Is porn bad for relationships?
Porn is not necessarily bad for relationships.
Many people in relationships watch porn regularly without any negative effects on their relationship.
How porn affects relationships.
There’s conflicting research on how porn affects relationships.
Research on porn and relationship satisfaction.
Many studies3have found that watching porn is linked to lower relationship satisfaction.
Meanwhile, other studies have actually found watching porn mightimproverelationships.
But for those who are less accepting of porn, watching porn was associated with less relationship satisfaction.
Research on porn and sexual satisfaction.
But women watching porn was actually linked with abettersex life for her.
(Here’show to actually make a woman reach orgasm.
Hint: It has almost nothing to do with penetration.)
Porn is a fantasy, and it should be treated as such.
Porn, cheating, and secrecy.
Perhaps the easiest way porn can hurt your relationship is through secrecy.
Anearlier study15found that, for some women, this discovery can feel “traumatic.”
Transparency is everything in a relationship, especially when it comes to matters of sex and intimacy.
Should I be upset that my partner watches porn?
There are no “shoulds” when it comes to your feelings.
Nelson adds, “There may be room for porn in a healthy relationship.
But if that’s not your cup of tea, that’s OK too.
Some people have strong negative feelings about the idea of their partner watching porn.
If that’s the case for you, talk to your partner about it.
Why people in relationships watch porn.
Or it could be something completely unrelated to that.
“Engaging in solo play is healthy (and normal!)
even when you’re in a partnered relationship,” sexologist and certified sex coach Gigi Englewrites at mbg.
“Solo play is its own self-care activity, not a replacement for partnered experiences.”
It leaves us feeling fine about ourselves and our sexuality, not ashamed.
It’s a pleasant excursion, alone or with a partner.”
“It can help couples communicate about what they like and what they don’t.
It can open a dialogue to help discuss sex and increase the connection in a relationship.”
How to deal with your partner watching porn.
If you’re upset that your partner is watching porn, talk to them about it.
Suffering in silence will only make matters worse.
Brito recommends approaching the conversation while still expressing care for your partner and their needs.
“Create a safe space to have a caring conversation.
“Express your concerns, wants, and needs.”
TheAASECT directoryoffers a list of reputable sexuality professionals.
What if my partner is addicted to porn?
Be wary of providers who actively assert the existence of porn addiction.
…and they can work toward other strategies to manage their stress or explore their sexuality.
The bottom line.
Watching porn isn’t necessarily good or bad for relationships.
