Many people occasionally view pornography to enhance a masturbation experience or a partnered sexual interaction. For the most part, studies have indicated that recreational pornography use is not associated with any form of sexual dysfunction or sexual difficulties.

However, there are times when individuals may feel that they do not have control over how frequently they view pornography. When this occurs, the action of viewing pornography can become a compulsive sexual behavior. This is often referred to as problematic pornography use. Unfortunately, problematic pornography use may be associated with sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and/or sexual dissatisfaction. 

Problematic pornography use and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Multiple studies have shown an association between self-reported problematic pornography use and ED in men. This does not necessarily mean that problematic pornography causes ED, nor does it imply that ED causes problematic pornography viewing habits. Until scientific research confirms a causal relationship between these two conditions, one cannot definitively say why they are associated with each other.

Nevertheless, experts in the field of sexual medicine have several theories as to why problematic pornography use might contribute to ED. First, some assert that the excessive viewing of pornography may desensitize men to real-life sexual stimulation, therefore requiring them to have more and more stimulation to stay aroused and keep an erection.

Second, others theorize that repeated exposure to the men in pornography videos may cause other men to feel self-conscious or unsatisfied with their own bodies. Sexual self-consciousness can trigger performance anxiety that may result in ED.

Lastly, some men may feel guilty about their problematic pornography use and other sexual activities. Guilt about one’s sexual behavior can bring about various sexual difficulties, including ED.       

Problematic pornography use and sexual dissatisfaction.

Sexual dissatisfaction is another common issue that is related to problematic pornography use. One nationally representative survey of 14,135 Swedish participants (6,169 men and 7,966 women) showed that those who used pornography ≥3 times a week were more likely to say they were dissatisfied with their sex lives. A greater proportion of these individuals expressed their desire for more frequent sex, more sexual partners, or sex in a different preferred way.

Additionally, overuse of pornography may cause a person to feel disappointed by a partner’s sexual response or behavior during sex. This too can lead to sexual dissatisfaction and distress.

Intuitively, it makes sense that frequent exposure to pornography (in which people are having sex with multiple partners in a variety of different ways) may make a person feel unsatisfied with their own sex life. In particular, this situation could be heightened for individuals who enjoy a specific fetish or kink but who do not practice this kink with their partners in real life.

Overcoming problematic pornography use.

There are treatment options available for people who suffer from problematic pornography use. If you feel that you cannot control how frequently you use pornography, or you find that your pornography viewing habits are negatively impacting your life, you should consider speaking to your health care provider or a mental health specialist.

References:

• Grubbs, J.B., & Gola, M. (2019). Is pornography use related to erectile functioning? Results from cross-sectional and latent growth curve analyses. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(1), 111-125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.11.004
  
  
• Malki, K., Rahm, C., Öberg, K.G., & Ueda, P. (2021). Frequency of pornography use and sexual health outcomes in Sweden: Analysis of a national probability survey. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(10), 1735-1751. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.08.003