Men May Actually “Date” Porn, Harming Sexual Performance and Pleasure

If a man continues to view pornography, he may become unable to find sexual satisfaction with a real-world partner, says a recent article. Even more, he may experience distinct activity at the brain level that can keep him moving from porn source to porn source looking for an elusive type of satisfaction. A recent Time Healthland article describes how men have even resorted to faking a climax during sex with their partner because too much pornography use had made reaching an orgasm extremely difficult, if not out of the question. The phenomenon, reported by more and more men, may be connected to the abrupt shift a man must make from what seems like highly-exciting sex during pornography and the relative normalcy of real-world sex. Researchers believe that at the brain level, as well as in the physical realm and even emotionally, these powerful side effects of pornography can have multi-faceted impacts. They also describe the condition from a scientific perspective, saying that the combination of dopamine and oxytocin created during a sexual climax causes a deeper connection, emotionally, with that person. The bond can also be transferred to pornography, prompting the desire to return again and again to achieve the same sensation. Over time, suggest the researchers, the porn can be described as a man actually “dating” his pornography. However, oxytocin is also being further investigated for its role in pornography addiction and sexual satisfaction. Researchers noted in a study with voles that the voles that were not involved in a long-term relationship had different oxytocin levels that those who were in a committed relationship – which may prompt the uncommitted voles (and men) to jump from porn site to porn site looking for new ways to work through feelings of lust. Researchers said that it’s this urge to move from porn source to source, image to image – and the incredible availability of types and ways to view pornography – that may be causing the highest levels of damage to people in committed relationships.