Excessive consumption of pornography desensitizes men to real sexual stimuli, creates unrealistic expectations, and increases performance anxiety, especially among young people. All this influences erectile dysfunction. Learn more.
For decades, pornography has been a growing concern among mental health specialists, human behavior experts, and even doctors. Day by day, internet “porn” is becoming more accessible and, in many cases, even free, leading to excessive consumption in many instances.
Although adult entertainment is normalized in society, research suggests that excessive consumption is not only related to mental health issues but can also lead to serious problems, bringing impacts on sexual, physical, and even relationship health.
Among the main problems of constant exposure to pornography are:
- desensitization to natural sexual stimuli;
- dissatisfaction with real relationships;
- formation of unrealistic expectations about sexual performance and appearance.
When we talk about mental health, these factors can contribute to social isolation and increased cases of anxiety and depression.
As for male sexual health, excessive use of pornography can also be harmful. In fact, a study by the European Association of Urology indicates that the amount of consumption of this type of content is associated with worsening erectile dysfunction.
Although erection problems are more common in older men, the easy and frequent access to pornography has increased the incidence of this problem even among young people. Understand everything about the relationship between pornography and erectile dysfunction in today’s text!
Can pornography cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes, pornography can cause erectile dysfunction in men, being a common cause especially in young men.
The phenomenon is known as “pornography-induced erectile dysfunction” or PIED.
How does pornography affect erectile function in men?
Pornography can affect erectile function causing dysfunction in men in several ways. The main ones are:
- Unrealistic expectations caused by pornography due to unrealistic and extreme sexual activity scenes, which can lead young men to develop distorted expectations, resulting in difficulties in maintaining real sexual relationships;
- Reduced sensitivity to real stimuli, which can make it difficult to become aroused and, therefore, achieve erections and sexual performance;
- Performance anxiety caused by the pressure to meet the standards presented in pornography, contributing to erectile dysfunction;
- Social isolation and lack of experience caused by excessive pornography, reducing the time and opportunity for social interactions and real sexual experiences;
- Finally, young people’s brains are more susceptible to changes and adaptations. Frequent consumption of pornography can damage areas associated with pleasure and sexual arousal, making the brain dependent on pornographic stimuli to achieve arousal.
Symptoms that pornography is affecting male sexual health
Some symptoms may indicate that excessive consumption of pornography is negatively impacting male sexual health. Understand the main signs that something is wrong:
- Difficulty maintaining erections;
- Need to watch pornographic content to achieve an erection;
- Problems with ejaculation, such as delayed ejaculation;
- Decreased sexual desire for partners;
- Dissatisfaction with real sex;
- Loss of interest in sexual relationships with partners;
- Preference for masturbation while watching pornographic content instead of maintaining intimacy with partners;
- Performance anxiety;
- Need to watch more extreme pornographic content to achieve arousal;
- Dependency on pornography to become aroused or reach orgasm;
- Social isolation;
- Relationship conflicts due to pornography dependency.
Is pornography-induced erectile dysfunction permanent?
Erectile dysfunction caused by excessive consumption of pornography, as it is often related to emotional problems that harm both physical and mental health, is not necessarily permanent.
Although possible, recovery may require time and effort, combining medical follow-up and therapy.
It is important for the person to first recognize that there is a problem and seek help to understand how to solve it.
Diagnosis
You can have a proper diagnosis and seek treatment for erectile dysfunction caused by excessive pornography consumption without embarrassment.
The process usually involves a few steps. In the diagnostic phase, a doctor should conduct a complete evaluation to rule out other underlying causes that may trigger erectile dysfunction, such as diabetes, cardiovascular, or hormonal problems.
Additionally, both the doctor and therapist will assess, during the consultation, the sexual history, pornography use, and any emotional or psychological problems that may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Treatment
Understanding the problem, the next step is to seek professional help. Remember: any medical and therapeutic approach must be personalized and recommended according to the specific situation of each patient.
Below are some approaches that may be recommended by the doctor or therapist as needed:
- Reduce or eliminate pornography: reducing this consumption can help reverse erectile dysfunction. In some cases, this measure may be sufficient. But, if not, other approaches can also be followed.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help understand and modify thoughts related to pornography.
- Sex therapy: a sex therapist can provide specific strategies to deal with dysfunctions.
- Couples therapy: sometimes the problem can also affect the relationship. In this case, couples therapy can help strengthen communication.
- Anxiety reduction techniques: when there is performance anxiety, techniques like mindfulness and other anxiety reduction practices can be interesting.
- Medication: if necessary, the urologist can also prescribe medications associated with other treatment strategies.
How long can it take to recover erectile function after treatment?
The recovery time of erectile function after treatment like this can vary from case to case. The duration depends on factors such as the severity of the problem, the time of pornography consumption, and adherence to treatment.
In general, improvements can appear in a few weeks, but some men may need months of treatment to see results.
How to avoid pornography addiction?
Studies on pornography addiction support the importance of a multifaceted approach, meaning: researchers understood that the combination of education, therapy, and lifestyle changes can be effective in preventing and treating pornography addiction.
Among the findings of studies on the subject, there is the idea that cognitive-behavioral therapy, for example, is interesting for treating compulsive behavior related to pornography use.
Education about the negative impacts of pornography is also extremely important for prevention and treatment.
Do not let pornography compromise your life and well-being. If you identified with the description of the problem in this text, join Dr. Paulo Egydio’s group on WhatsApp and discover how to actively take care of your sexual health with amazing tips.
Learn more:
- Male Self-Care: Why Is It Important for Health?
- Learn All About Enlarged Prostate: Causes, Diagnosis, and Recommended Treatments
- Does Stress Decrease Libido? Learn How to Identify and Treat It
- What Is Ejaculation? Answers to Your Main Questions
- Consequences of Male Sexual Abstinence and the Problems It Can Cause
- 10 Tips for Penis Care to Maintain Health and Prevent Infections and Diseases
- See What Causes Erectile Dysfunction and Available Treatments
- Prostate Surgery: What to Expect, Risks, and Recovery
- Gut Health and Sexual Function: The Connection
