Abstract: PD69-12
Sources of Funding: None.

Introduction

In evaluating a male with sexual dysfunction, psychosexual factors should be considered. One potential but not well examined psychosexual factor is the impact of pornography use on sexual function. Given the large proportion of young men in the military and the potential detrimental effects of sexual dysfunction on quality of life, we sought to determine if there exists a correlation between degree of pornography use and sexual dysfunction.

Methods

After local institutional review board approval, patients aged 20-40 years presenting to a urology clinic were offered an anonymous survey consisting of self-reported medical history, demographic questions, validated questionnaires (including the International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-15]), and novel questions addressing sexual function, pornography use, craving behavior, and obsessive behavior. For an interim analysis of those surveyed between February and August 2016, descriptive data were compiled and evidence for correlation between domains of the IIEF-15 and various aspects of pornography use was examined using linear regression tests.

Results

Surveys were completed by 312 respondents. The sample was generally healthy: 12% indicated a comorbidity other than tobacco use, 19.2% indicated tobacco use. The mean age was 31 years (sd=5.9). Common demographics included white race (64.4%), non-Hispanic ethnicity (74.6%), active duty (96.8%), enlisted (77.3%), and married (68.8%)._x000D_ The mean scores of the IIEF-15 domains were: 26.2 (sd=6.0) for erectile function, 8.6 (sd=2.1) for orgasmic function, 8.1 (sd=2.0) for sexual desire, 10.7 (sd=3.4) for intercourse satisfaction, and 7.9 (sd=2.3) for overall satisfaction. _x000D_ When asked how they best satisfied sexual desires, 96.6% indicated intercourse (with or without pornography) versus 3.4% who indicated masturbation to pornography. Weekly pornography use varied: 25.9% indicated less than weekly, 24.6% indicated 1-2 times, 21.3% indicated 3-5 times, 5.0% indicated 6-10 times, and 4.3% indicated greater than 11 times. The typical media for viewing pornography were internet on a computer (72.3%) or a smart phone (62.3%)._x000D_ There were statistically lower scores in all IIEF-15 domains amongst respondents reporting a preference for masturbating to pornography rather than intercourse (p <0.05). However, there were no significant correlations between frequency or duration of pornography use and IIEF-15 domain scores (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

There appears to be a relationship between pornography use and sexual dysfunction in men who report a preference for masturbation to pornography rather than sexual intercourse.

Funding

None.