Pornography is one of the most vilified topics in sexual health. There is, however, one that is the most feared of all: erectile dysfunction. A survey shows that men who consume pornography have erectile dysfunction and feel dissatisfied with their sexual relationships. But sexual health experts believe that there are multiple perspectives on pornography. They include its purpose and content and how it affects a normal sexual relationship.
Pornography and erectile dysfunction are controversial topics, with some studies suggesting a link between the two and others arguing that pornography may help. ED is a complex health problem involving mental and physical health factors. This article aims to investigate the topic and present the research evidence.
What is Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to sustain an erection for an extended period during a sexual encounter. ED is a common sexual challenge for men that is quite debilitating, affecting millions of men just in the United States. It is becoming more prevalent among sexually active men under 40. Evidence shows that internet porn has contributed to this rise, as studies increasingly link internet porn with ED.
What is Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction (PIED)?
Porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED) results from excessive consumption of internet porn. The condition has not been definitively established as a medical condition, but there have been several symptoms reported. For instance, PIED is thought to cause men to feel less sensitive to real-life sex and to dissociate from sex as a real-life physical experience. This can be a consequence of watching male porn actors with airbrushed bodies.
Alternatively, it may result from the consumption of unrealistic images of women’s bodies, sexual performances, sexual acts, such as multiple orgasms or prolonged ejaculations.
As a result, men may suffer from low self-esteem and body image problems that can negatively affect their performance. According to PIED, pornography is more of a psychological cause of ED rather than a physical one, affecting how men engage in sex in real life.
The truth, is that more and more young men seem to have erectile dysfunction. About one out of four new ED patients are under 40 years old. While porn addiction and pornography may have been unjustly blamed for this phenomenon, evidence indicates it may play a role.
What is the cause of ED?
Some people link pornography with erectile dysfunction, but the condition has a range of causes. Factors such as relationships and body image can also play a part in the cause of erectile dysfunction. The cause of ED for many men is not clear. When men feel guilty about using pornography, it can lead to ED. In this way, the belief that pornography causes erectile dysfunction could succeed in a self-fulfilling prophesy.
There are two types of erectile dysfunction: physical and physiological. Physical factors tend to affect age and physical fitness, especially among older men. Diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity can cause problems in the bedroom. A healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent these types of ED problems. In younger men, erectile dysfunction is often a result of psychological factors like stress, depression, and anxiety. Porn may reduce the brain’s sensitivity to normal sexual arousal.
Porn and the Brain
While physical activity occurs during sex, arousal begins in the brain. In order to understand how excessive porn-viewing can lead to ED, one must first understand how the brain functions. The brain contains about 100 billion neurons, which are cells that send and receive messages between the brain and the body. They make up the nervous system. When sexual stimulation occurs, the brain releases a neurotransmitter that causes the hardening of the penis. Neurotransmitters transmit chemical signals between neurons. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that transmits data to the brain, which regulates thoughts and emotions.
About Dopamine
The reward systems are tied to dopamine. Basically, the reward center in your brain releases “pleasure” chemicals whenever you take part in a healthy activity, like working out, eating delicious food, or cuddling up with someone. When you get a chemical rush from that behavior, it makes you want to continue doing the behavior over and over. As a result of your reward center, your brain encourages you to act in a certain way that will enhance your mood and health.
When you enjoy a sexual experience, your brain creates or reinforces pathways that connect what you are doing with the pleasure that you are experiencing. Essentially, your brain is reconstructing the sexual portion of your map so you can return and repeat the experience in the future. When you watch porn, this happens as well. Your brain builds new neural paths in response to this exciting new experience.
The “use it or lose it” rule applies to your brain map. Similarly, to an unused hiking trail, unused pathways in the brain become weaker over time and can even be fully replaced with stronger pathways with more use. By regularly consuming porn, it becomes easy to get aroused by the images and entertainment that the genre offers. Pretty soon, actual relationships and natural turn-ons are no longer enough, and numerous porn consumers find that nothing else gets them excited.
In one study, people who watched porn for longer periods of time had smaller gray matter volumes in the brain’s region linked with reward sensitivity. According to this theory, those who watch a lot of porn may be less likely to feel sexually aroused by actual sexual encounters, which could lead to ED. Another study suggests that men who use porn may develop a preference for masturbation, rather than a desire for partnered sex.
In porn, the portrayal of penises can lead to body insecurity or performance anxiety that can hinder erections. With the proliferation of porn, many people find that they are no longer excited about sexual activity with a partner. According to this comprehensive report, they may start experiencing sexual dysfunction and only become sexually excited when watching porn.
Porn-induced ED
The purpose of porn is to grab the viewer’s attention and keep them coming back for more. The performances often involve behaviors that are not typically seen in everyday life. Unfortunately, viewers often become accustomed to sexual stimulation that does not translate to real-life conditions. Unrealistic fantasies fall short of reality.
For some people, they no longer get the fulfillment they expect from sex, which causes their dopamine levels to fall. Consequently, some people may not be “in the mood” until certain conditions are met.
A compulsive desire to consume pornography not only causes erectile dysfunction in men and women, but also leads to decreased sexual satisfaction, arousal difficulties, and difficulty reaching orgasms, according to studies.
Studies show high exposure to pornography videos decreases sensitivities and increases the demand for more extreme material to arouse consumers. Consumers find themes of violence, aggression, or more “edgy” acts in their pornographic fantasies and habits. In fact, one study found that nearly half of all porn-consuming respondents stated that eventually, they became interested in porn that they had previously avoided. The good news is that there is evidence that some men with ED can get regular erections after removing the porn.
Symptoms
There are a number of persistent symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction, including:
-Erection problems
-Problems maintaining an erection
-A decrease in sexual desire
Consult your doctor if you have erectile dysfunction or if the below conditions are present.
-You are experiencing erection problems or experiencing other sexual issues, such as delay or premature ejaculation.
-You have heart disease, diabetes, or another health problem that could cause your erectile dysfunction.
-You have other symptoms besides erectile dysfunction.
Treatments
Quitting porn can help men deal with psychological problems and boost their self-esteem. However, the only way to stop porn is to give up it long term. In this way, your brain will recover from the influx of sexual fantasy and dopamine, and prevent further loss of pleasure response.
The good news is that it is possible to treat porn-induced erectile dysfunction. There are many natural male enhancements or enhanced libido advertisements that promise men stronger erections and a better sexual drive. Men find it very thought-provoking, especially if they are unhappy with their sex lives and simply searching for products to improve them. In the case that your sexual problem has to do with how your manhood functions physically, these might help. It is possible to reverse erection issues, but you have to stop the behavior rather than take pills.
This is the ultimate reality: if you don’t turn on your brain, neither will your manhood. Changing your diet and taking vitamins can help you with erectile dysfunction.
Here’s why it matters
It is important that the potential negative impacts of porn are discussed comfortably and without fear of reprisals. Particularly for young adults and teenagers, whose sexual anticipations are more susceptible to being distorted by porn. It is common to develop unhealthy links with pornography, and you may not know how to seek help. If that describes you, there are resources available. Fortunately, the brain can heal itself. The negative effects of porn are preventable and even reversible.
Conclusion
Too much pornography and/or masturbation is likely to cause sexual dysfunction along with other factors, such as guilt over pornography or sex or a physiological problem. However, men should realize that avoiding pornography along with addressing the underlying problem of sexual health will help.
While erectile dysfunction can cause frustration, it is treatable. Doctors who are sensitive, therapists who specialize in human sexuality, and a partner who is supportive can help to reverse and manage symptoms.
