Sexuality is omnipresent, and pornography has evolved alongside technological advancements. As early as antiquity, pornography was depicted in wall paintings; centuries later came erotic photography, followed by films shown in porn theaters. With the advent of the internet, pornography has become accessible to everyone. But isn't porn addiction something that mainly affects men?
In a study, researchers measured the sexual response and arousal to pornography in both women and men. Surprisingly, even women who vehemently reject pornography showed signs of arousal, detectable for example through vaginal lubrication. It was also found that women of more advanced age, mostly over 40, tend to enjoy interactive cybersex.
In cases of intense pornography consumption, the romantic relationship often suffers. This is because techniques are shown that push boundaries, there is a glorification of the male genitalia, and at times a degrading attitude toward women. For example, pornography often overemphasizes sperm. It is claimed that sperm functions as an antidepressant and contributes to the beauty and freshness of female skin. In contrast, female bodily fluids cannot compete—menstruation, for instance, remains a taboo.
What happens in a relationship when men have an affair with the internet? People who rely on the internet for sexual satisfaction over a long period gradually lose the ability to build genuine sexual connections. Increasing amounts of stimulation are needed to achieve satisfaction. Some masturbate to the point of injury, causing soreness or even bleeding. The threshold for sexual arousal becomes extremely high due to constant porn consumption. In some cases, the partner is not touched for years. Many relationships break down because of this—often until the person affected finally seeks professional help.
However, porn consumption in a relationship is not always a bad thing. It can actually open the door to new forms of sexual exploration, especially when couples watch porn together. In general, it can be said that porn consumption becomes concerning when it causes harm to the relationship or violates ethical and moral values. Open communication about it is always helpful.
