Watching porn is causing men to be unable to perform in the bedroom, new research suggests.
One of the UK’s leading surgeons specializing in male infertility has insisted that Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction (PIED) is “real” and particularly affecting young men.
Dr Oliver Kayes warns that those exposed to excessive graphic sexual content online from a young age are being desensitised. It comes as the UK’s first peer-reviewed pilot study on treating porn and sex addiction has looked at those who excessively masturbate watching online content. Half said it affected their ability to maintain a relationship, 60% reported increased conflict and 47% experienced sexual difficulties with their partner.
He told the Mirror: “It’s real. Recent studies suggest that excessive pornography consumption might contribute to erectile dysfunction in some men, particularly younger individuals. Published research has highlighted a potential link between high-frequency pornography use and difficulties in achieving arousal with a partner, possibly due to desensitization or unrealistic expectations. While the data remain inconclusive, reports of porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED) are increasing, particularly among men under 40.
“As a urologist specializing in men’s health and andrology, I believe it’s crucial to investigate whether this is a growing trend and to understand the potential psychological and physiological factors involved.”
The new study recruited 68 participants who self-identified as struggling with Compulsive Sexual Behavioural Disorder (CSBD) commonly referred to as porn and sex addiction. Some 56% of participants said they felt depressed “most or all of the time” due to their addiction.
It comes after the 2023 International Sex Survey involving over 80,000 participants from 42 countries found that 4.8% of the global population, are at high risk of developing CSBD.
Study lead Dr Paula Hall, a psychotherapist with 20 years’ experience, said: “Porn and sex addiction have frequently faced criticism for the limited research on treatment effectiveness and an over-focus on behaviour modification rather than emotional wellbeing. This study examined the impact of Pivotal Recovery, an online, self-guided treatment programme, designed to address these concerns by reducing common barriers to seeking help, such as stigma, shame, accessibility and cost.”
The new study examined the effectiveness of Pivotal Recovery which is an online health treatment programme designed to assist individuals with CSBD. It consists of 60 self-guided podcasts designed to help individuals overcome porn addiction, sex addiction, and compulsive sexual behaviours.
A separate study by The Independent Pharmacy analysed over 900 posts on the social media website Reddit. Some 46% of the posts from people aged under 30 specifically discussed how pornography was affecting their genital function.
Dr Donald Grant, a GP and clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said: “Looking at Reddit discussions, it’s clear that young men are increasingly concerned about porn-induced erectile dysfunction. Nearly half of the posts in the r/ErectileDysfunction subreddit mention pornography, with over 55% of them coming from men aged 18 to 25. This shows how many are turning to online forums for support, highlighting a serious gap in professional advice.
“We also conducted a survey of UK males to better understand their attitudes toward PIED, and the results were telling. A huge 88% of 18 to 24-year-olds see PIED as a serious health issue with 63% blaming excessive porn consumption as a major cause.”
NHS prescriptions for erection-boosting medications have risen to a record level in England. Official data shows 4.57 million prescriptions for Viagra and other types of impotency drugs sold under the brand names Cialis and Levitra were prescribed in 2023. This is an increase of 130,000 prescriptions compared to the previous year from 4.44 million.
Courtsey:- Martin Bagot, The Mirror
What is Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction (PIED)?
Porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED) is a condition where excessive consumption of graphic digital content leads to difficulties achieving or maintaining arousal with a physical partner. Research indicates this is primarily driven by neural desensitization and the development of unrealistic sexual expectations that diverge from real-world intimacy.
How does excessive pornography use affect male sexual performance?
Excessive pornography use affects performance by overstimulating the brain’s reward system, which can result in a diminished physiological response during interpersonal sexual encounters. This often manifests as an inability to maintain an erection or a lack of interest in partners who do not mirror digital imagery.
Who is most at risk for developing PIED?
Men under the age of 40, particularly those between 18 and 25, are at the highest risk for developing porn-induced erectile dysfunction. This demographic is more likely to have been exposed to high-frequency, graphic online content from a formative age, leading to early-onset sexual difficulties.
Can porn-induced erectile dysfunction be treated or reversed?
Yes, PIED is treatable through structured behavioral interventions and digital detoxification programs designed to recalibrate the brain’s response to sexual stimuli. Clinical programs focus on addressing emotional well-being and reducing the compulsive behaviors associated with porn and sex addiction.
Is there a link between pornography and mental health issues?
Research shows a significant correlation between compulsive pornography consumption and heightened levels of clinical depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Approximately 56% of individuals struggling with Compulsive Sexual Behavioural Disorder (CSBD) report feeling depressed most or all of the time as a direct result of their addiction.
What do recent medical prescription trends suggest about male sexual health?
The record-breaking rise in NHS prescriptions for erectile dysfunction medications suggests a growing health crisis, with 4.57 million prescriptions issued in England during 2023 alone. This represents an increase of 130,000 prescriptions compared to the previous year, highlighting an unprecedented demand for pharmaceutical intervention among men.
How does the “Pivotal Recovery” program assist in overcoming porn addiction?
The Pivotal Recovery program is an online, self-guided treatment framework designed to assist individuals with CSBD through a series of 60 educational podcasts. It focuses on reducing common barriers to recovery, such as cost and accessibility, while providing a structured path to recalibrating sexual health and emotional stability.
Why are younger men turning to online forums like Reddit for PIED advice?
Younger men are increasingly turning to online forums for support due to a perceived gap in professional medical advice and the intense stigma associated with porn-induced erectile dysfunction. Analysis shows that over 55% of discussions regarding erectile dysfunction on platforms like Reddit are initiated by men between the ages of 18 and 25.
