Does to much porn cause erection problems?

I'm look at people talkin bout watchin to much porn can cause erection issues, is that true? I mean i remember masturbating to porno magazines and never had a issue with getting hard. But was a time period when i havent had any sex for a few months and then finally found me a pretty *** girl n couldnt get hard. I know theirs nothin wrong with me physically im freakin 22 years old, can you help me with a solution please!!!

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

OK. Take a deep breath and relax. What you’ve been hearing is a myth. Looking at erotica doesn’t affect your ability to respond to a person. However, there may be other reasons why you weren’t comfortable enough to get erect with a new partner.

It also sounds to me like you’re under the impression that masturbation, or self-pleasuring, is somehow harmful. Again, this is a myth.

Let’s look at some possibilities of why you didn't get an erection when you expected to. Many of us are shy and/or nervous around a new partner, and this can definitely have an effect on erection.

And perhaps you really weren’t that interested, but felt you SHOULD be. Maybe this person didn’t really turn you on. It may be helpful for you to take an inventory of characteristics that you find attractive or interesting. Are you seeing anyone who has any of those qualities, or are you feeling like you SHOULD be turned on regardless? You’re not going to get pizza by hanging out at a steak restaurant.

And, of course, many other factors can influence desire. You might also examine what else has been happening in your life that may have affected you. Are you content with yourself, with your life, with your relationships? Are there any family or work crises? And how’s your physical health? There are numerous medical conditions that can also contribute to lack of desire.

Are you anxious around potential sex partners? Be aware that anxiety is the enemy of good sex. If you’re feeling anxious or unsure of yourself, your desire for sex will be affected. Or you may have conflicting feelings about being sexual, based on earlier issues in your life. Or you may actually FEEL desire, but suppress it, due to feeling conflicted. Are you aware of any reasons you may have for avoiding sex with others?

There could be other reasons you’re not turned on: Men receive so many messages that sex is about “performance” and pleasing a partner, rather than just enjoying the pleasure of it. Everything is goal-oriented—like a football game. The other message that many men receive is that sex is somehow dirty and wrong, unless you’re doing it for reproductive purposes. Sometimes this can creep into our unconscious thoughts and sabotage any pleasure. Some men are very affected by cultural or family messages that unmarried women who have sex are somehow “dirty” or evil.

So, to recap: you may have negative attitudes about sex in general, or you may have performance issues or be bored or frustrated. Think about the issues I’ve raised and see if any are true for you. Remember not to put pressure on yourself.
I’m wondering what YOU think is contributing to this and whether you’ve taken any actions to try to change it. You’ve probably got more insight than you realize. Dr. J

[DECA1]

A related discussion, Erections was started.