Testosterone levels in young men are declining, and it appears that excessive pornographic viewing is to blame. The male hormone is in charge of many things, including face and chest hair development, muscular mass gain, bone density, sperm production, and sex drive. Is pornography causing a drop in testosterone levels?
Low testosterone affects roughly 2% of men, according to the Cleveland Clinic, with symptoms ranging from depression, body hair loss, and diminished libido to fertility issues and low sperm count.
According to The Sun, testosterone levels in young men fall as a result of excessive pornography and/or gaming. According to a 2017 study, guys who play video games release dopamine, the same “pleasure hormone” released during orgasms, which may contribute to a lack of desire/need for intimacy.
Playing video games is fun, but it may also be stressful, resulting in a rise in prolactin and a drop in testosterone. Impotence can be caused by high prolactin levels in men.
Continuous exposure to pornography, on the other hand, may contribute to diminished sexual desire, however, there is little agreement on this point. According to a 2016 study, “chronic internet pornography use led to erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation.” However, some specialists believe that watching movies numbs sexual desire rather than decreasing testosterone levels.
Is pornography causing a drop in testosterone levels?
“Porn addiction can lead to desensitization to sexual stimuli, which can decrease arousal and lead to difficulties achieving and maintaining an erection,” clinical sexologist and psychotherapist Dr. Rob Weiss told the New York Post in May.
After years of watching pornography, a lot of young guys have openly discussed their sexual difficulties: they couldn’t get an erection with their spouse. In fact, a 2020 study discovered a correlation between watching adult movies and the length of time it takes a male to have an orgasm with his lady love.
Pornography and computer games, according to The Sun, can also alter sleep patterns, lowering testosterone levels.
Diet can also have an impact on testosterone levels; specifically, bread, pastries, dairy products, and sweets can be problematic. According to a 2018 study, these items, coupled with eating out, correlate to low testosterone levels and undesirable body composition.
There are methods for increasing testosterone levels and reaping the benefits. Physical activity, weightlifting, stress reduction, improved vitamin D consumption, sufficient sleep, avoiding alcohol, and a balanced diet rich in lipids, proteins, and carbs are all recommended by Healthline.
Also read: Why Pornhub is blocked in Utah