Body-focused, or sensorimotor, obsessions involve hyperawareness of automatic bodily activities (e.g., breathing or swallowing). Sexual difficulties in individuals with body-focused obsessions can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1 Body Image Concerns - Obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's appearance can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and self-consciousness during sexual activity, impacting arousal and enjoyment.

2 Anxiety and Stress - The high levels of anxiety and stress associated with body-focused obsessions can negatively affect sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction.

3 Self-Esteem Issues - Poor self-esteem resulting from body-focused obsessions can lead to a lack of confidence in one's sexual abilities and desirability, contributing to sexual difficulties.

4 Distorted Perception - Individuals with body-focused obsessions may have distorted perceptions of their own bodies, leading to inaccurate judgments about how their bodies appear to their partners, which can affect their comfort and engagement in sexual activities.

5 Avoidance Behaviours - People with body-focused obsessions might avoid sexual situations due to their fears and anxieties, leading to a reduction in sexual experience and potentially causing difficulties.

6 Depression - Co-occurring depression can impact sexual interest, arousal, and overall sexual satisfaction.

7 Intimacy Issues - Feelings of shame and embarrassment related to body-focused obsessions can hinder emotional intimacy and communication between partners, affecting the quality of their sexual experiences.

8 Performance Anxiety - Concerns about how they appear to their partner or how their body might be perceived can lead to performance anxiety, affecting sexual function.

9 Negative Body Talk - Engaging in negative self-talk or engaging in discussions about perceived body flaws can create a negative cycle that interferes with sexual enjoyment.

10 Treatment Side Effects - Some individuals with body-focused obsessions may be taking medications that have sexual side effects, further exacerbating sexual difficulties.

It's important for individuals experiencing sexual difficulties related to body-focused obsessions to seek professional help, which may include therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy) to address the underlying obsessions and anxieties, as well as strategies to improve body image and self-esteem.