Porn And Erectile Dysfunction: Understanding The Connection

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on February 01, 2022

Approximately 30 million men in the United States and about 50% of men in Canada are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED). While they understand the frustration behind impotence, they may not realize that their porn habit is ruining their performance in the bedroom.

In this article, we discuss the connection between too much porn use and ED. You might be surprised how getting aroused from porn is affecting your relationship. Continue reading if you want to overcome impotence.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man or a person with male genitalia cannot become fully erect when desired. A full erection is what allows for sexual intercourse. 

The definition also includes those that have trouble maintaining an erection for the full duration of intercourse. 

Erectile dysfunction can negatively impact a person's relationship with their partner, cause stress, and result in reduced self-confidence. These experiences and feelings tend to perpetuate or worsen a person's condition. 

Why Do People Watch Porn?

Asking 'why do people watch porn' may seem like a ridiculous question. However, the reasoning is often different between different people. The same person may watch porn for different reasons depending on their mood and desired benefits.

While the ultimate desired outcome (for most people) of watching porn is an orgasm, it temporarily solves certain problems. 

A Source of Entertainment

One of the most common reasons people turn to porn is as a source of entertainment. If you have the house to yourself for the evening, can't decide what to do, and don't want to spend the evening bored, you might click on your favourite spicy flick.

It's also likely that you find porn more exciting than the shows on television or a movie you've seen half a dozen times. It's a great way to entertain and satisfy yourself. 

Mood Modification or Distraction

Porn is almost always a great way to reduce stress because an orgasm feels good and gets you to relax. This is because it releases endorphins that help turn up your happiness and turn down your discomfort (including physical discomfort).

Even if porn doesn't help you relieve your stress, it can help temporarily distract you from certain emotions. Some people turn to porn to ignore feeling sad, angry, or anxious. 

Resolve Curiosity or Create Fantasy

It’s safe to say that most people have watched porn to resolve some curiosity. This is why a lot of people watch porn. It's one method of self-exploration or learning new things to try with your partner. 

It's also a way to bring your secret fantasy to life, especially if it's something you're embarrassed to ask your partner to try. It may be something you feel isn't an achievable experience in real life.

Lack of Sexual Satisfaction

People experiencing a lack of sexual satisfaction may turn to porn. This is a combination of watching porn for entertainment and watching it to experience a sexual fantasy. 

If you aren't pleased with your current sex life, you can sometimes get gratification from porn. 

How Does Porn Lead to Sexual Dysfunction?

Some men don't realize that porn can be causing their sexual dysfunction. Now that we understand why people choose porn, we can better understand how porn can lead to erectile dysfunction. 

It's important to understand that there are many causes of erectile dysfunction. There may also be more than one cause if you're having problems with impotence. The below list includes only some potential causes related to porn use. 

Desensitizes Sexual Response

One of the top reasons porn leads to impotence, according to one survey, is a desensitized sexual response. You're at the peak of excitement when watching porn, especially if it's something you find out of the ordinary. 

While you might think that having sex is more stimulating than watching porn, that's not always the case. For those that routinely watch porn, especially exciting porn, you might be less aroused by sex.

This happens when the sexual encounter is missing certain elements found in your preferred type of porn. Even if you are attracted to your partner, sex with them may not be as captivating in comparison. 

Instills Self-Doubt

Porn companies are known to employ particularly attractive men and women. They also portray body parts and situations that don't accurately represent the average population. This means that watching porn can instill self-doubt.

You may watch and think that you've never pleasured your partner as much as the person in the video seems to be enjoying. You may also think that you're unattractive and undesirable in comparison. 

A lack of confidence is a major cause of sexual dysfunction. This only gets worse as you have problems performing in front of your partner. 

Sets Unrealistic Expectations

Self-doubt isn't the only problem with the unrealistic portrayal of sex in porn. You may also have unfair expectations of your partner. This can include appearance and/or performance.

When your partner doesn't perform the way you expect based on porn, you're likely to feel disappointed or unaroused. This leads to impotence and problems in your relationship. 

How to Overcome Impotence Related to Porn

Even if you think your erectile dysfunction is related to your use of porn, it doesn't have to be a permanent problem. Overcoming sexual dysfunction requires dedication and patience. 

Rule Out Other Causes

The first step in overcoming ED is to rule out other causes. There are many reasons that a person may experience impotence. For this reason, it's important to understand any potential causes before treating them.

Discuss Treatment With A Doctor

Discuss your experience with sexual dysfunction with a doctor. They can help you decide if getting ED medication in Canada is the best treatment option or if you should try other treatment methods first.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments for maximum effectiveness. A tailored treatment plan can give you the best results, especially if you're dedicated to following them.