Does Porn Contribute to Erectile Dysfunction?

Many people watch porn before having sex as they believe it stimulates them and sets them in the ‘right mood.’ However, multiple studies done in the recent past suggest that watching too much porn can lead to Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

Erectile dysfunction can be defined as a failure to achieve an erection that is required for a sexual intercourse. The common causes of erectile dysfunction include a blockage in the nerves leading to the penis, inadequate blood supply to the penis, and a lack of stimulus from the brain.

Let us discuss the findings of one of the several studies that have found an association between watching too much porn and erectile dysfunction. This study was conducted by the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine. It surveyed 28000 men to find out about their porn-surfing habits. An important finding of the study was that most of the participants often started off with their porn addiction at the age of 14. By the time these men were in their mid-twenties, they started exhibiting signs of sexual anorexia. They experienced lower reactions to porn sites and eventually observed a drop in libido. This led to a total failure to achieve an erection in certain cases.

 

Why Does Watching too Much Porn Lead to Erectile Dysfunction?

Now, let us try to understand the linkage between watching too much of porn and erectile dysfunction. It has been found that there is a neurophysiological linkage between watching porn and erectile dysfunction. By watching porn, it becomes extremely easy to overstimulate the brain. Watching porn leads to a surge of dopamine in the brain. Over a period of time, the dopamine receptors which were once extremely sensitive, tend to become less and less sensitive. In such cases, normal physical intimacy with a partner fails to produce enough dopamine that can stimulate the dopamine receptors. This in turn means that the more a person becomes addicted to porn, the more difficult it becomes to get an erection. It means that sexual encounters gradually become less pleasurable.

Porn-inducted erectile dysfunction can also lead to performance-anxiety in many people. This can have serious consequences on their relationship with their partners. People suffering from erectile dysfunction tend to become irritable, anxious, and experience frustration. This can, in turn, again contribute to erectile dysfunction. So, we see that watching too much of porn can set a vicious cycle in motion.

 

Is Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction Irreversible?

It is important to note that the effects of porn-induced erectile dysfunction are not irreversible. Abstinence from watching porn, as well as resisting the urge to masturbate for about 2-6 weeks can help in reversing the changes. The recovery time can vary from person-to-person. However, abstinence can help in de-sensitizing dopamine receptors. People often experience anxious moments during the rebooting process. They fear that their libido might vanish altogether without porn. The key to rebooting the dopamine receptors is to remember that a balanced brain tends to be more responsive and sensitive. If our brain is prevented from the easy porn-stimulation loop, it eventually looks for other natural means of stimulation which involve real partners, friendly interaction, and exercise. This goes a long way in addressing self-image and easing performance issues. Men who take charge of their libido and abstain from over-indulgence in porn and focus on improving their relationship with real partners can address issues related to erectile dysfunction.

 

Reference:

• “Dopamine and sexual function”, by Giuliano F, et al. Published in the August 2001 issue of International Journal of Impotence Research, accessed on March 15, 2015. Retrieved from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900719