Pornography and Sexual Dysfunction: Is There Any Relationship?

Abstract

Purpose Consensus about whether pornography use affects sexual functioning during partnered sex is lacking. In this review, we explain and define the variables under consideration (pornography use and sexual functioning), briefly elaborate the controversy, and conduct a literature search extending from 2015 to the present using diverse and all-inclusive keywords related to pornography use, problematic pornography use (PPU), and sexual functioning in men and women. Recent Findings Twenty-eight studies directly related to the issue were identified, and another 23 studies were used as supporting material (e.g., defining or assessing variables and identifying predictors of PPU). Results were organized into two major sections, beginning with a delineation of methodological issues related to studies on the topic and followed by summaries of studies first on women and men drawn from community samples, and then on women and men drawn from samples defined by excessive, problematic, compulsive, or addictive use of pornography. In general—and consistent with prior reviews on the topic—women were more likely to show positive associations between pornography use and sexual functioning whereas men showed mixed results. Specifically, the analysis demonstrated the diversity of outcomes of pornography use, including how they currently play out differently for women and men and for problematic and non-problematic users, with this latter group—particularly when male—more likely to show mild to moderate negative associations with sexual functioning. Summary Claims of a strong relationship between pornography use and sexual dysfunction are generally unfounded, both by the findings of studies and/or by misinterpretations of them. As part of our “Discussion”, we identify the ongoing methodological challenges in this field, unpack the meaning of PPU and how its component constructs might affect sexual functioning, and suggest a path forward that makes better and more systematic use of covariates/constructs related to both PPU components and sexual functioning.