Testosterone levels are dropping in young men – and it seems that intense pornography viewing is the cause. The male hormone is responsible, among other things, for facial and chest hair growth, muscle mass increase, bone density, sperm production and sex drive.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, low testosterone affects about 2% of men, with symptoms varying from depression, body hair loss and decreased libido to fertility problems and low sperm count.
According to information published in The Sun, testosterone amounts in young men decrease due to exorbitant pornography and/or gaming. A 2017 study found that men who played video games dispense dopamine, the same “pleasure hormone” released during orgasms, which could be partly responsible for a lack of desire/need for intimacy.
Playing video games is amusing, but it can also be stressful, which may point to an increase in prolactin hormone and a decrease in testosterone. High prolactin levels in men can cause erectile dysfunction.
Similarly, regular exposure to pornography can also be partly responsible for reduced sexual desire, although there is still no consensus on this issue. A 2016 study found that “chronic internet pornography use led to erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation.” However, some experts have discovered that watching videos doesn’t necessarily reduce testosterone levels but rather deadens sexual desire.
“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.
What can it also cause?
A number of young men have forthrightly shared their sexual difficulties: they couldn’t accomplish an erection with their partner after years of watching pornography. In fact, a 2020 study unveiled a link between viewing adult videos and the elevated time it takes for a man to reach an orgasm with their partner.
New video from Madison Cawthorn tonight: “Our culture is trying to completely demasculate all the young men. You can look at testosterone levels in young men today, and they are lower than throughout all of history .. If you are raising a young man, raise them to be a monster!” pic.twitter.com/ZhHSghQ5zt
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) October 18, 2021
According to The Sun, pornography and video games can also disrupt sleep patterns, which, in turn, can lower testosterone levels.
There are ways to increase testosterone levels and reap its benefits. Healthline recommends physical activity, weightlifting, stress reduction, increased vitamin D intake, good sleep, avoiding alcohol and a balanced diet rich in fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
