Implications of Escalating Erectile Dysfunction in Youthful Men Resulting from Internet Pornography Use
Research indicates that the escalation of erectile dysfunction in youthful men can be attributed to excessive Internet pornography use. Usage through adolescence and early adulthood, when the brain is at its peak of neuroplasticity and Dopamine levels are at their highest, creates an environment of increased vulnerability to addiction. Excessive use rewires the brain and interferes with the circuits involved in natural satiation mechanisms, resulting in numbed pleasure responses. Some researchers claim that the Internet’s unending novelty gives pornography the potential to become more addictive than drugs, food and gambling.
Individuals presenting to therapy report erectile difficulties, an absence of sexual desire, and inhibited ejaculation during partner sex, but an absence of dysfunction during self-masturbation to pornography. Younger men seeking treatment take up to five months to regain erectile function, compared with an average of two months in older men. The role of Internet pornography in youthful erectile dysfunction has implications for primary carers, educators, therapists and researchers. Studies indicate that arousal addiction can mimic symptoms of depression, social, generalised and performance anxiety, and that these conditions are often assumed as primary to the addiction. This suggests a need to educate practitioners to enquire about Internet usage behaviours.
Studies revealing that boys first seek Internet pornography by 9 years of age, and pornography addiction identified in 14 year olds, suggests a need to assess the content of Cyber and sex education programs. Such programs warn of online stranger danger and cyber bullying, however, the sexual component to online use seems largely ignored. Further, programs developed on the assumption that sexual activity is occurring or being considered may inadvertently increase the sense of isolation and inadequacy experienced by marginalized, shy individuals and those with less opportunity for sexual experimentation. Research must continue to identify variables predicting problematic Internet pornography use, and determine treatment requirements for youthful men compared with older cohorts, and single men compared to those in relationships.
