Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man cannot achieve an erection or sustain one long enough during sexual activity.
It is one of the most common sexual challenges men face and can be very distressing. Some people, particularly those who have religious or moral qualms about pornography, argue that porn use can cause erectile dysfunction.
The research on porn-induced erectile dysfunction is mixed, with some studies supporting this connection
Men who view pornography may need to progressively increase sexual stimulation to feel and remain aroused.
The use of pornography might change the way the brain reacts to arousal, making a man less likely to feel aroused by a real-life partner.
The use of sex toys might desensitize nerves in the penis, making it more difficult to get an erection because the nerves require more physical stimulation.
The research on porn-induced erectile dysfunction is mixed, with some studies supporting this connection
Men who view pornography may need to progressively increase sexual stimulation to feel and remain aroused.
The use of pornography might change the way the brain reacts to arousal, making a man less likely to feel aroused by a real-life partner.
The use of sex toys might desensitize nerves in the penis, making it more difficult to get an erection because the nerves require more physical stimulation.
The More Porn Watched, the Higher the Percentage of Erectile Dysfunction
The study was a result of a survey of 3,267 men who answered 118 questions about sexual habits, such as masturbation, how often they watch porn, and sexual activity with partners. The research team found that on average porn watching for all participants was about 69 minutes per week.
When they compared that amount of pornography watched with experiences of ED, they found that of those below age 35 who watched 300 minutes per week, 30 percent had ED compared with 10 percent in those who watched less than 30 minutes. In the 35 to 45 age group that watched 300 minutes per week, 40 percent had ED. However, in general only 5 percent of participants were watching 300 minutes or more.
When they compared that amount of pornography watched with experiences of ED, they found that of those below age 35 who watched 300 minutes per week, 30 percent had ED compared with 10 percent in those who watched less than 30 minutes. In the 35 to 45 age group that watched 300 minutes per week, 40 percent had ED. However, in general only 5 percent of participants were watching 300 minutes or more.
More Men Reported Dissatisfaction With Partnered Sex Because of Porn Watching
More then 50 percent with ED problems during partnered sex don’t have a problem when watching porn. The same is true for those with ejaculation problems during partnered sex. Quality of sex life with their partner was lower if they watched more then 300 minutes, but this finding is stronger if there is a high addiction score.
How Does Porn Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
They may seem simple, but erections require the complex cooperation of many bodily and mental processes. Your hormones, nerves, blood circulation, and mood all work together to help you get and keep an erection. ED occurs when one or more of these functions stops working. Watching porn can impact this in a few ways.
Psychological Causes of Porn-induced Erectile Dysfunction
Mental health issues, like depression, low self-esteem, and performance anxiety, are common causes of ED. The effect of porn on your expectations of sex, yourself, or your partner can have the same effect.
Changes in the brain’s arousal circuitry
Unrealistic expectations
Performance anxiety
Changes in the brain’s arousal circuitry
Unrealistic expectations
Performance anxiety
Physical Causes of Porn-induced Erectile Dysfunction
Physical causes of porn-induced ED
It is normal for sex and masturbation (with or without porn) to diminish a man’s ability to have another erection for a certain period after orgasming. This is called a refractory period. If a man, through compulsive behavior, is frequently masturbating to pornography, then he will have more refractory periods and thus greater difficulty in maintaining an erection during sex if it follows shortly after.
Take a Break From Porn
Take a break from porn
Porn is a normal, healthy part of many people’s sexuality. However, if you are experiencing ED, have established that it isn’t due to other causes, and think that it may be related to your exposure to porn, try taking a break and learn to masturbate without it. This doesn’t mean that you can never watch porn again, but taking some time to allow your body and brain to reset themselves can help make things clearer. You may find that your erections improve during sex. You can also take the time to read books about sex and arousal and to explore your sensuality and sexuality in new ways.
