Porn and ED: What’s the Real Connection?

Dr. Anne
Dr. Anne

Hi!

I'm Dr. Anne Truong, MD

Dr. Anne Truong is a highly respected physician, best-selling author and internationally sought-after speaker on the topics of regenerative cell medicine, pain management, and applications for aesthetics and sexuality.

For many years, there has been an ongoing debate and research into the relationship between Internet porn and Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction (PIED) suggests that frequent consumption of pornography may lead to difficulties in achieving and maintaining an erection during real-life sexual encounters. But how true is this?

Let's delve into the available studies to unpack this complex issue.

Episode Video


The Rising Trend of ED in Young Men

Recent data suggests that instances of ED, specifically in men under 40, have seen a significant increase since 2006. It is the same time when Internet porn use started to become widespread.

A 2014 study on active duty servicemen revealed that rates of ED had more than doubled between 2004 and 2013. The study also reported that psychogenic ED increased more than physical or organic ED. Thus raising the question: could Internet porn be a factor in today’s sexual dysfunction?


Studies on Internet Porn and Sexual Dysfunction

Internet Porn and Sexual Dysfunction
Photographer: charlesdeluvio | Source: Unsplash

Researchers from the Kinsey Institute have found evidence supporting the idea that Internet porn may indeed play a role in sexual dysfunction. Half of the subjects who were regularly exposed to video pornography failed to achieve erections in a lab setting.

Additional studies have shown that individuals who consume Internet porn more than once a week report lower sexual desire compared to non-consumers. People who experience anxiety about sexual performance often turn to pornography as an alternative outlet. Which then can worsen the issue.

Stopping exposure to pornography can have remarkable benefits. Within eight months of quitting, users have reported experiencing successful orgasms. This also results to resolving their ED and enjoying good sexual relations once again.


The Brain and Internet Porn

The hypothalamus, a gland located in the brain, is central to regulating sexual behavior. It operates in tandem with the mesolimbic dopamine system, a key player in sexual arousal and motivation.

Internet porn use has been shown to disrupt these circuits. This makes real-life sexual encounters less stimulating compared to the easily accessible and ever-changing novelty of Internet porn.

Essentially, the brain's reward system becomes conditioned to the high stimulus level of Internet porn. Rendering real-life sexual encounters as less exciting.

The Harmful Effects of Novelty

The brain's reward system thrives on novelty. Internet porn, with its endless variety, capitalizes on this aspect. This leads to a vicious cycle where users require an increasing level of novelty to achieve the same level of arousal.

Over time, this creates unrealistic expectations that partner sex can't meet, leading to disappointment and ED.


The Solution? Breaking Free from the Internet Porn Cycle!

The studies are not unanimous, and individual experiences vary. However, research has shown that men under 40 who quit watching porn see improvements in their sexual function.

Given these complexities, it is crucial to consider seeking professional help if you experience difficulties related to sexual function and Internet porn consumption. While individual experiences may vary, stopping porn use has shown to improve sexual function in studies. It's a topic that warrants careful consideration, especially given its potential impact on younger generations.


Final Thoughts

To sum up, Internet porn can affect sexual function in several ways. Firstly, it can lead to overstimulation and desensitization. This will require increasingly novel stimuli for arousal. Second, it can set unrealistic expectations for body images and sexual acts. This can lead to anxiety and disappointment in real-life sexual situations. Lastly, the release of dopamine in the brain. Similar to addictive substances, this can lead to reduced sensitivity and impair sexual function over time.


Additional Resources

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