Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsED and PornPossible CausesAdditional CausesCan Porn Be Healthy?Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
ED and Porn
Possible Causes
Additional Causes
Can Porn Be Healthy?
Treatment
Scientists are still figuring out whether porn can causeerectile dysfunction(ED), an inability to maintain an erection in people who have penises. Emerging research indicates that porn use is causing more people under 40 to experience (ED).But that doesn’t prove causation, and many people watch porn as part of a healthy sexual lifestyle.
ED happens when a person has trouble getting or keeping an erection that is hard enough for penetrative sex. ED has physical, mental, and emotional causes, which sometimes intertwine to cause a person trouble with getting their penis hard.
This article discusses what researchers know about whether porn causes ED and what you should do if porn is interfering with your sex life.
At Verywell Health, we respect that there are many ways a person may hold and express a sense of gender identity. In the following article, the term “men” is used to describe people who have a penis and are identified as males in research studies about porn and ED.
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Porn and Erectile Dysfunction
Pornography is a controversial topic and brings up moral issues for some people. Despite that, the use of porn is pervasive.
One study found over half of a sample of university students reported having watched porn.Some estimates put the rates much higher; among 941 Australians included in a 2017 study, 87% said they had viewed porn.Porn has become much more pervasive in recent years with the proliferation of online porn streaming sites, which began launching around 2006.
Soon after these “porn-tube” sites became prevalent, researchers noticed that ED in younger people was becoming more common. Around 2000, rates of ED in men who were under 40 were around 2% to 5%. By 2011, studies were reporting that 14% to 28% of men under 40 were experiencing ED.
It’s important to note that this correlation does not necessarily mean that porn use is causing erectile dysfunction. However, it does have researchers examining a possible link between porn and ED.
How Does It Happen?
Erectile dysfunction is typically associated with aging. At age 40, about 40% of men experience ED at least minimally and 5% have complete ED. By age 70, it affects 70% to some extent and 15% have complete ED.The increase with age represents a fourfold rise in ED among men in their 70s, when compared with men in their 20s.
Erectile dysfunction is linked with underlying physical issues, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and neurological disorders. However, the causes of erectile dysfunction can also be mental or emotional. Men who are under stress or who feel pressured to perform might experience ED. Further, the ED itself can lead to loss of self-esteem, shame, anxiety, and depression.
Young people who experience porn-induced ED do not have underlying physical health conditions in most cases.However, researchers believe that watching porn may change how they experience sexual stimulation and satisfaction.
Porn and the Brain
Although sex involves physical activity,sexual arousal starts in the brain. In response to sexual stimuli, the brain releases a neurotransmitter that causes the penis to get hard.
Researchers have hypothesized that the increased exposure to porn causes people to be less reactive to sexual stimuli.
Another study found that men who use porn may develop a preference for masturbation while using porn, rather than desiring partnered sex.The unrealistic depiction of penises and the male body in porn may contribute to performance anxiety or body insecurity that can make it difficult for a person to get or maintain an erection.
It’s important to rule out other causes of erectile dysfunction beyond porn-induced ED. About 80% of ED cases in men under 40 have psychological origins, but these are not all related to porn.Other mental and emotional factors, like being depressed, anxious, or stressed, can also cause ED.
About 15% to 20% of ED cases in young people have underlying physical causes.These can include:
Diabetes and obesity, in particular, may be associated with low testosterone, which can contribute to secondary ED.
Masturbation Doesn’t Cause Erectile Dysfunction, But Is There a Link?
Although porn can be harmful to some people, others report that watching porn is beneficial to their sex lives, both individually and with a partner.
According to one study, the top two reasons for watching porn are an increased sex drive and enhanced sexual performance.Another study found that only 3% to 8% of porn users reported problems associated with using porn.
Only you and your partner can decide what level of porn watching is healthy within your relationship. However, if you notice that you are having difficulties maintaining an erection during sexual contact, or if you prefer porn to real-life sexual encounters, it’s likely time to reevaluate your usage.
There is no shame or concern in watching porn if you are an adult. Just remember to keep communication open with your partner (if you have one). And check in with yourself periodically about whether porn is affecting your sex life, either positively or negatively.
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?
If you are experiencing porn-induced ED, it’s important for your healthcare provider to make the connection with your porn use as an underlying cause. Some studies find that treatments commonly used for ED, calledPDE5 inhibitors, may be less effective when the ED is porn-induced.
Othertreatments for erectile dysfunctioninclude lifestyle changes and medical treatment, such as:
Is Viagra Safe and Effective?For most people, Viagra (sildenafil) is safe and effective when used as prescribed.People under age 65 usually begin with a 50 mg dose taken 30 minutes to four hours before having sex. Be sure to discuss Viagra use with your healthcare provider. There are serious side effects and potential drug interactions for people with certain health conditions, such as heart disease.
Is Viagra Safe and Effective?
For most people, Viagra (sildenafil) is safe and effective when used as prescribed.People under age 65 usually begin with a 50 mg dose taken 30 minutes to four hours before having sex. Be sure to discuss Viagra use with your healthcare provider. There are serious side effects and potential drug interactions for people with certain health conditions, such as heart disease.
