Porn Induced Erectile Dysfunction

Often I hear the question from men “What is the big deal with watching porn? It is legal and no one gets hurt. Isn’t it normal for men to watch porn?” My reply is to challenge the question about it being “normal”. I usually affirm that it is probably normal but the question should actually be asked “Is watching porn healthy or unhealthy?” rather than normal.

Also, as we are beginning to have greater understanding of the damage caused by pot use, the question about it being “legal” has no bearing on whether it is healthy or unhealthy.

Porn Statistics

In a recent study of compulsive porn users, 60% had reported having erectile dysfunction with real partners. The report reads, “subjects reported that as a result of excessive use of sexually explicit materials….. experienced diminished libido or erectile function specifically in physical relationships with women (average age of subjects was 25 years old).” The research also showed that the men reported less arousal with real partners than the men that were not compulsive porn users. Another false belief of compulsive porn users (“I just have a higher sex drive”) was dismantled.

Heavy Porn Use Leads To PIED

Are you a heavy porn user who is developing erectile dysfunction? There may be a connection between the two. Many of my clients are surprised that their internet porn viewing has been the cause for their ED. They had actually blamed their ED on their partner (“she just isn’t sexual enough for me”) or they blame it on other factors such as smoking or poor diet. The real issue of ED seems to be pointing to a new term: PIED or porn induced erectile dysfunction.

Even the use of ED medications (i.e., Viagra) doesn’t stop the deterioration but simply masks the problem. The real solution to PIED is to “reboot” the brain or to be sexually abstinent from porn for 6-8 months and the research shows the brain begins to heal. The fastest and easiest recovery path is elimination of all artificial sexual stimulation, including porn and porn fantasy, chat rooms, erotic stories, etc. It also includes surfing dating sites or Facebook for images, or YouTube videos, or home made videos. It’s not so much content as whether you are mimicking the behaviors that wired your brain to need novel, artificial stimulation.

Real Issue = Underlying Pain

At Front Range Counseling Center, we believe that the real problem with porn or sex addiction is the underlying wound, pain, or trauma from past childhood relationships. The porn or other sexual behaviors replaces real relationship with a real partner or friends. We call the sexual relationships as counterfeit to real relationship. This is why we encourage sexual addiction group counseling.

Also, we encourage getting involved in a 12-step program like Sexaholics Anonymous or Sex Addicts Anonymous. If you are struggling with porn and experiencing PIED and you desire to seek help, please don’t hesitate to call us at 303-933-5800 or contact us through our contact page on this site. A qualified counselor will contact you to setup an individual session to get you started in the recovery and healing process.

Bio
Latest Posts

Kevin Leapley, MA, LPC, CSAT

Sexual Addiction Therapist at Front Range Counseling Center

Kevin Leapley specializes in both marriage counseling and sexual addiction therapy for men. Kevin has received specialized training by Dr. Patrick Carnes and obtained his CSAT (Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist). Kevin has also received extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and is a certified Emotionally Focused Therapist .

Latest posts by Kevin Leapley, MA, LPC, CSAT (see all)

Relationship Panic & Attachment - September 18, 2018
Anger Management Coping - January 22, 2017
How Do People Behave In Anger - December 31, 2016
Anger Management Distortions: Overgeneralization - December 3, 2016
Two Basic Traits That Help Relationships Last - November 22, 2016