Porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED) happens when men experience difficulties to achieve or maintain erections due to excessive consumption of pornography. They may struggle to get erections and perform well sexually. Too much porn can also affect men’s ability to become sexually aroused.
According to some anecdotal evidence and some scientific research suggesting a link between excessive porn consumption and erectile dysfunction (ED), erectile dysfunction due to porn is not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis.
How does porn impact the human psyche?
Consuming excessive porn might contribute to negative effects on the mind. It influences habits and behaviors, which alters their perception. This causes them to become aggressive and develop false beliefs regarding intimacy and sexuality.
The person who consumes excessive porn may extend their negative effects to their partners as well. They might project unrealistic expectations from their partner, which can affect their connection.
This happens, as pornographic content showcases explicit nudity and sexual subject material. It triggers the release of feel-good hormones in the brain, known as dopamine. The release of this hormone makes men crave more porn.
It is also known as the feel-good hormone that usually gets released in the brain when an individual is using recreational drugs, indulges in sexual activity, watches porn, consumes alcohol, etc.
Why men get addicted to porn
Pornography is an addition. It can compel the person to keep watching it because of hormone release. The reason why one feels drawn to it is because it triggers the release of dopamine hormone in individuals, which can make them watch it more frequently.
Dopamine release may make the person feel good. This feeling makes them crave it even more. They become so addicted to the content that they might consume it repeatedly. This causes a surge of the dopamine hormone in humans, they tend to become inclined to that very thing.
Due to dopamine, the individual exhibits addictive behavior towards pornography. As per some studies, daily porn consumers, addiction to porn helps them to cope with negative emotions. Since it causes a quick boost of feel-good hormones, porn works as an escape mechanism.
Porn-induced impotence
When sexual matters are concerned, excessive use of porn might lead to unrealistic expectations from the partner. The person may project their unrealistic sexual fantasies onto their partner. This may make it difficult for them to attain sexual arousal.
In order to become aroused sexually, they might need more and more sexual stimulation. Excessive stimulation might lead to the desensitization of sex among such individuals. Regular sexual encounters might not arouse the desire for intimacy in them.
Their ridiculously high expectations might lead to sexual difficulties, like erectile dysfunction. This difficulty can be attributed to the lack of arousal, which is the key to sexual response.
Ordinary sexual encounters do not make them aroused sexually, which can give rise to porn-induced erectile dysfunction among such individuals. As the individual turns desensitized towards daily sexual encounters with their partner, this might cause relationship strain due to unhealthy comparisons.
Hormone release triggered by pornography
In addition to dopamine, other hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins may also be released while watching porn, including during sexual activity. Oxytocin, sometimes called the "love hormone" or "cuddle hormone," is linked to bonding and social attachment.
When oxytocin gets released, it elevates the feelings of intimacy and connection. Endorphins are the natural painkillers, that get released by the body. These hormones can induce feelings of euphoria and well-being, potentially contributing to the pleasurable experience of sexual arousal.
How porn can affect the relationship
When one or both partners consume too much porn, their expectations towards each other may become ridiculously high. The partner might develop insecurities concerning their sexuality, owing to the high hopes and expectations of their partner.
The extent to which one consumes pornography must be limited and controlled, otherwise, the person might completely lose control and become addicted to it. This can have a negative influence on their relationship and intimate life.
Techniques to overcome porn addiction
Create and implement a plan
You must create a plan to consciously limit your porn use. You must make up your mind and follow the plan diligently.
Redirect your thoughts
Divert your mind with some fun activities to get your mind occupied. You can do so by exercising, playing any sport, doing some leisure activities, etc. can help you overcome your urges.