Causes and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction
Porn Addiction and Seeking Help
Some people might need guidance in overcoming their porn-induced ED. Talking with a sexual health professional or counselor can help if your symptoms persist even after you’ve stopped watching porn.
However, if you’re watching porn too much for your own comfort level and feel unable to stop, it’s a good idea to speak with a sexual health counselor. You can also talk openly with your partner or a trusted friend about how they can support you in reducing or eliminating your porn use.
Can Porn Be Addictive?Scientists are still split about whether porn is addictive. A study of questionnaire responses from 3,419 men between ages 18 and 35 found a high correlation between ED and “porn addiction,” with some questions drawn from the Cyber Pornography Addiction Test (CYPAT). It’s important to note that porn addiction is not a diagnosis, however, and is considered an impulse control disorder.
Can Porn Be Addictive?
Scientists are still split about whether porn is addictive. A study of questionnaire responses from 3,419 men between ages 18 and 35 found a high correlation between ED and “porn addiction,” with some questions drawn from the Cyber Pornography Addiction Test (CYPAT). It’s important to note that porn addiction is not a diagnosis, however, and is considered an impulse control disorder.
Summary
There’s not yet a definitive link between porn use and erectile dysfunction. Research evidence suggests an increase in ED in younger age groups since streaming internet porn became available, but there are many other risk factors for ED (and ways the condition is treated).
Some people find that reducing their porn consumption can reduce their episodes of ED. But other steps, like exercising and eating healthy, may also help. Talk with your partner about how much porn should be a part of your healthy sex life.
Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider, too, to rule out any physical causes of ED, like diabetes or high blood pressure. They canprescribe medicationsto help you get and maintain an erection.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Park BY, Wilson G, Berger J, et al.Is internet pornography causing sexual dysfunctions? A review with clinical reports.Behav Sci (Basel). 2016;6(3):17. doi:10.3390/bs6030017Bőthe B, Tóth-Király I, Potenza MN, Orosz G, Demetrovics Z.High-frequency pornography use may not always be problematic.J Sex Med. 2020;17(4):793-811. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.01.007Camilleri C, Perry JT, Sammut S.Compulsive internet pornography use and mental health: a cross-sectional study in a sample of university students in the United States.Front Psychol. 2021;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.613244Lim MSC, Agius PA, Carrotte ER, Vella AM, Hellard ME.Young Australians' use of pornography and associations with sexual risk behaviours.Aust N Z J Public Health. 2017 Aug;41(4):438-443. doi:10.1111/1753-6405.12678.Lakin M, Wood H.Erectile Dysfunction.Nguyen HMT, Gabrielson AT, Hellstrom WJG.Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men-A Review of the Prevalence and Risk Factors.Sex Med Rev. 2017 Oct;5(4):508-520. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004.Kühn S, Gallinat J.Brain structure and functional connectivity associated with pornography consumption: the brain on porn.JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(7):827-834. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.93Burtăverde V, Jonason PK, Giosan C, Ene C.Why do people watch porn? An evolutionary perspective on the reasons for pornography consumption.Evolutionary Psychol. 2021;19(2). doi:10.1177/14747049211028798Jacobs T, Geysemans B, Van Hal G, Glazemakers I, Fog-Poulsen K, Vermandel A,et al.Associations Between Online Pornography Consumption and Sexual Dysfunction in Young Men: Multivariate Analysis Based on an International Web-Based Survey.JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2021 Oct 21;7(10):e32542. doi: 10.2196/32542.Food and Drug Administration.Viagra Label.Jacobs T, Geysemans B, Van Hal G, Glazemakers I, Fog-Poulsen K, Vermandel A,et al.Associations Between Online Pornography Consumption and Sexual Dysfunction in Young Men: Multivariate Analysis Based on an International Web-Based Survey.JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2021 Oct 21;7(10):e32542. doi: 10.2196/32542.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Park BY, Wilson G, Berger J, et al.Is internet pornography causing sexual dysfunctions? A review with clinical reports.Behav Sci (Basel). 2016;6(3):17. doi:10.3390/bs6030017Bőthe B, Tóth-Király I, Potenza MN, Orosz G, Demetrovics Z.High-frequency pornography use may not always be problematic.J Sex Med. 2020;17(4):793-811. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.01.007Camilleri C, Perry JT, Sammut S.Compulsive internet pornography use and mental health: a cross-sectional study in a sample of university students in the United States.Front Psychol. 2021;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.613244Lim MSC, Agius PA, Carrotte ER, Vella AM, Hellard ME.Young Australians' use of pornography and associations with sexual risk behaviours.Aust N Z J Public Health. 2017 Aug;41(4):438-443. doi:10.1111/1753-6405.12678.Lakin M, Wood H.Erectile Dysfunction.Nguyen HMT, Gabrielson AT, Hellstrom WJG.Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men-A Review of the Prevalence and Risk Factors.Sex Med Rev. 2017 Oct;5(4):508-520. