The way a woman feels about her body - and her relationship with her partner - could affect aspects of her sexual function, such as desire, arousal, and orgasm. 

In a recent Journal of Sexual Medicine article, scientists from Germany reported on their study of 2,685 women under age 35. Each woman completed an online questionnaire, including a tool called the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which is designed to evaluate women's sexual health for medical studies.

They also answered questions about their overall health and body image. 

The researchers found that women had better sexual function when they were in a steady relationship and had greater body self-acceptance.

Single women and those who called their relationships "conflicted" or "friendship" tended to have worse sexual function. 

However, having a good relationship or a positive body image might act as a "buffer" in situations that are less than ideal, the researchers noted. For example, single women with high body acceptance could have good sexual function.  Or, women with poor body image may have better sexual function if they are in a steady relationship.

Learn more about this study.