Can Porn Be Beneficial?Can porn be healthy…yes! Let’s talk about it.
The problem most couples face with porn is when there is a lack of conversation around its use and what it means to each partner. Talking about porn in your relationship can open up a wider discussion about sexual values, beliefs, attractions, history and turn ons/offs. In fact, studies have found that talking honestly about porn use can increase relationship satisfaction (1)! It is important to remember here that porn is fantasy. It is designed for your entertainment and pleasure, it’s not a “how-to” video or education. So what are some of the benefits?
- Fosters creativity -> one study found that porn users were more sexually adventurous (2). Use porn to get inspiration but keep in mind what is real vs fantasy
- Stimulates arousal -> porn can be a powerful way to stimulate psychological arousal. A study of 280 men found that viewing porn increased their desire for sex with a partner and improved responses to real life sexual cues (3).
- Helps break down taboos and explore fantasies -> porn can help break down harmful stigmas and taboos around different expressions of sexuality. There is so much beautiful diversity when it comes to sex!
So, maybe porn isn’t so bad after all? Additionally, why not mix it up by trying ethical porn, audio porn or reading erotica?
References:
1. Resch MN, Alderson KG. Female partners of men who use pornography: are honesty and mutual use associated with relationship satisfaction? J Sex Marital Ther. 2014;40(5):410-24.
2. Hakkim S, Parsa AD, Arafat SMY, Mahmud I, Sathian B, Sivasubramanian M, et al. Pornography—Is It Good for Sexual Health? A Systematic Review. Journal of Psychosexual Health. 2022;4(2):111-22.
3. Prause N, Pfaus J. Viewing Sexual Stimuli Associated with Greater Sexual Responsiveness, Not Erectile Dysfunction. Sexual Medicine. 2015;3.
