Excessive pornography use can be associated with the development of compulsive behaviors, leading to potential mental and sexual health consequences. Learn how to recognize when pornography is harmful!
With the easy access to pornographic content online, it’s easy to get lost in this universe. It’s no surprise that pornography addiction can affect many people, being more common among men.
Porn addiction is so concerning that the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies it as a psychological disorder. Compulsive consumers of this content may suffer impacts on their mental and sexual health, as well as negative effects on their sex life.
Understand the harms of pornography addiction, how to identify when it’s happening, and what steps can be taken to overcome this challenge.
Signs that pornography has become an addiction
Recognizing that pornography has gone from being an occasional source of pleasure to becoming an addiction is not easy.
However, upon reflection, a man may notice some changes that could indicate pornography addiction:
- Increased time spent consuming pornographic content
- Seeking increasingly explicit material to feel pleasure
- Using pornography as a way to escape emotional problems or everyday stress
- Feeling ashamed or guilty after consuming pornography
- Being late to commitments
- Social isolation
- Difficulty in relationships
These could be signs that the behavior is getting out of control.
Problems and consequences
There are many harms of pornography addiction, and they impact not only mental health but also sexual health. Sometimes, they even disrupt your routine.
Those suffering from pornography addiction may experience social anxiety, feeling less able to connect intimately with real partners, which can result in isolation, depression, and issues in intimate relationships.
In the sexual field, according to clinical research conducted by the Reward Foundation, an institution researching relationships and sexual education, the number of men under 40 experiencing sexual dysfunction has increased from 2% to up to 35%.
Excessive pornography consumption may be related to ejaculation problems, such as premature or delayed ejaculation, and psychogenic erectile dysfunction. This happens because the brain gets used to the immediate pleasure provided by pornography, making it harder to get excited in real situations.
In the medium and long term, this behavior can further worsen sexual performance and cause men to develop an unhealthy view of sex.
In severe cases, men may allow the addiction to overshadow their activities, such as working or spending time with friends, and they may be caught in embarrassing moments.
💡 Your health first: Follow Dr. Paulo Egydio on Tik Tok and Kwai to actively take care of your sexual health.
Triggers that generate and increase pornography addiction
The triggers that lead to pornography addiction can vary from person to person.
Technological evolution, the expanded reach, and internet speed have allowed pornography to be produced on a large scale and for free. Alongside this, there is the social and cultural encouragement for men to explore their sexuality as part of their masculinity.
This combination makes the pursuit of pornographic content a real escape valve for moments of:
- Stress
- Loneliness
- Frustration
- Natural curiosity
Relationship problems, work issues, or family life can be everyday situations that trigger this behavior.
What to do at the first symptoms?
When you notice that you might be showing symptoms of pornography addiction, it’s important to act quickly and seek specialized help. Look for:
- Sexologists, therapists, and psychologists specializing in the area, whether in person or online
- Support groups, with in-person or online meetings, to discuss common issues
- Books, websites, and communities that approach pornography addiction with evidence-based information and empathy
- Installing apps that monitor and limit the time spent on sites used for online pornography consumption
Additionally, it’s important to identify the moments when you’re more likely to consume pornography. Engaging in other habits during these moments, such as physical activity or meditation, can help reduce compulsion.
Despite being embarrassing, talking to friends or family about your difficulties can also provide essential emotional support. Remember: you’re not alone.
What are the treatments for pornography addiction?
Pornography addiction can be treated in many ways.
Mental health professionals may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps identify behavior patterns and develop new ways to deal with triggers.
The support of these professionals is also crucial in providing tools to deal with withdrawal symptoms and the intense desire to consume pornography.
More severe cases may be referred to rehabilitation programs specializing in sexual disorders.
It’s important to remember that patients must remain vigilant throughout their lives to prevent addiction from returning, even after completing treatment.
How to maintain balance between pornography and the real world
It’s important to develop critical awareness of pornographic content to maintain balance with the real world. This helps avoid unrealistic expectations about relationships and sexuality.
Starting to watch pornography too early can pose significant risks, and according to a study conducted by Middlesex University London, the average age for initial exposure to pornography is 12, which can impact how these men relate in the future.
It’s important to reflect on the reason for consumption and how it affects intimacy, especially when men choose to watch pornography alone. If this behavior becomes frequent, it can end up interfering with relationships.
Pornography consumption can be a healthy way to explore fantasies and spice up your sex life. It’s even possible to watch a movie with your partner, for example, if both are willing.
Remember: it’s not positive for pornography to become a substitute for real intimacy. It should be a complement to enhance the sexual experience.
Pornography addiction can have dangerous consequences for the man’s life and everyone around him. Recognizing the signs and understanding the harms associated with this behavior is crucial to seeking help and starting the recovery process.
The treatment is complex, but it can help improve sexuality off the screens and promote a more balanced life.
Dr. Paulo Egydio has many tips to help your sex life in case of erectile dysfunction. Fill out the form and receive a personalized analysis to learn how to start taking care of your sexual health.
Read also
- What is penile fracture?
- Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease: Risks and Recommendations
- Egydio’s Technique: Peyronie Disease Treatment
- Does the Egydio Technique Work for Every Penile Curvature?
- Implante de Prótese Peniana | Dr. Paulo Egydio
- Does Small Penis Exist? Check When Size Is a Concern
- 7 Simple Habits to Prevent Prostate Cancer
- Can People with a Penile Prosthesis Play Sports?
- How to Enlarge the Penis: Understanding the Options
- 6 Causes of Penis Fissures: Treatments and Care Tips
