Pornography and its impact on the sexual health of men

Abstract

Increased internet access has been accompanied by increased numbers of adolescent and adult men viewing online pornography, and there is growing concern about how this may affect their sexual development, sexual function, mental health and intimate relationships. This paper briefly reviews men's relationship with porn and the possible impact on sexual function.

Impact of COVID-19 on pornography use: Evidence from big data analyses

“…This finding agrees with our observation that lockdowns are positively associated with increased pornography use. In different hypotheses, decreased sexual satisfaction owing to unrealistic expectations of sexual partners and performance may be caused by long-term pornography use [ 37 ]. It was suggested that this effect of pornography use is associated with a changed brain reward circuit in response to pornography, as the real-life situation may not be as ideal, novel and attractive as online pornography [ 38 ].…”

Do Pornography Use and Masturbation Frequency Play a Role in Delayed/Inhibited Ejaculation during Partnered Sex? A Comprehensive and Detailed Analysis

“…Participants were guaranteed anonymity, and safeguards were implemented to prevent multiple submissions. Informed consent was obtained by participants' checking boxes attesting (1) to their current age being ≥18 years, and (2) to their informed consent before accessing the questionnaire. Respondents were notified that they could end participation at any time by closing the webpage.…”

“…With increasing access to the Internet, traditional barriers to sexually explicit materials such as public stigma and societal restriction have waned considerably over the past 20 years. Concomitantly, the number and variety of pornographic websites have greatly increased and, in some parts of the world, the viewing of pornography has become commonplace [1][2][3]. Even in geo-cultural regions having strong interdictions against pornography, access and use have increased steadily over the past 10 years among both men and women, and in particular among sexually diverse individuals [4].…”

“…Sexes 2022, 3 the same time, pornography use has sometimes been associated with more benign purposes, such as having an educational function for men, women, and sexually diverse individuals having a limited understanding of sexual practices and behavior [16,17], an erotic/arousal function for both men and women during masturbation [18], and a rehabilitative function for men and women challenged by sexual dysfunctions and disabilities [1]. Couples, too, may incorporate pornography into partnered sex as a means of heightening their sexual interest/desire and arousal [19], with improved sexual communication sometimes resulting as well [20].…”

Five common urological problems affecting adolescent men

“…There are important points to consider, and erroneous information is readily available to our patients who need reassurance with facts. The source of information is important: the media and mediums such as pornography are commonly viewed and believed by many men (not just adolescents), and there is emerging evidence that watching pornography may have a detrimental effect on erectile function 20 …”