According to researchers with the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California, men who consumed online pornography between three and five times a week indicated a diminished desire to engage in sexual relations with their partner. They also admitted an uptick in erectile dysfunction.
The study noted that erectile dysfunction is uncommon in the 20-40 male age group studied, and suggested that there may be a correlation between frequent masturbation to online pornography and a disinterest in the physical act of sex with a partner.
The study was conducted at the medical center's military urology clinic, and included 300 men and women in the 20-40 age group, cited by the Times of India.
Recent estimates claim that a minimum of half of boys ages 11-16 with internet access have viewed pornography, with most experiencing it by the age of 14.
Suggesting that men using pornography become involved in a fantasy world, many psychologists have observed that those who regularly masturbate to online porn are often psychologically unable or unwilling to have sex with a real partner, due to performance anxiety and unrealistic expectations.
Women participating in the same study were shown to be unaffected by the use of pornography as a sexual stimulant, and reported no diminution of sexual desire or capability.
