Is pornography use associated with sexual difficulties and dysfunctions among younger heterosexual men?
I Landripet, A Štulhofer�- The journal of sexual medicine, 2015 - academic.oup.com
The journal of sexual medicine, 2015•academic.oup.com
Introduction Recent epidemiological studies reported high prevalence rates of erectile
dysfunction (ED) among younger heterosexual men (≤ 40). It has been suggested that this
“epidemic” of ED is related to increased pornography use. However, empirical evidence for
such association is currently lacking. Aim This study analyzes associations between
pornography use and sexual health disturbances among younger heterosexual men using
four large-scale online samples from three European countries. Methods The analyses were�…
dysfunction (ED) among younger heterosexual men (≤ 40). It has been suggested that this
“epidemic” of ED is related to increased pornography use. However, empirical evidence for
such association is currently lacking. Aim This study analyzes associations between
pornography use and sexual health disturbances among younger heterosexual men using
four large-scale online samples from three European countries. Methods The analyses were�…
Introduction
Recent epidemiological studies reported high prevalence rates of erectile dysfunction (ED) among younger heterosexual men (≤40). It has been suggested that this “epidemic” of ED is related to increased pornography use. However, empirical evidence for such association is currently lacking.
Aim
This study analyzes associations between pornography use and sexual health disturbances among younger heterosexual men using four large-scale online samples from three European countries.
Methods
The analyses were carried out using a 2011 cross-sectional online study of Croatian, Norwegian, and Portuguese men (Study 1; N = 2,737) and a 2014 cross-sectional online study of Croatian men (Study 2; N = 1,211). Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the associations between pornography use and sexual difficulties.
Main Outcome Measures
In Study 1, erectile difficulties, inability to reach orgasm, and a lack of sexual desire were measured using the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behavior indicators. In Study 2, ED was measured with the abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Delayed ejaculation and a decrease of sexual desire were assessed with one-item indicators.
Results
In Study 1, only the relationship between pornography use and ED among Croatian men was statistically significant (χ2[2] = 18.76, P < 0.01). The association was small and inconsistent. Compared with infrequent use of pornography, moderate but not high frequency of pornography use increased the odds of reporting ED (adjusted odds ratio = 0.53, P < 0.01). In Study 2, no significant associations both between either the frequency or the recent dynamics of pornography use and male sexual dysfunctions were observed.
Conclusion
We found little evidence of the association between pornography use and male sexual health disturbances. Contrary to raising public concerns, pornography does not seem to be a significant risk factor for younger men's desire, erectile, or orgasmic difficulties.
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