Can Pornography Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

With the rise of the internet, more and more pornography (porn) is consumed every day. There is a concurrent rise in concern from non-healthcare professionals for the mental health and sexual function of those who consume it. Some internet-users describe “porn addiction,” also known as problematic porn consumption (PPC), as the culprit of their sexual dysfunction. Others say they feel insecure about their sexual abilities after comparing themselves with the individuals filmed in internet porn videos.

Although there is no official terminology or diagnosis regarding PPC, several terms have been suggested. It is not recognized in professional psychological communities, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Despite this, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) lists compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) as a potential category under which PPC could fall. The controversy with this classification, though, is that PPC is referred to as “perceived PPC” in most literature: PPC is regarded in the eye of the beholder. Additionally, men on the internet have referred to porn-induced erectile dysfunction (ED), where they struggle to maintain an erection long enough for satisfactory sex, due to excessive porn consumption.

Nevertheless, the idea that pornography directly causes ED has been disproven in recent years. Instead, there may be more indirect psychological reasons for ED that can begin with porn. For example, a man may feel insecure about his own performance when compared to the men in pornographic videos. Erectile function is directly influenced by psychological and physical indicators; thus, if insecurity and performance anxiety are involved, that may interfere with the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

Additionally, duration and frequency of porn consumption have been suggested as reasons for ED. This theory has also been refuted, with some researchers suggesting ED with porn consumption is entirely situational. This means that not all men who consume a lot of porn for long periods of time will experience ED — some men might even experience better sexual function and satisfaction. Instead, because PPC is perceived by certain men, they may feel disgusted with themselves for not being able to control their impulses. This feeling of disgust often leads to further ED. Comparisons to porn stars may lead to even more disgust with themselves, making it harder to perform with a partner and leading the cycle to continue as more porn is consumed.

Tips

Because porn consumption or PPC is not necessarily considered a CSBD, nor is it recognized in the DSM-5, there are not standard recommendations for psychological or therapeutic treatments. However, it may be suggested to try detoxing from porn, along with trying different visual cues or senses (taste, sound, touch) to trigger an erection or while masturbating. Some sex therapists may suggest behavioral therapies or mood stabilizing medications. It may also be recommended to start utilizing ED medications or devices, as well as speaking with a sex therapist or other sexual health professional.

References:

Grubbs, J. B., & Gola, M. (2019). Is pornography use related to erectile functioning? results from cross-sectional and latent growth curve analyses. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(1), 111–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.11.004

Jacobs, T., Geysemans, B., Van Hal, G., Glazemakers, I., Fog-Poulsen, K., Vermandel, A., De Wachter, S., & De Win, G. (2021). Associations between online pornography consumption and sexual dysfunction in young men: Multivariate analysis based on an international web-based survey. JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, 7(10). https://doi.org/10.2196/32542

Krans, B. (2020, November 17). Can porn induce erectile dysfunction?. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/porn-induced-ed#takeaway

Sex addiction: Causes, symptoms, treatment & recovery. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, June 2). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22690-sex-addiction-hypersexuality-and-compulsive-sexual-behavior

Whelan, G., & Brown, J. (2021). Pornography addiction: An exploration of the association between use, perceived addiction, erectile dysfunction, premature (early) ejaculation, and sexual satisfaction in males aged 18-44 years. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(9), 1582–1591. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.06.014