The impact of asexual trait and porn addiction in a young men healthy cohort

Abstract

Summary In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the association between asexual trait, erectile dysfunction (ED) and porn addiction in a community sample of young men. Between August 2019 and October 2019, a total of 559 young male adults were subjected to an online survey sponsored by social networks with the aim of assessing their sexual habits. The following questionnaires were administered: The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5), Masturbation Erection index (MEI), Pornography Craving Questionnaire (PCQ) and Asexuality Identification Scale (AIS). The overall rate of ED according to IIEF‐5 was 26.0% (165/478), the rate of ED according to MEI was 16.9% (81/478) and the rate ED in patients with AIS ≥23 indicating asexual trait was 10.0% (48/478). We found that IIEF‐5 was positively associated with MEI (b = 0.32; p < .01) and negatively with AIS (b = −0.36; p < .01) and MEI was negatively associated with AIS (b = −0.36; p < .01). We found that MEI (odds ratio [OR]: 0.86; p < .01) and IIEF‐5 (OR: 0.89; p < .01) were inversely associated with asexual trait. The presence of asexual trait can hide a greater risk of finding ED both in intercourse or masturbation. These results should be taken into consideration during the general assessment of the patient with sexual problems.

Sexual Behaviour and Fantasies in a Group of Young Italian Cohort

“…Previously, we have demonstrated a positive association between porn addiction and erectile function, suggesting that a normal balancing between sexual activity, masturbation and pornography [ 18 ].…”