Men of all ages are vulnerable to the prevalent issue known as erectile dysfunction (ED). It is referred to as the inability to obtain or sustain an erection strong enough for sexual activity. ED has a variety of physical, psychological, and lifestyle-related causes. One of the most recently recognized causes of ED is porn induced erectile dysfunction (PIED), which is caused by excessive exposure to pornography. This blog will explore what PIED is, how it develops, and how it can be treated.
What is Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction?
Porn induced erectile dysfunction is a type of ED that is caused by excessive exposure to pornography. The condition develops when the brain becomes desensitized to the stimuli in pornographic content, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual activity with a partner. The condition is also referred to as Internet Pornography-Induced Erectile Dysfunction (IPIED) or Porn-Related Erectile Dysfunction (PRED).
Pornography is an easily accessible form of media that has become more prevalent and accepted in modern society. It is estimated that about 70% of men watch pornography at least once a month, and 20% of men watch pornography every day. The increasing availability of high-speed internet and mobile devices has made pornography more accessible than ever before, which has led to the development of PIED.
How Does PIED Develop?
PIED develops when the brain becomes desensitized to the stimuli in pornographic content. When a person watches porn, their brain releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to the level of dopamine released during pornographic content, and requires more and more to achieve the same level of pleasure and reward.
This desensitization can lead to a decrease in the brain’s response to natural stimuli, such as physical touch, scent, and visual cues during sexual activity with a partner. This can result in difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual activity with a partner.
Symptoms of PIED
The symptoms of PIED are similar to those of other forms of ED. They include:
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
Reduced sexual desire
Premature ejaculation or delayed ejaculation
Anxiety or stress related to sexual performance
Low self-esteem or self-confidence related to sexual performance
It is important to note that not all men who watch pornography will develop PIED. The development of the condition depends on a variety of factors, including the amount and frequency of pornography watched, the type of pornography watched, and the individual’s psychological and physiological factors.
Diagnosing PIED
The diagnosis of porn induced ED is based on the symptoms that a person is experiencing. A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and may order blood tests to rule out any underlying physical conditions that may be causing the ED. They may also ask about the person’s sexual history, including their pornographic habits.
It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the relationship between pornography and ED, as many men may be hesitant to discuss their pornography habits. Providers can provide education on healthy sexual practices and suggest treatment options for those experiencing PIED.
Treatment for PIED
Porn induced Erectile Dysfunction treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying causes. In many cases, reducing or eliminating pornography use can improve or resolve symptoms of PIED. This can be done by setting limits on pornography use or seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.
Lifestyle Changes: Changing to a healthier lifestyle can help enhance sexual performance. This include keeping a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, giving up smoking, and drinking less alcohol.
Medications: Normally, a doctor may recommend medication in order to treat PIED. PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, are drugs that are often used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). These medicines work through enhancing blood flow to the penis, which makes achieving and maintaining an erection easier. It’s crucial to remember though, that treating PIED with medicine alone is insufficient. In addition to other types of therapy, medication should be utilized.
Vacuum Devices: To pull blood into the penis and induce an erection, vacuum pumps for erectile dysfunction may be used. Despite being bulky and perhaps more uncomfortable than alternative treatment choices, these devices are safe and effective for the majority of men.
Penile Injections: In order to stimulate blood flow and induce an erection, penile injections include injecting a drug right into the penis. Even though it can be painful and may leave scars, this procedure works for many men.
Surgery: In situations where alternative therapies have failed, surgery may be suggested. A surgically implanted penile implant can be used to induce an erection, and vascular surgery can increase the flow of blood to the penis.
Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy for ED utilizes low-intensity shockwaves to promote the growth of new blood vessels in the penis. To deliver the shockwaves to the penis, a special device needs to be attached to the skin. The increase in blood flow and stimulation of the release of growth factors generated by the shockwaves is considered to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels. Several research on the use of shockwave treatment for ED have been undertaken, with encouraging results. Researchers discovered that shockwave treatment improved erections in 70% of men with mild to moderate ED in a study that was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Another research in the same publication indicated that shockwave treatment helped men with severe ED by enhancing their erectile function. Furthermore, shockwave therapy for ED was shown to be both safe and helpful for men with mild to moderate ED, according to a review of the literature published in 2018. In comparison to conventional ED therapies like medicine or surgery, shockwave therapy is an attractive alternative, according to the analysis. For porn induced ED, shockwave therapy could be a very effective treatment option.
EMTT therapy: When combined with other technologies, the non-invasive extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy (EMTT), which was developed primarily to treat musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and other disorders, has been demonstrated to considerably improve men’s sexual health difficulties including PIED.
Tesla Chair: The Tesla Chair is a remarkable innovative therapeutic device that uses functional magnetic stimulation. Electromagnetic energy is transmitted over the Functional Magnetic Stimulation of the Tesla Chair. This technology stimulates the targeted deep muscle tissues by triggering the body’s motor nervous system. As a result, the muscles tighten and expand, becoming stronger and larger. The use of the Tesla Chair can aid with more difficult cases of erectile dysfunction. Recent research has demonstrated that the Tesla Chair can cure PIED effectively when utilized properly.
Combination Therapy: To get outcomes that are adequate in some circumstances, a combination of therapies may be required. To treat PIED, for instance, lifestyle modifications and medicines may be suggested together.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT is a type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating PIED. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative patterns of thought and behavior related to pornography use. It can also help individuals develop healthy coping strategies for stress and anxiety related to sexual performance.
Preventing PIED
Preventing porn induced ED involves reducing or eliminating pornography use. Here are some tips on how to reduce pornography use:
Set Limits: Setting limits on the amount of time spent watching pornography can help reduce the risk of developing PIED. Limiting pornography use to once a week or less can help prevent desensitization to pornographic stimuli.
Focus on Healthy Relationships: Building healthy relationships with partners can also reduce the risk of developing PIED. Engaging in physical intimacy with a partner can help retrain the brain to respond to natural stimuli.
Seek Help: If you are struggling with pornography addiction, seeking help from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial. They can provide guidance and support to help you reduce or eliminate pornography use and develop healthy coping strategies for stress and anxiety.
Stay Active: Engaging in physical activities, such as exercise or sports, can also help reduce the risk of developing PIED. Endorphins are released during exercise, and they aid in improving mood and soothe anxiety and tension.
Conclusion
For men of all ages, porn-induced erectile dysfunction is an increasing worry. Excessive exposure to pornography can lead to desensitization to natural stimuli, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual activity with a partner. While not all men who watch pornography will develop porn induced Erectile Dysfunction, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with excessive pornography use.
Porn induced ED treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying causes. Reducing or eliminating pornography use, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication may all be used to treat PIED. Preventing PIED involves reducing or eliminating pornography use, focusing on healthy relationships, seeking help, and staying active. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the relationship between pornography and ED, and to provide education on healthy sexual practices and treatment options for those experiencing PIED.
If anyone is suffering from PIED, it’s important to undergo appropriate treatments from reputable medical professionals. Shockwave Clinics Ltd which is a specialized UK-based men’s health clinic, has treated thousands of men suffering from ED and other sexual issues using the modern non-invasive treatment options such as shockwave therapy, EMTT therapy, Tesla Chair and NanoVi.