Porn: Is it your problem?
Emma Pinn
Most people have looked at porn, and many people look at porn regardless of whether they're single or in a relationship. Most people don't report it causing problems when viewing it relatively regularly. However, porn use can become a problem, and signs that it might be include:
Looking at porn as a way of distracting yourself from significant psychological problems such as depression, emotional pain, despair, intrusive thoughts, and anxiety
It becomes increasingly difficult to become sexually aroused by normal sex and by real partners as opposed to porn stars and fantasies
Sex acts depicted in porn, and that your partner feels uncomfortable with, are the only ones you're really interested in anymore
It takes longer and longer to find porn that is exciting to you
If porn is a problem for you, it can be very difficult to seek help due to embarrassment and shame. So it may help to know that problems with porn are becoming increasingly common, and are recognised by many psychologists and mental health professionals. If you're unsure of whether you need help, online self-assessment measures or discussion forums may help make the issue clearer for you. The Centre for Healthy Sex could be a helpful site to start with.