Porn has been (and probably will always be) a controversial subject. While a lot of men and women enjoy watching adult movies, a big portion of the population is still conservative and resistant to the subject.
As porn becomes more mainstream and easily accessible, some media and opinion makers are making outrageous claims about its effect on people’s sex lives. The research however, seems to be in favor of adult movies. Let’s debunk some myths about how porn affects your sex life.
1. Porn addiction is a real disease
Some people may like to watch porn and be completely unable to stop. However, neurologic research suggests they aren’t in fact addicted to adult movies, as their brains do not act the same way as those of someone with a traditional dependence.
2. Porn is the cause of erectile dysfunction
It seems a little strange that anyone would associate watching porn with the development of erectile dysfunction, seeing as adult movies and magazines are actually used as stimuli in various medical situations where men need to ejaculate, such as when donating sperm. This is, however, a popular claim.
There doesn’t seem to be any reason to worry though, as at least two studies published recently have shown that no such thing as a porn-induced erectile dysfunction exists. According to these studies, there is no reason to believe men who watch more porn are any likelier than others to develop ED. Likewise, it is also a myth that these men get desensitized to any physical sexual stimuli, so this is not a valid explanation for any lack of bedroom chemistry couples might experience.
3. Porn makes you reckless
Some people may like to believe that those who watch porn have a dodgy moral compass and less-than-agreeable sexual preferences, but that is not necessarily the case.
It is true that some feel inspired to try different and experimental things in between the sheets, but that does not mean they completely forego safety and common sense. In fact, no research suggests that men who watch porn are more likely to be promiscuous or to demand sex without condoms. After all, trying new positions is exciting but getting a STD or an unplanned baby is a much more serious kind of adventure.
4. Porn makes rapists
This may sound surprising to some, but recent studies say that not only is porn not related to violent sexual tendencies, but it actually seems to have the exact opposite effect.
Men who watch porn are in fact fans of consented sex — it is much easier to bring most fantasies to life with a willing partner — and advocates for gender equality, for the most part.
It is important to note, of course, that there are exceptions to everything. Research has however proven that watching porn only accentuates negative tendencies in those who already have underlying problems, so it is not a cause but rather a risk factor.
