Listener question: how do I tell him what I want?

I am unsure how to be in the relationship with this man whom i care deeply about but because of all thats coming to the surface around my sexuality and sense of feeling unworthy, i feel too vulnerable right now to sleep with him, but don't know how to tell him and ask for the space i need right now as its a big part of the relationship.  You said in podcast to just leave the relationship alone for now, which i agree with but unsure how to navigate this piece with him. Any thoughts appreciated.