Pornography use alone does not cause erectile dysfunction. Research shows that neither the frequency (how often) nor the duration (for how long) of porn use causes erectile dysfunction. However, feeling conflicted about using porn or believing that one’s use is problematic has been shown to lead to erectile difficulties.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Treatment
Get ED meds online with free shipping, if prescribed. Hims offers FDA-approved ED treatment options, with treatments starting at less than $2/day. 100% online process, discreet delivery. Don’t wait weeks for an appointment. Visit Hims
What Is Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a persistent inability to get or keep an erection sufficient for sexual activity lasting at least six months. Porn-induced erectile dysfunction is when the issue is assumed to be caused by the use of pornography.
Men commonly have occasional difficulties getting an erection; stress, health issues, and substance use can all be factors. It’s estimated that about 20% of men under 30 experience ED, with rates going up roughly 10% for each decade of age.1
The Connection Between Porn & ED
Research has repeatedly shown that the effects of pornography do not cause erectile dysfunction by itself, regardless of how often or for how long it’s used.2, 3, 4 However, when there is a belief that the use is problematic or there are values or beliefs against using porn, problems are likely to arise.3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Sexual shame can be detrimental to sexual arousal.
Research has found no evidence of changes in dopamine or other brain-related activity for those who feel their use is problematic or a porn addiction.8 Although porn doesn’t cause ED, other factors may. Using porn to avoid negative emotions, having a skewed/negative sense of self, and depression potentially play a role in an absent erection.4, 5
Unrealistic Expectations for Sexual Activity
Men often get the message that penis size is the defining aspect of “manliness”. Most men who compare themselves to porn stars are likely to come up short in terms of size and duration of sexual activity. When porn sets the standard for what’s normal, the majority is bound to fail. It would make sense for this to create feelings of worry or insecurity – anxiety is a boner killer!
Additional Porn-Related Sexual Issues
It bears repeating that porn use has not been found to cause any type of sexual disorder, and that porn itself is not inherently bad. However, incongruent values or feelings of shame around porn use may create problems. Believing that pornography is a realistic depiction of sex can be a set-up for other concerns.
Below are additional sexual issues that may result from watching porn.
- Sexual anxiety
- Insecurity
- Unrealistic expectations
- Decreased personal sexual satisfaction
- Hiding use from partner
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Treatment
Hims – Get ED meds online shipped to you if prescribed. FDA-approved ED pills Generics up to 95% cheaper than brand name. 100% online, discreet delivery. No waiting weeks for an appointment. Visit Hims
PlushCare – Treat erectile dysfunction with the proper medication from one of PlushCare’s board-certified doctors online. Book An Appointment
How to Deal with Porn-Induced ED
If you feel that using pornography creates issues, it is. The threshold for something being a problem differs for everyone and can change over time. For those experiencing negative effects from using pornography or beliefs about it, you can take some steps to help.
Below are tips to overcome porn-induced erectile dysfunction:
Explore Your Values
If the biggest issue with porn use is its conflict with personal values, it may be worthwhile to do some reflection. Values change over time and with experience, so taking time to re-evaluate with intention may be long overdue. Consider what it would mean to permit yourself to engage in porn. What would need to change for that to happen?
What about using pornography feels wrong? Is there an amount of usage that would feel ok? Are different types of porn more or less acceptable? Are those your beliefs or those of others? Are there concerns about how the videos or images are created? Would using ethically created porn address these concerns? These are a few things to consider to get you started.
Masturbate Without Porn
Take some time to masturbate without using porn. Reacquaint yourself by focusing on your body and focusing intently on physical stimulation. Recall a pleasurable experience with a partner in as much detail as possible and try to use as many senses as possible in the recreation. Fantasize about a scene or location that would be new and exciting.
For some people, the issue with porn comes from a partner. In these cases, it can be important to clarify if a partner is upset about masturbation or masturbating to porn. Perhaps they see masturbation as cheating, which may require a different conversation.
Read Erotica
If the concern about porn use lies in the visual imagery, consider reading erotic or other arousing written or audio material instead. Find books or short stories with explicit content and use these to create arousing fantasies. Perhaps reading aloud to a partner will enhance arousal and allow for communication about turn-ons and desires.
