In our society today, porn is already a taboo as it is. Although almost everyone used it, it is still shunned widely across all borders. Even more stigmatised than the pornographic content, is the addiction to such content.
Porn addiction is a serious behavioural addiction, that has often been ridiculed. It refers to an addiction where one finds the need to compulsively watch porn irrespective of its consequences on their life. Porn addiction comes along with a huge string of side effects, that can seriously dame one’s life, career, and relationships. Some of which are:
- Insomnia
- Chronic loneliness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Higher chances of infidelity
- Depression
- Anxiety disorder
- Inability to form meaningful relationships
However, time and time again porn addiction has often been considered a male-only issue. When that’s clearly not the case. Thanks to high-speed internet and the booming porn industry, people of all ages, gender, and sexuality can fall prey to porn addiction. It doesn’t matter where you stay or what lifestyle you lead, if you have a smartphone and a decent internet connection, then you can easily access porn. Just one click and you’ll have an endless variety of pornographic content to choose from.
Addiction doesn’t choose its victim based on sex or age. That’s the misrepresentation that has been displayed by mainstream media. So, if you’re a woman and you feel you’re suffering from porn addiction, don’t worry! You’re not alone!
How Porn Addiction Affects Women
Not only is this representation of such an addiction being a male-only issue inaccurate, but it’s also harmful. It’s harmful to several women who are dealing with similar problems right now. No one has the right to tell someone that their struggles are illegitimate or unacceptable.
There is a stigma that has surrounded women and porn for centuries. This can often lead to the development of shame and confusion in women when dealing with problems like porn addiction. Plus, the lack of resources and information on this topic only adds to the struggles women face regarding this particular issue.
In first-world counties, 75% of women between the ages of 16-35 watch pornographic content regularly. However, the number decreases along with age, with only 17% of women over 50 watch porn regularly. Out of this population, approximately 25% of women in the age-group of 18 – 30 have admitted to having a porn addiction. This number saw a significant jump of 16% over the last five years. With statistics like these, it is highly ignorant to call porn addiction a male-only issue.
Porn addiction affects a woman the same way it would affect a man or a person belonging to any other gender. The symptoms, side effects, and the process, all remain mostly identical in both cases.
Porn Addiction Symptoms In Women
For a person to be addicted to porn, they must be unable to contain their urge to engage in excessive porn consumption. In such a scenario, you will engage in these activities, without paying much heed to the consequences. Such an addiction can impact your life in various ways, some of which we’ve mentioned above. You can also take this quiz to know if you’re really addicted to porn. The symptoms to look out for when trying to figure out if you’re addicted to pornographic content are:
Lack of sexual arousal
Similar to erectile dysfunction in men, female porn addicts are often unable to achieve arousal in intimate settings. In some cases, sexual arousal although achieved, cannot be maintained. This can have a huge impact on romantic and sexual relationships in one’s life.
Genital insensitivity
Both male and female porn addicts have reported cases of lack of genital sensitivity over time. This is often a result of excessive masturbation fueled by an addiction to porn. This can be either a long term or short term symptom. People who have reported this issue often get their normal sensations back once they go on a porn detox. But, there have also been cases where this symptom has done some long term damage.
Excessive urges
If you’re developing or have already developed an addiction, then you will be familiar with the infamous urges. Urges are what keeps the cycle of porn addiction rolling. If you are addicted to porn, the most common symptom to look out for would be your uncontrollable urge to indulge in porn at random times of the day.
Lack of interest in your partner
As the addiction grows, you’re likely to lose sexual and romantic interest in your partner or SO. You will no longer feel like having any intimate relations with them. Many ex-porn addicts reported that, during their addiction period, they much preferred PMO than having any sexual interactions with their partner.
Anorgasmia
Anorgasmia refers to a person’s inability to orgasm despite receiving the proper stimulation. This is a common symptom that is often experienced by both male and female porn addicts. Although it is far more common in women than in men.
Reckless and irresponsible
The addiction eats you up and consumes your time to such an extent that you’ll start missing daily responsibilities and obligations. When you find yourself watching porn instead of working on your project that is due in 30 minutes, that’s when you know there’s a problem. Similarly, if you find yourself watching porn in situations that require your focused attention, like driving, then it is a strong sign that you’re addicted to porn.
Recovery Is Possible
With any addiction, recovery is always possible. It just requires extreme self-restraint, willpower, and a good support system. There definitely aren’t enough resources out there for worm dealing with this problem. But, the process of recovery is the same for all, irrespective of gender.
If you believe you’re addicted to pornography or on the verge of addiction, then it is smart to prevent it rather than reverse t’s effects. Here’s the perfect article to help you with quitting porn effectively and efficiently. Although, it’s important you remember two things:
- It’s not necessary that something that works for everyone should work for you too. We’re all wired differently and our bodies function differently. Look through your options and figure out what works for you.
- It is easy to quit porn but it is difficult to stay. But, that’s the key to successfully quitting an addiction. All your energy in this scenario should go towards being consistent with your efforts to quit porn. This is key!
Just remember, there is always a solution. Don’t be too harsh on yourself. You can find many forums online with women dealing with similar issues, it might help you connect and understand the situation better. If you have any questions regarding porn addiction in women, do leave them in the comments section below. We’d be happy to help you out!
