What Is Pornography-Induced Erectile Dysfunction?
Pornography means the information about sexual activities or organs in descriptive or display form intended to cause sexual arousal, available as printed or visual content. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a clinical condition where a man is incapable to achieve or maintain an erection for a sufficient duration to have sexual intercourse. ED can be due to several physical or psychological reasons. One among these is claimed to be pornography.
Usually, the frequent use of pornography causes a change in man’s sexual appetite to the extent that they become incapable of getting arousal by actual sexual interactions. Psychologically, it is the reaction of the brain to sexual arousal that alters. Physically, sex toy usage causes desensitization of penile nerves, making them dependent on more physical stimulation. Pornography results in decreasing a man’s sexual contentment with their own self, causing anxiety during intercourse. Pornography addiction requires a man to gradually enhance their sexual stimulation to achieve and maintain arousal.
Is There a Connection Between Pornography and Erectile Dysfunction?
A lot of studies have been carried out to study the dependency between pornography and erectile dysfunction. The results are controversial. Certain studies insist that pornography can lead to erectile dysfunction, while others suggest that pornography can help in managing it, particularly when ED occurs due to psychological issues or relationship problems.
According to an in-vitro study, published in 2015, regular male audiences of pornography were more responsive to their sexual partners than non-audience. This indicates the effects of pornography on the brain or body for sex, possibly resulting in better performance during real-time sexual intercourse. However, such research is limited and preliminary.
Sometimes, it happens that men feel the guilt of using pornography and struggle with erectile dysfunction because of it. So, here, the negative opinion about pornography is a self-made prediction that cannot be considered wrong or linked to erectile dysfunction.
A group of studies weakly link pornography and erectile dysfunction. An analysis of two large and cross-sectional studies claimed a very modest connection between the two. Additionally, men spending a moderate amount of time on pornography experienced more episodes of ED than frequent or no audiences. This erodes the concept of causing desensitization due to excessive pornography use.
Does Pornography Influence Sexual Function at All?
Though the studies on erectile dysfunction are not conclusive, however, in certain ways pornography affects sexual behavior. Sexual anorexia may occur due to pornography, which is a pathological condition, leading to craving loss for sexual interactions. The affected males may develop fear or apprehension of sexual intimacy and may avoid it completely. However, it is not a direct cause of excessive pornography, and may just be a contributing factor. Nevertheless, experts claim that watching pornography influences sexual appetite, making it difficult to have an erection and orgasm with one’s partner. Often, pornography also reveals a person’s true desires and inclinations, and they may struggle with arousal in the absence of a partner.
Another critical issue with pornography is creating unrealistic expectations about sexual intercourse as a whole, the ideal appearance of a partner, and the cascade of events during intercourse. Pornography can also instill shame or guilt in a man, and a feeling of not living up to the standards of the participating actors.
Who Is at Risk for Pornography-related Erectile Dysfunction?
Besides the frequency of watching pornography, its type also plays a significant role. In comparison with the soft-core pornographic images of magazines, internet pornography usually have better graphics and often shows weird or violent behavior. They are also available round the clock.
Pornography also causes the development of false assumptions that raises a man’s sex tolerance. It is similar to what happens when a person consistently consumes more and more alcohol, leading to an increase in the duration of feeling intoxicated. The same occurs with pornography and sexual performance. A man demands more stimulation as he builds up a tolerance, and then when comes across a wife or partner, he may not be able to perform properly. Excessive pornography can also lead to sexual desensitization in a man, resulting in the sexual excitement inability by ordinary sexual encounters.
Chronic pornography watching can cause an alteration in the brain’s chemicals that may become a cause of organic ED. The expectations become too high. The pornography video images are magnified and do not depict normal anatomy. Various images and experiences are even unrealistic as nobody can continue the activity for hours. Such images also predispose a man to self-doubt, and sexual function or intimacy issues.
What Is the Treatment for Porn-Related Erectile Dysfunction?
Porn-related ED does not require treatment with drugs that are used to achieve an erection as the problem lies with the brain, instead of the penis. Due to a coordination loss between the brain and penis, erection can be obtained with the medications, but not satisfaction. The treatment of pornography-induced ED is not simple as it involves psychological and physical components. The psychological part requires more time and effort. Unfortunately, there is no drug to treat it.
First, a detailed case history is taken by the doctor to know the cause of the ED. The conversation is held in private. The treatment mimics a 12-step recovery program, which starts with a four to six-week plan that desensitizes certain brain receptors.
Counseling sessions also help to overcome some underlying issues. The affected individuals are also endorsed to spend more time with their partners. The couples are also supported to reconnect with each other by touching, and gradually building back the relationship.
Conclusion
Though pornography may not remarkably affect sexual performance, there is not sufficient evidence to prove it is a possible reason for erectile dysfunction. In general, ED is a physical problem of the male body. However, psychological issues significantly influence it as well, but the problem mostly arises due to a lack of blood flow to the penis. Pornography creates various psychological issues that impact overall sexual activities and sexual appetite, but usually not sufficient to actually cause ED.
