Can Porn Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Porn Addiction

Porn addiction and erectile dysfunction are something millions of men struggle with. While some may think erectile dysfunction has to do with their penis, it actually has more to do with the mind. This is why porn addiction is a leading cause of erectile dysfunction and is why porn is so damaging.

When consuming pornography, it’s a supernormal stimulus that gives the brain an unhealthy rush of dopamine. So, while this feeling may be pleasurable at the moment, afterward it leaves the brain feeling tired, unmotivated, stressed, anxious, and depressed. These feelings will lead the brain to seek out dopamine again and again. Oftentimes, people will choose the screen to provide that quick, heightened dopamine rush.

This consistent flood of dopamine will start knocking out the neural brain activity in the frontal lobe which eventually leads to problems thinking clearly, brain fog, trouble concentrating, a decrease in memory, and social anxiety.

Watch this video to learn more.

How Porn Causes Erectile Dysfunction

The dopamine rush the brain is receiving from porn and masturbation is something it won’t be able to get from sex. This makes it so sex won’t be enough to be arousing anymore. The brain has been wired to only accept those higher levels of stimulation which leads to problems with sex and erectile dysfunction. It also keeps the brain going back to the screen for higher and higher levels of arousal which is what leads people to view aggressive, violent, and dangerous content.

Rewire the Brain Back to Optimal

Deciding to quit porn will benefit you not only physically, but mentally as well. Normal thoughts, actions, and patterns will come back to you.

So, how do you do this? Train the brain to get used to normal levels of dopamine. Find healthy dopamine-producing activities to replace masturbation and screen time. Whenever the brain gets the urge to go back into the screen, it’s telling you it needs dopamine, instead of finding that through porn, find dopamine in the world. This can include:

• Finding an enjoyable exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga, paddleboarding, weights
• Building upon existing relationships/ make new ones
• Experimenting with different hobbies that bring joy such as art, instruments, dance, music

The solution can be complex. Find out more of what you need to heal HERE.