Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction: How Does
It Happen?

Men who have erectile dysfunction are unable
to get or keep an erection long enough to
engage in sexual intercourse. An erection
normally occurs when blood flow increases
into the penis, causing it to expand and
become firm.
Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include:
trouble getting an erection
trouble keeping an erection
reduced sexual desire
Internet porn may be partly to blame for
increased rates of ED in younger men. Erectile
dysfunction (ED) has been increasing in
sexually active men under 40. It seems as
though internet porn is in some ways to blame
for this rise, with studies showing a
correlation between porn and ED.
Now, researchers have identified pornography-
induced erectile dysfunction (PIED) and
pornography-induced abnormally low libido.
High exposure to pornography videos can
result in lower responsivity in a man and an
increased need for more extreme or kinky
material for him to become aroused. Due to
porn overload, some men are no longer
aroused in the presence of a partner. They
begin to experience ED and can only become
sexually excited when watching porn.
The role of the brain
It is necessary to understand how the brain
works to be able to understand why watching
excessive amounts of porn can lead to ED.
Neurons are cells that receive and send
messages between the body and the brain.
The brain has about 100 billion neurons,
which are the basic working units of the
nervous system. Neurotransmitters send
chemical messages between the neurons. A
neurotransmitter called dopamine helps the
flow of information to the front of the brain,
which is linked to thought and emotion. It is
also linked to reward systems.
Brain cells are activated by what people see
or hear. If a person receives a hug, the brain
releases dopamine, which makes the person
feel good. A person's response to natural
rewards such as sex are largely regulated by
the dopamine pathway as well. Erections are
dependent on the activation of this pathway.
Dopamine signaling plays a crucial role in
sexual arousal and erections.
Dopamine overload
When a person watches porn, their brain is
flooded with dopamine. Too much dopamine
can cause problems. The brain is
overwhelmed by the overload of chemicals,
and it automatically takes away some of the
dopamine receptors.
Although the brain continues to release the
same levels of dopamine in response to porn,
eventually there are fewer receptors to receive
the messages. Watching porn no longer
arouses the person as much or as quickly.
They then have to look at more porn or
search for stronger porn to obtain the original
sensation.
Sexual activities that would normally give
people a burst of dopamine and make them
happy are no longer enough to sustain them.
They constantly have to look at porn to get
the sensation they need, and this can lead to
ED.
Many men find themselves unable to maintain
an erection in the absence of porn. The
internet and other avenues provide an
unlimited amount of content, so some men
begin to watch massive amounts of porn to
maintain high levels of sexual arousal.
When they try to engage with a real sexual
partner, the arousal they feel does not fit their
expectations and they are unable to maintain
an erection.
Porn-induced ED
Porn is designed to capture attention. The
performers often do things that would
typically not translate into real life. The men
watching can become conditioned to this type
of sexual arousal that does not carry over
into real life sexual situations.
Men with PIED are unable to become sexually
aroused with a partner, but have no difficulties
while watching porn. Regular sex no longer
meets the person's expectations, resulting in
a decline in dopamine. This can cause some
men to no longer be "in the mood." Men who
suffer from ED when in the presence of a
partner but have no problems when watching
porn are said to have PIED.
Studies have shown that some men with ED
who watched porn were able to obtain a
regular erection once the porn was removed.
However, the younger the age of the male
when they begin to regularly watch porn, the
greater the chance of it becoming their
preference over partnered sex, and the less
overall enjoyment they get. PIED can also lead
to other health problems. Many men
recognize that there is a problem but are
unable to break the cycle. They can become
embarrassed or depressed when unable to
perform with their partner, which can cause
them to watch porn more.
Other causes of ED
Male sexual arousal is a complex process that
involves many different parts working
together. The brain, hormones, emotions,
nerves, muscle, and blood vessels all have
roles.
ED can be due to physical, psychological, and
even emotional issues. Physical causes of ED
can be due to damage to the nerves, arteries,
smooth muscles, and tissues in the penis.
Certain medical conditions can also lead to
ED, including:
high blood pressure
diabetes
atherosclerosis, or the buildup of fats inside
the arteries
heart and blood vessel disease
chronic kidney disease
multiple sclerosis
injury to the pelvic area
surgery for bladder cancer
prostate cancer, radiation, and prostate
surgery
Psychological or emotional issues that can
contribute to ED include:
anxiety
depression or low self-esteem
fear of sexual failure
guilt
stress
A person's overall lifestyle also can play a
role in the development of ED. Smoking,
drinking too much alcohol, using illegal drugs,
being overweight, and a lack of physical
exercise can all be causes. ED is also a side
effect of some common medications.
Related health problems
ED can be embarrassing for some men and
they do not seek medical treatment to correct
the problem. PIED was only recently
discovered, and so men are often believed to
have some medical or mental condition that
is responsible for their ED.
Porn addiction can have serious consequences
for a person's mental health, and men should
talk to their doctor if they are having
symptoms of ED.
There are some other porn-induced problems
that can arise, including:
- Lower sexual satisfaction and sexual
dysfunction:
Studies have shown that some men have to
use porn to become aroused with a partner.
Others have developed negative feelings
toward partnered sex.
- Risky behavior:
For some men, porn increases their need for
multiple sex partners, more alcohol, drugs,
and other risky behavior. They often do not
use protection and have no fear of the
consequences of their actions.
The relationship between porn and ED is still
being understood. Research has helped to
show why more younger men have been
experiencing erectile problems.
Porn addiction is serious and should not be
taken lightly. There are treatment programs
available to help men with the condition.
Some men may not realize that they have an
addiction and may be unsure how to get help.
The good thing about this type of erectile
disorder is that it is generally very treatable
and reversible.