Reviewed By Priyanka Bhattacharjee, is a licensed and practicing Clinical Psychologist based in India, who has been working very closely with a variety of mental health issues across different age groups for the past 7 years. Working for the cause of mental health is her passion, and primarily advocates for primary prevention and early intervention. Her professional interest areas include diagnosis and therapy for Addiction, Personality Disorders, Mood and Affective Disorders, Children and Adolescents’ Mental Health, Couple Intervention, and Workplace Mental Health issues.

The Unfortunate Myth 

Porn addiction among females is “widespread and silent”. Addiction to pornography and sex is always “acceptable” only as a male problem as society believes that women don’t really watch porn.

“Pornography addiction is a male problem, so it is unacceptable for women,” says Dean. “Women have a real feeling that it is bad, dirty, and wrong, and they are often unable to get beyond that.” 

Society thinks that that man is more likely to become addicted than women, whether it is drug abuse or behavioral addiction. But for women, this is an unspoken struggle. We must give them a chance to express their opinions. 

The Reality (Backed By Research) 

Many believe that only men watch porn and struggle with porn addiction, but an estimated 30% of women do the same.  

Research states that women are much less likely to reach out for help if they are facing the porn problem.  

The first female support group in the United States was founded by Crystal Reno. She also wrote a new book on female pornography addiction called Dirty Girls Come Clean. 

Survey data shows that the number of women watching pornography is increasing over time, although there are few studies on the number of women who have developed an addiction to pornography. However, online forums and self-help resources show that women’s addiction to pornography still exists and is increasing.     

Up to 8% of men and 3% of women have a sex addiction. Men on the autism spectrum disorder are more likely to develop this condition than men without autism. They also have a higher risk of sexually compulsive behavior. 

Sex Differences in the Stages of Addiction 

Research has shown that the difference in addiction and consequences of addiction among sex/gender is also present. The stages of porn addiction among females and males are categorized as shown below: