Men with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity. A variety of causes can contribute to this, including medical and psychiatric disorders, stress, interpersonal conflict, and the side effects of medications. Furthermore, erectile dysfunction can also be worsened by excessive porn consumption.
This article will cover everything you need to know about porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED).
Introduction to Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction in men caused by watching too much pornography is porn-induced erectile dysfunction. Because pornography can have psychological effects on men, it's essential to know the difference between porn-induced and organic erectile dysfunction when it comes to erectile dysfunction symptoms.
In addition to having difficulty maintaining his erection, a man with porn-induced erectile dysfunction may find it challenging to orgasm or even fail to orgasm when having sex. Despite this, he can masturbate when erect and experience an orgasm. In turn, men with erectile dysfunction brought on by porn may prefer porn to actual sex, leading to conflict and estrangement in their romantic relationships.
ED can be caused by various factors, including stress, low self-esteem, or even a physical injury. However, some of the more specific causes like PIED have been identified. Here are several possible reasons behind PIED.
Lack of sexual stimulation in real life
The main reason porn has many viewers is its ability to arouse men in the easiest way possible. Porn can be accessed anytime and anywhere, even for free. A man may find it challenging to become aroused by a real-life partner due to the potent arousal component of pornography.
Even if the man is excited by his partner, the lack of sexual stimulation in real life can lead to difficulties erecting or achieving an orgasm. And so, the partner may feel neglected and undesired. This can create an unhappy relationship – driving men to watch porn for arousal through pornography and creating an endless cycle.
Low self-esteem Issues
Pornography can have a significant impact on men's self-esteem and expectations. It affects a man's ideal self-image and romantic partner. This creates anxiety in performance because they compare themselves to the actors in porn, even though those expectations are unrealistic.
Fantasies deem better than reality.
By watching porn, men can indulge in any fantasies they like without worrying about what their actual partners may think. As a result, the couple's connection and trust may be compromised, leading to further sexual troubles.
Porn creates an unrealistic sexual experience.
Porn videos usually have quick transitions from one scene to another, which can stimulate so much excitement. However, the reality is different – everything moves at a much slower pace in real-life relationships. This leads to an unrealistic set of relationship goals, which must be natural and healthy.
Cases of Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction
Let's look at some of the studies that have been done on the matter of PIED.
A study of clinical reports in the journal Behavioral Sciences found an association between the growth of porn tube sites and the rise in erectile dysfunction (ED) in younger men as recently as 2016. Many people's attitudes toward sex have shifted due to the proliferation of pornographic media, particularly those that offer a wide range of sexually explicit images and films.
Furthermore, excessive exposure to pornography can also result in an ED that is more psychological than physical in character. Since the people who participated in this study were young and unaffected by the usual biological risk factors for ED, such as heart disease, obesity, or diabetes, this study's correlation shows porn-induced ED.
Another study conducted in 2011 with 28,000 participants examined the effects of porn usage on male sexual views. It was indicated that excessive porn-viewing could lead to poor libido in young men and, ultimately, an inability to have an erection.
All these reports show the link between pornography and sexual problems. Although PIED was one of several difficulties discovered, it is essential to remember that it was just one of many. Other issues found include low libido and an actual dependency on pornography.
How to Recover from Porn-Induced ED
As previously mentioned, excessive porn-viewing can lead to erectile dysfunction.
The first step in overcoming your porn addiction is making a conscious decision or purpose. Getting it right is essential, and you must be honest with yourself. Decide why you want to stop watching so much pornography and plan to achieve that objective.
Make sure that you have a well-defined, optimistic, and clear intention to begin. Be sure of your aims, such as desiring to have healthy sexual arousal and be fulfilled with real-life sex or enjoying pleasurable intimate sexual activity and maintaining.
Here are some other ways to overcome PIED:
- Set a 90-day goal to stop watching pornography entirely.
- Avoid masturbating for at least a whole month.
- Find an alternative way to occupy the time you’d spend accessing porn content.
- Masturbation can be resumed after 30 days, but only two or three times per week, without pornography.
- Try to focus more on the physical sensations of pleasure rather than visuals from pornography as you masturbate (it may help keep your eyes open).
- To make sure you can keep an erection, practice starting and stopping. Remove your hand halfway through and restart. Count to ten before moving on. Try for 15 seconds, then 20, then as high as you can go if you can do this.
Try a real-life sexual encounter when you're ready. Try to focus on your partner and the physical reactions you're experiencing while you go about your day. Try to prevent using pictures from pornography by slowing down and taking it easy. Porn-induced erectile dysfunction can be overcome with time and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can watching porn cause erectile dysfunction?
A link between pornography and sexual dysfunctions, including ED, has yet to be proven, although many research/reports have confirmed the cases of PIED. It’s worth noting that having trouble getting an erection is common for men, but you should see a health professional right away if it's affecting your quality of life. - What's the best way to bring up the subject of ED caused by watching porn with your significant other?
Discuss the significance of pornography in your sexual life and how you might sustain sexual enthusiasm after abstinence from pornography. Remember that porn-induced ED is natural, familiar, and nothing to be embarrassed by. - Should I seek professional help for my PIED problem?
Talking to a health professional can assist you in understanding and balancing your relationship with porn, address any problematic beliefs or behaviours regarding relationships and sex, and develop the capacity to have a healthy sex life in ways supported by pornography rather than driven by it.
Consult Health Professionals for Erectile Dysfunction
The subject of erectile dysfunction caused by pornography can be hard to discuss. It's not easy to find out what's going on. It's hard to face the truth. However, there is an answer. You may feel embarrassed or awkward discussing PIED with a medical professional. However, the best method to deal with problems is to discuss them and seek advice from experts openly.
At Optimale Health, we understand that sexual health is a thorny issue that requires a multifaceted approach. But we aim to make it easier for you to navigate, with treatment regimens tailored to your body and your specific requirements. Our compound pharmacists and doctors will work together to develop personalised treatment plans.
Despite the frustration it might cause, erectile dysfunction is a common problem that can be treated. With this information, we'll be able to grasp your condition and what you'll need from us. Every step of the way, you'll have the support of your Treatment Plan Manager.
It will take time for your body to adjust and improve, but rest assured that we will be there to make sure you feel supported. Book your appointment here.
