Resarches on body image suggest a link with sexuality.

The objective of our study was to investigate Tunisian women's perceptions of their bodies and its involvement on sexuality.

A total of 100 Tunisian women were interviewed using a self-administered questionnaire which explores:

1. - Clinical data: weight, height, hormonal status

2. - The perception of women to their bodies and their husband's perception.

3. - The impact of body image on sexual activity

Women's body image was positive in most cases: The body is seen as female in 94% of cases, young in 76% of cases, physically attractive in 66% and erotic in 51% of cases.

Eighty five percent of women were satisfied with their sexual activity. These women report having an erotic body (p = 0.009) and source of self-confidence (p = 0.002).

Half of women said that their body image allowed them to take the initiative in sexual activity and to have a satisfying desire (p = 0.003).

A positive perception of the spouse of a woman's body influenced significantly the sexual behavior of women: more interest to intimate moments (p = 0.001), ability to initiate sexual activity (p = 0.014) and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.018).

Our study shows the positive role of an adequate perception of body image of women by herself and her spouse about sexuality, through its influence on self-esteem and confidence. It would be interesting to consider these dimensions in any treatment of sexual disorders.