Is Online Pornography consumption linked to off-line sexual dysfuntions in young men? A multivariate analysis based on an international web-based survey. (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Expanding access to the internet resulted in more and earlier consumption of online pornography. At the same time, a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among young men is seen. Increased pornography consumption has been suggested as a possible explanation of this rise. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to better understand associations between problematic pornography con-sumption (PPC) and ED. METHODS A 118-item survey was published online and data collection took place between April 2019 and May 2020. 5770 men responded. Eventually, the results of 3419 men be-tween 18 and 35 years old were analyzed. The survey used validated questionnaires like Cyber Pornography Addiction Test (CYPAT), IIEF-5, and AUDIT-c. Estimated amount of porn watching was calculated. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. For the multivariable analysis a logistic regression model using a directed acyclic graph (DAG) was used. RESULTS According to their IIEF-5 scores, 21,5% of our sexually active participants (i.e. those who attempted penetrative sex in the previous 4 weeks) had some degree of ED. This prevalence of ED in young men is alarmingly high and the results of presented study suggest a significant association with PPC. CONCLUSIONS Higher CYPAT scores indicating problematic online pornography consumptium resulted in a higher probability of ED, while controlling for covariates. Masturbation frequency seemed not a significant factor when assessing ED. CLINICALTRIAL The study was registered on www.researchregistry.com (ID 5111).