A doctor has issued a warning about the risks associated with excessive consumption of adult films, which could lead to erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Alan Mandell, known as the Motivational Doctor online, has used social media platforms to discuss the possible hazards of frequent adult film viewing and regular masturbation. He emphasizes that such habits may result in erectile dysfunction later on.

The Problem

In a social media video, Dr. Mandell highlights the dangers of excessive pornography consumption and constant masturbation, stating it "will eventually lead to erectile dysfunction" - a condition where an individual with a penis cannot achieve or maintain an erection sufficiently for satisfactory sexual activity.

He explains, "Too much sexual stimulation is not good. You're overloading the reward system in your brain, causing an increase in dopamine, those happy chemicals secreted from the brain. And eventually, you will get desensitized to sexual stimulation."

"So when you start cutting out porn and masturbating, you will see significant results."

Other medical professionals also support Dr. Mandell's concerns.

The Impact Of Adult Film Consumption On The Brain

According to HealthMatch, erectile dysfunction can indeed stem from what's termed 'porn-induced' (PIED), with 'several studies' identifying 'a link between compulsive pornography use and reduced sex drive and/or ED'.

The report acknowledges that it's 'still unknown whether excessive pornography consumption is more likely to be a direct cause or just something associated with ED'. However, PIED is considered primarily a 'psychological rather than physical' issue, with 'excessive viewing of pornography contribut[ing] to erection difficulties by impacting the brain'.

Some specialists argue that excessive consumption of adult films can cause viewers to become 'desensitized to real-life sex', leading to situations where 'real-life partnered sex no longer meet[s]' the expectations conditioned by pornography.

Supporting Dr. Mandell's observations, HealthMatch elaborates: "Because of the conditioning and desensitization, partnered sex may no longer trigger the sufficient release of dopamine needed for producing and sustaining erections. This is also because pornography is believed to alter the brain's motivational system."

"Due to all these reasons, [people] who watch excessive pornography may need greater sexual stimulation to be aroused and get an erection."

But how severe is this issue really?

The Debate And Scale Of The Issue

HealthMatch acknowledges that while the condition is 'debated by experts' and not medically recognized, the 'increasing rates of erectile dysfunction in young people' suggest that the 'possible role that pornography plays is worth considering'.

The site reports that approximately 30 million men in the US currently suffer from erectile dysfunction, and while ED can have 'many causes', the 'increasing rates of sexual dysfunction in men under the age of 40' have led some to speculate that internet pornography might be a contributing factor.

According to Very Well Health, about 40 percent of erectile dysfunction cases are considered psychogenic, meaning 'the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sex due to psychological factors'.

Support

Therefore, if you've recently been experiencing difficulties with getting or maintaining an erection, it might be a good idea to evaluate your consumption of porn. If needed, consider consulting a mental health professional or doctor to explore the underlying reasons for your struggles.

If it turns out to be PIED, there are several support options available, including talking therapy, 'mindfulness techniques', and 'exercising', which can help you as you cut down on your adult film viewing.