Hard Mints By Hims – A Fresh way to treat ED. Made with clinically proven effective ingredients. 100% online, discreet delivery. New chewable, mint-flavored tablet. Learn More
Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness regularly has many benefits for both mind and body, including enhancement of sexual pleasure. Focus on the sensation of the skin and feel the nuance of curves, textures, and hair. Imagine each nerve ending that you or your partner is stimulating and the ripples of pleasure moving through the body. Engage all senses as much as possible and allow other thoughts to drift out of your mind.
Talk About Your Desires
Many people use pornography to explore desires, so finding a way to supplement this outside of porn may help. Talk with your partner about a fantasy you have. Clarify whether this is something you might want to try in real life or if it’s something you could talk about during sex. Assure your partner there’s no pressure to act out a fantasy or desire.
Address Emotional Concerns
Using porn to avoid negative or difficult feelings is more likely to create issues. Before engaging with explicit media, check in with yourself about how you’re feeling. If there are any difficult emotions, try to sit with them. See if you can name what you’re feeling. Spend some time writing or reflecting on these feelings and any related situations.
Improve Self-Esteem and Body Image
Loving ourselves is a foundation for healthy engagement with others. If someone feels good about their body and their person, seeing someone else with a good body isn’t so rattling. Appreciate your body for its functionality. Recognize that your partner has chosen you for a reason. Trust that you deserve love and affection without having to prove it.
When to Seek Professional Help
If concerns about porn use are persistent or are creating issues in life, it may be time to consider talking to a therapist. Finding the right therapist can allow exploring and discussing values, shame, and emotional and relational issues. All of these may be contributing to erectile dysfunction or other sexual concerns. Working specifically with a sex therapist may provide comfort when talking about potentially taboo topics.
We tend to process and understand things differently when we say them out loud, which is just one of the reasons talk therapy can help. Seeing a therapist doesn’t mean someone is crazy or has an addiction. It means that sex is difficult for people to talk about, leaving many feeling weird or wrong for being human.
Therapy is a safe place to explore your sexuality.
BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week. Take a Free Online Assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.
In My Experience
As a Certified Sex Therapist, I have seen pornography vilified for years. Even as research continues to mount showing that porn use alone doesn’t cause erectile issues, the internet is replete with tales of warning and woe about the dangers of porn. What we’re seeing is the danger of judgment and shame. If porn use is an issue for you, take some time to reflect on the genuine underlying reason. If you decide that using porn doesn’t jive with your values, then take steps to stop. Our values are anchors for our decisions in life – be clear about them.
Anything can be a distraction from sex. Whether it’s worrying about the oven still being on or listening for the kids coming down the hall, arousal tends to suffer when we’re taken out of the moment. Work on being present with your sexual self, whether alone or with a partner. Enhancing these skills will be an asset to pleasure throughout life.
Additional Resources
Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Treatment
Hims – Get ED meds online shipped to you if prescribed. FDA-approved ED pills, with treatments starting at less than $2/day. 100% online, discreet delivery. No waiting weeks for an appointment. Visit Hims
PlushCare – Treat erectile dysfunction with the proper medication from one of PlushCare’s board-certified doctors online. Book An Appointment
Sex Therapy For Individuals & Couples
Online-Therapy.com expert therapists will guide you on a journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling intimate life. Visit Online-Therapy
Free Prescription Discount Card
Optum Perks Save up to 80% on most prescriptions. Optum Perks provides discounts at over 64,000 pharmacies nationwide. No memberships or costs to you, ever. It’s really that easy. Get your card and start saving. Get the discount card!
Hims ED Review 2024: Cost, Pros & Cons, & Does It Work?
Hims is a great platform that is easy to use and offers a wide variety of treatments for many different health disorders. It is a great place to start if you are new to treatment and not sure where to go or if you do not have an established primary care physician. The treatments offered are FDA-approved or backed by reputable studies for the conditions being treated. It is an ideal way to obtain treatment for tough-to-talk-about conditions or those that are looking for fast and easy appointments.
Roman ED Review 2024: How It Works, Medications Available, & Costs
Roman offers a convenient and accessible solution for individuals seeking prescription medications for sexual health issues, particularly ED. The platform’s telehealth model and user-friendly approach make it an attractive option. This platform may be ideal for those who prioritize convenience and discreet medication delivery, especially if they don’t mind the price point.