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004.Kühn S, Gallinat J.Brain structure and functional connectivity associated with pornography consumption: the brain on porn.JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(7):827-834. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.93Burtăverde V, Jonason PK, Giosan C, Ene C.Why do people watch porn? An evolutionary perspective on the reasons for pornography consumption.Evolutionary Psychol. 2021;19(2). doi:10.1177/14747049211028798Jacobs T, Geysemans B, Van Hal G, Glazemakers I, Fog-Poulsen K, Vermandel A,et al.Associations Between Online Pornography Consumption and Sexual Dysfunction in Young Men: Multivariate Analysis Based on an International Web-Based Survey.JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2021 Oct 21;7(10):e32542. doi: 10.2196/32542.Food and Drug Administration.Viagra Label.Jacobs T, Geysemans B, Van Hal G, Glazemakers I, Fog-Poulsen K, Vermandel A,et al.Associations Between Online Pornography Consumption and Sexual Dysfunction in Young Men: Multivariate Analysis Based on an International Web-Based Survey.JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2021 Oct 21;7(10):e32542. doi: 10.2196/32542.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Park BY, Wilson G, Berger J, et al.Is internet pornography causing sexual dysfunctions? A review with clinical reports.Behav Sci (Basel). 2016;6(3):17. doi:10.3390/bs6030017Bőthe B, Tóth-Király I, Potenza MN, Orosz G, Demetrovics Z.High-frequency pornography use may not always be problematic.J Sex Med. 2020;17(4):793-811. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.01.007Camilleri C, Perry JT, Sammut S.Compulsive internet pornography use and mental health: a cross-sectional study in a sample of university students in the United States.Front Psychol. 2021;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.613244Lim MSC, Agius PA, Carrotte ER, Vella AM, Hellard ME.Young Australians' use of pornography and associations with sexual risk behaviours.Aust N Z J Public Health. 2017 Aug;41(4):438-443. doi:10.1111/1753-6405.12678.Lakin M, Wood H.Erectile Dysfunction.Nguyen HMT, Gabrielson AT, Hellstrom WJG.Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men-A Review of the Prevalence and Risk Factors.Sex Med Rev. 2017 Oct;5(4):508-520. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004.Kühn S, Gallinat J.Brain structure and functional connectivity associated with pornography consumption: the brain on porn.JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(7):827-834. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.93Burtăverde V, Jonason PK, Giosan C, Ene C.Why do people watch porn? An evolutionary perspective on the reasons for pornography consumption.Evolutionary Psychol. 2021;19(2). doi:10.1177/14747049211028798Jacobs T, Geysemans B, Van Hal G, Glazemakers I, Fog-Poulsen K, Vermandel A,et al.Associations Between Online Pornography Consumption and Sexual Dysfunction in Young Men: Multivariate Analysis Based on an International Web-Based Survey.JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2021 Oct 21;7(10):e32542. doi: 10.2196/32542.Food and Drug Administration.Viagra Label.Jacobs T, Geysemans B, Van Hal G, Glazemakers I, Fog-Poulsen K, Vermandel A,et al.Associations Between Online Pornography Consumption and Sexual Dysfunction in Young Men: Multivariate Analysis Based on an International Web-Based Survey.JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2021 Oct 21;7(10):e32542. doi: 10.2196/32542.
Park BY, Wilson G, Berger J, et al.Is internet pornography causing sexual dysfunctions? A review with clinical reports.Behav Sci (Basel). 2016;6(3):17. doi:10.3390/bs6030017
Bőthe B, Tóth-Király I, Potenza MN, Orosz G, Demetrovics Z.High-frequency pornography use may not always be problematic.J Sex Med. 2020;17(4):793-811. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.01.007
Camilleri C, Perry JT, Sammut S.Compulsive internet pornography use and mental health: a cross-sectional study in a sample of university students in the United States.Front Psychol. 2021;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.613244
Lim MSC, Agius PA, Carrotte ER, Vella AM, Hellard ME.Young Australians' use of pornography and associations with sexual risk behaviours.Aust N Z J Public Health. 2017 Aug;41(4):438-443. doi:10.1111/1753-6405.12678.
Lakin M, Wood H.Erectile Dysfunction.
Nguyen HMT, Gabrielson AT, Hellstrom WJG.Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men-A Review of the Prevalence and Risk Factors.Sex Med Rev. 2017 Oct;5(4):508-520. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004.
Kühn S, Gallinat J.Brain structure and functional connectivity associated with pornography consumption: the brain on porn.JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(7):827-834. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.93
Burtăverde V, Jonason PK, Giosan C, Ene C.Why do people watch porn? An evolutionary perspective on the reasons for pornography consumption.Evolutionary Psychol. 2021;19(2). doi:10.1177/14747049211028798
Jacobs T, Geysemans B, Van Hal G, Glazemakers I, Fog-Poulsen K, Vermandel A,et al.Associations Between Online Pornography Consumption and Sexual Dysfunction in Young Men: Multivariate Analysis Based on an International Web-Based Survey.JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2021 Oct 21;7(10):e32542. doi: 10.2196/32542.
Food and Drug Administration.Viagra Label.
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