for an afternoon, buy yourself a new perfume, eat a square of chocolate, take a warm bath, or attend a workshop related to your hobby.
Step 2: Positive self-talk can help build an appreciation for your body.
You may struggle with your body image as a result of your eating disorder.It is likely that it will take a while for you to work through your negative feelings about your body.You can change the way you talk about your body.If you catch yourself thinking negatively about yourself, replace it with a positive or neutral statement.For instance, if you thought to yourself, "I look so gross today," you could replace that thought with something else.
Step 3: It is possible to exercise.
If you have a problem with ED, exercise can help.Depending on your doctor's recommendation, choose a light to moderate-intensity exercise that you enjoy.You should schedule your workouts daily for 5 days a week.You can go for a nature walk, take a dance class, play a sport, or swim.Before starting an exercise program, make sure you talk to your doctor about your health.It is important while you are in recovery.
Step 4: Masturbating will help you regain your sex drive.
You might not be interested in masturbation if you are dealing with an eating disorder.It is worth trying, as pleasuring yourself can help reawaken your sexual desire.If you feel comfortable, use your hand or sex toy to masturbate.If you don't want to spend time alone, try to pleasure yourself.If you don't have an orgasm at first, it's okay.Go as far as you can.
Step 5: If you want to raise your body mass index, you need to increase your calories.
If you put on a few pounds, you might be able to regain your libido.A low sex drive is linked to a low body mass index.If you want to increase your libido, talk to your dietitian about what you can eat.A doctor can refer you to a therapist.They will come up with a diet plan that will help you eat healthy while still enjoying the foods that you like.
Step 6: Ask your doctor if you can get a penis pump.
Eating disorders can cause ED if you have a penis.It's a common condition that can happen to anyone.You may be able to overcome ED by exercising more, gaining weight, and dealing with your body image.If you can't get an erection or a penis pump, talk to your doctor about taking medication.A penis pump can cause an erection.Place a tension ring around the base of your penis to keep it erect during sex.Your doctor may prescribe a medication.
Step 7: Touch only your butt, genitals, and breasts.
The first step in sensate-focus therapy is to get used to touch.You should be used to feeling your own touch before you have sex with a partner.Your butt, vagina, penis, and breasts should not be touched while you are alone.You can use different types of touch, like pushing your finger into your skin, or scratching your nails.The touches should be enjoyable.
Step 8: When you are ready, include your breasts, butt, and genitals.
Try to touch your breasts and butt after you feel comfortable.Go to your vagina or penis.Touch yourself in a way that makes you feel comfortable.You should try different types of touch.
Step 9: You can apply lotion to your body in a different way.
Apply the lotion to your body by squeezing it onto your hands.Slowly work the lotion on your skin.The sensation from the lotion should be the focus.Submerging the lotion in a bowl of warm water will give you a more interesting sensation.
Step 10: When you are ready, let your partner touch you.
If you feel comfortable, ask your partner to touch you.You should start with your arms, shoulders, and back.Allow them to touch other areas that are comfortable for you.If you start to feel uncomfortable, take things slowly.Say, "I'm not ready for this."I need you to stop and rub your shoulders.
Step 11: You should tell your partner how you feel.
You need to give your partner time to be ready for sex.As you feel comfortable sharing, go into as much detail as you can.Asking them to support your needs will make you feel comfortable in your relationship.I don't know how long it will take before I'm ready to have sex.We should take our time and build up to that level of intimacy.You could say, "I have an eating disorder for the past 2 years, so I don't have a sex drive right now."I need time to feel comfortable with sex, but I find you attractive.Will you be with me during my recovery?
Step 12: You can bond with your partner by doing fun things together.
A building block of a relationship is spending time with someone.Quality time with your partner will help you feel more comfortable with them.This will make you feel closer to them.If you want, you can hold hands, kiss, or cuddle at first.Go bowling, play mini golf, or play a board game.
Step 13: Before trying to have sex, build emotional intimacy.
Discuss your thoughts, opinions and background with your partner.Share your secrets with them.You can begin to feel comfortable with them if you grow closer as a couple.Talk about your childhood, recovery, or goals for the future.
Step 14: Holding hands, cuddling, and kissing is how to start physical intimacy.
When you start to get intimate, take your time.Give them a hug, hold their hand, or cuddle on the couch.Give them a kiss or make out if you feel comfortable.Until you feel ready for sex, stick to this level of physical intimacy.You may be ready to kiss and hold hands.Go ahead and do it if that is the case.If you feel uncomfortable because of your eating disorder or past, don't feel bad.
Step 15: Try to have sex when you are ready.
Sex can be enjoyable, but only if you want it.Inform your partner that you are ready for sex when you feel like it.It is okay to tell them to stop when you change your mind.If you want to prevent pregnancies or protect against STDs, use protection.
Step 16: If you have trouble with sex, use a lubricant.
Sex might be uncomfortable or even painful if you have an eating disorder.If you want to avoid this, apply a lubricant to your partner's genitals.Personal lubricants can be found at your local drug store.
Step 17: There is a support group for people with eating disorders.
Being part of a community can help someone overcome an eating disorder.Ask your doctor if you can find a support group in your area.You can learn from the experiences of others when you attend the group.There are people who have dealt with sexual problems caused by their eating disorder.
Step 18: You can attend therapy to change your thoughts about sex.
Recovery from an eating disorder requires therapy.The underlying cause of your eating disorder can be addressed by your therapist.They will help you modify your thoughts and behaviors.Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist.If you experienced a sexual trauma that triggered your eating disorder, you need a therapist who is trained in trauma-focused therapy.You can find out if they have credentials by visiting their website.Check your benefits if your therapy appointments are covered by insurance.
Step 19: Go for cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Eating disorders can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to replace problematic thoughts and behaviors.If you have an eating disorder, talk to your therapist about using cognitive behavioral therapy.It could help you overcome your eating disorder and regain your sex drive.Check your therapist's website or credentials to see if they offer cognitive behavioral therapy.