What is pornography-induced erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity. It currently affects approximately 30 million men in the United States.
ED has many causes. Some experts believe one of them is excessive pornography use. This is called pornography-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED).
Although PIED is not currently a recognized medical condition, the term has recently gained popularity and is the subject of research.
For example:
Online pornography, in particular, is believed to be partially responsible for the rising rates of sexual dysfunction (including ED), especially in men under 40.
One study found that ED is associated with a preference for pornography and masturbation. This study also concluded that ED rates were higher in participants who preferred or chose pornography over in-person sex with a partner.
How does it occur?
Erectile dysfunction is often associated with aging. By age 40, approximately 40% of men experience at least some degree of erectile dysfunction, and 5% suffer from it completely. By age 70, 70% experience some degree of erectile dysfunction, and 15% suffer from it completely. 5 The increase with age is four times higher in men in their 70s than in men in their 20s. 6
Erectile dysfunction is linked to underlying physical problems, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and neurological disorders. However, the causes of erectile dysfunction can also be mental or emotional. Men who are stressed or under pressure may suffer from erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, erectile dysfunction itself can lead to loss of self-esteem, shame, anxiety, and depression.
Porn-induced erectile dysfunction causes in men
Several studieshave found a link between compulsive pornography use and reduced sexual desire or erectile dysfunction.
However, it is still unknown whether excessive pornography use is likely a direct cause or simply a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction.
Unlike other causes of erectile dysfunction, peritoneal erectile dysfunction (PIED) is psychological, not physical. Therefore, excessive pornography viewing likely contributes to erectile dysfunction by affecting the brain.
What are the symptoms of pornography-induced erectile dysfunction?
Some symptoms of pornography-induced erectile dysfunction are similar to those of general erectile dysfunction.
- Possible symptoms of pornography-induced erectile dysfunction include:
- Difficulty achieving an erection at any time
- Ability to achieve an erection, but difficulty maintaining it during sex
- Ability to achieve an erection sometimes, but not when actual sex is desired
- Low self-esteem and depression related to erectile dysfunction
- Decreased sexual desire or arousal. In pornography-induced erectile dysfunction, this can mean:
- Greater sexual arousal from pornography than when with a partner
- Less arousal during real-life sex
- Needing to view more extreme material to achieve the same level of arousal
How is erectile dysfunction treated?
If you suffer from pornography-induced erectile dysfunction, it is important for your doctor to identify the underlying cause. Some studies show that common treatments for erectile dysfunction, called PDE5 inhibitors, may be less effective when pornography-induced erectile dysfunction occurs.
Other treatments for erectile dysfunction include lifestyle changes and medical treatments, such as:
- Exercising more
- Quitting smoking
- Eating healthy
- Taking medications like Viagra or Cialis, which help promote blood flow to the penis
Frequently Asked Questions
Does watching pornography cause erectile dysfunction?
Many people of all sexual orientations and genders enjoy watching pornography without any repercussions. However, excessive pornography consumption can have significant psychological impacts, especially on young men. These impacts can affect our self-esteem, our expectations, our perception of reality, and our ability to have real sex in meaningful ways.
Why does pornography cause erectile dysfunction?
Pornography is designed to look and sound as exciting as possible, featuring perfectly airbrushed models performing fantastical sex acts in dreamlike locations; however, it has virtually no basis in real sex. Since many young men watch pornography before having their first real sexual experience, and since pornography can be highly addictive (due to the dopamine released in the brain), excessive pornography consumption can make it difficult, or even impossible, to achieve and maintain an erection in a real sexual situation (i.e., without pornography as a stimulus).
What should I do if pornography is affecting my sex life?
If you think your pornography addiction is affecting your ability to get aroused or achieve and maintain an erection, the first step is to talk to your doctor. You should also talk to other people, especially your partner, and preferably a therapist. Talking about our problems is almost always the best way to resolve them.
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