Can watching porn cause erectile dysfunction?

Porn-induced erectile dysfunction is a hypothesised phenomenon where men experience difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection during partnered sex due to habitual pornography consumption. While pornography isn't inherently harmful, excessive use of pornography may lead to erectile dysfunction and other sexual health issues.

Internet pornography usage may contribute to sexual dysfunction because it can alter your perception of sex and change your sexual appetite to the degree that you no longer become aroused during real-life sexual experiences.

The theory is that easier access to porn — and especially a diverse, extensive variety of images and videos — has changed the way many people think about sex, leading to different tastes and expectations from regular sexual intercourse.

This can result in difficulties achieving sexual arousal with a partner, potentially leading to erectile dysfunction. It's a theory that seems to be backed up by some scientific evidence.

In a small study published in the journal PLoS One [1], 11 out of 19 participants with compulsive sexual behaviour noted that they had "experienced diminished libido or erectile function" in physical relationships as a result of excessive use of sexually explicit materials. This suggests that watching excessive amounts of pornography may cause a form of erectile dysfunction that is psychological in nature rather than physical—particularly for those with compulsive sexual behaviour [1].

The same review found that some studies correlated porn use with a preference for masturbation with porn over partnered sex. Since real-life sexual encounters often differ significantly from what is depicted in internet pornography, some men wind up preferring pornography.

This preference can reinforce the inability to achieve sexual arousal in real-life situations, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Beyond porn usage, psychological and mental health issues like depression, generalised anxiety, performance anxiety, and chronic stress may also play a role in sexual dysfunction. However, unless it interferes with your daily life, there is no evidence that regular use of porn is damaging to your sexual health or overall health.

A recent study presented at the European Association of Urology virtual Congress explored the connection between porn watching and erectile dysfunction in young men under the age of 40 [2]. Researchers surveyed 3,267 men about their masturbation habits, pornography viewing, and sexual activity with partners.

Here are some key findings:

• 65% of respondents found having sex with a partner more stimulating than watching porn.
• 90% admitted to fast-forwarding to the most arousing pornographic scenes.
• 20% felt the need to watch more extreme porn to achieve the same level of arousal during sex.
• 23% of men under the age of 35 experienced some level of erectile dysfunction when having sex with a partner.

Head researcher Professor Gunter de Win of the University of Antwerp noted a significant relationship between time spent watching porn and increasing difficulty with erectile function during partnered sex. He stated, “We found that there was a highly significant relationship between time spent watching porn and increasing difficulty with erectile function with a partner, as indicated by the erectile function and sexual health scores."

Excessive pornography use can lead to unrealistic expectations about sexual encounters and physical stimulation. The highly stimulating nature of internet pornography may desensitise the brain's response to sexual arousal, making it more difficult to become aroused by real-life sexual experiences with a partner.

This desensitisation can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction. The brain may require increasingly intense stimulation to achieve an erection, which real-life sex may not provide. This can lead to performance anxiety and further exacerbate the inability to get or keep an erection.

Frequent masturbation while watching pornography may also play a role in erectile dysfunction. The constant exposure to highly stimulating content can make it challenging to achieve the same level of arousal with a sexual partner. In some cases, this can develop into a porn addiction, further affecting sexual performance and satisfaction.

While pornography may contribute to erectile dysfunction, it's essential to consider other potential causes.

Common causes of erectile dysfunction include [3]:

• Health Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, vascular diseases affecting blood vessels, and other medical conditions.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor sleep, lack of physical activity, and obesity.
• Psychological Issues: Stress, anxiety, depression, significant stress, and relationship problems.
• Medications: Certain medications can have side effects that cause ED.

If you suspect that your pornography use is contributing to erectile dysfunction, there are steps you can take to improve your sexual health:

1. Reduce or Stop Watching Porn: Consider taking a break from pornography to reset your brain's response to sexual stimuli. Reducing exposure can help restore natural sexual arousal with your partner.
   
   
2. Seek Medical Advice: Consult a healthcare professional or sex therapist for guidance. They can help determine if pornography use is the cause of your ED and recommend appropriate treatment options.
   
   
3. Improve Communication with Your Partner: Open discussions about your sexual needs and concerns can alleviate performance anxiety and enhance sexual satisfaction.
   
   
4. Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Regular exercise, adequate sleep, a well-balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can improve blood flow to the penis, aiding in achieving and maintaining an erection.
   
   

Doctor-Designed Personalised Treatment Options from Mosh

At Mosh, we collaborate with independent Australian doctors and health practitioners to provide evidence-based treatments for erectile dysfunction, delivered discreetly to your door.

• Comprehensive Assessment: Our doctors evaluate your lifestyle, health conditions, diet, exercise habits, and medical history to identify the root causes of your erectile dysfunction.
  
  
• Convenient Consultations: We offer 100% online, private services with text-based, phone, and video consultations, ensuring confidential communication.
  
  
• Evidence-Based Treatments: Following guidelines from reputable medical resources like the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), we provide treatments tailored to your needs.
  
  

Take the First Step Towards Better Sexual Health

Regaining confidence and improving your sexual performance is possible. By addressing factors like excessive pornography consumption and seeking professional help, you can overcome erectile dysfunction and enjoy satisfying sexual activity with your partner.