Published November 23, 2025
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Pornography Consumption and Male Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.

  • 1. Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
  • 2. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • 3. Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus.
  • 4. Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
  • 5. Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair in Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece. fbacopoulou@med.uoa.gr.

Description

The goal of this systematic review was to explore whether pornography consumption, which is constantly increasing, is associated with sexual dysfunction problems. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in two databases (Scopus and PubMed) to identify appropriate studies published from 2013 to 2023. Following the PRISMA guidelines and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were finally included in this review. Mixed findings exist in the literature concerning pornography viewing. While some studies showed significant associations between pornography watching and experience of sexual problems, others showed either no association at all or even beneficial effects. Frequency of pornography consumption did not seem to be a predictor factor for sexual dysfunctions as much as problematic use of pornography. Findings suggest that mere watching of pornography is not a significant risk factor for developing a sexual dysfunction. The association of pornography and sexual problems seems to be more complex and indirect, with problematic use, body dissatisfaction, and insecurities playing a significant role.
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