Porn Impacts Sex Life in Surprising Ways

Even though millions of adults, especially in the 18 to mid-30s age range, view pornography on the Internet on a monthly basis, many may be unaware of how online porn actually impacts their own real-world sex life. A recent post addresses numerous impacts of porn on a person’s sex life, and the impacts aren’t positive.

1. Over the top expectations and porn

Internet pornography features paid actors who can appear to be very interested in the activity at any time, rather than people who live in day-to-day situations such as career stress, family schedules and other elements that can have a serious impact on sexual desire. As a person watches pornography, they may falsely believe that their spouse or partner can also perform this way on a regular basis. The result is frustration and anxiety in the relationship caused by expectations a partner can’t carry out.

2. Sexual performance problems and porn

As a person continues to view pornographic material online, they may view hundreds of images of nearly flawless physical bodies that respond perfectly to sexual stimulus. A partner or spouse may feel less-than-perfect or unattractive, in comparison. If they can’t achieve a top response during sex, may also experience sexual performance problems or anxiety.

3. Relying on porn for sexual stimulation

Growing numbers of young men are reporting erectile dysfunction or an inability to become aroused, which many experts link to pornography use. The brain becomes accustomed to a sexual response to pornographic images, and when these images aren’t present, the person may be unable to respond sexually at all. People with pornography addiction often report feelings of shame and frustration at not being able to become aroused unless pornography is in the picture, even in a longstanding, committed relationship.

4. The risk of pornography addiction

Not only does pornography have a serious effect on many people’s sex lives, excessive use creates the risk for pornography addiction. Pornography addiction is marked by being unable to control impulses or urges to view pornography, even in public or inappropriate places; being unable to stop thinking about pornography; and needing to “numb out” or escape stress with repeated pornography. It is a progressive, destructive addiction that requires professional help for treatment and recovery.