Frequency of Pornography Use and Sexual Health Outcomes in Sweden: Analysis of a National Probability Survey

Abstract

Background: Little is known about pornography use and its relationship with sexual health outcomes in the general population. Aim: To assess frequency of pornography use and the association of sexual health outcomes with frequent pornography use in Sweden. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 14,135 participants (6,169 men and 7,966 women) aged 16−84 years in a Swedish nationally representative survey from 2017. We used logistic regression to assess the association of sexual health outcomes with use of pornography ≥3 times/wk. Outcomes: Frequency of pornography use (never; less than once/mo to 3 times/mo; 1−2 times/wk; 3−5 times/ wk; and daily or almost daily) and sexual health outcomes (eg, sexual satisfaction and sexual health problems). Results: In total, 68.7% of men and 27.0% of women used pornography. Among men aged 16−24 years, 17.2% used pornography daily or almost daily, 24.7% used pornography 3−5 d/wk and 23.7% used pornography 1−2 d/wk. Among women aged 16−24 years, the proportions were 1.2% for daily or almost daily, 3.1% for 3−5 times/wk, and 8.6% for 1−2 times/wk. Frequency of pornography use decreased with age among both men and women. While 22.6% of all men and 15.4% of all women reported that their or a sex partner's pornography use predominantly had positive effects on their sex life, 4.7% of men and 4.0% of women reported that the effects were predominantly negative. Variables indicating sexual dissatisfaction and sexual health problems were associated with use of pornography ≥3 times/wk: for example, dissatisfaction with sex life (age-adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: men 2.90 [95% CI 2.40−3.51]; women 1.85 [95% CI 1.09−3.16]), not having sex in the preferred way (aOR: men 2.48 [95% CI 1.92−3.20]; women 3.59 [95% CI 2.00−6.42]) and erection problems (aOR: men 2.18 [95% CI 1.73−2.76]). Clinical Implications: While frequent pornography use is common, potential effects on sexual health outcomes are likely to differ between individuals. Strength & Limitations: We used a large and recent nationally representative survey with detailed information regarding frequency of pornography use. The temporality of associations of sexual health variables with frequency of pornography use could not be assessed. Conclusion:In this analysis of a nationally representative survey in Sweden, we found that frequent pornography use was common among young men; that reporting predominantly positive effects of pornography use on the sex life was more common than reporting predominantly negative effects; and that sexual dissatisfaction and sexual health problems were associated with using pornography ≥3 times/wk.

Associations between adolescents watching pornography and poor mental health in three Swedish surveys

“…We were also limited to the background variables that were common in the three surveys, which is why other background variables, such as physical abuse, could not be studied. Regarding the operationalization of the frequency of watching pornography, a continuous scale could have contributed to a more refined measure of pornography watching, but on the other hand, our categorization is similar to another recent published study (49).…”

Associations Between Pornography Consumption, Sexual Flexibility, and Sexual Functioning Among Austrian Adults

“…Most people who consume pornography either do not perceive any consequences of their pornography consumption (Malki et al, 2021 ) or they self-perceive positive consequences of pornography consumption, such as receiving information on how to expand their repertoire of sexual behavior (Kohut et al, 2017 ). However, in contrast to consumers’ self-perceived consequences of their pornography consumption, many studies report links between pornography consumption and poor sexual health (Leonhardt & Willoughby, 2019 ; Miller et al, 2019 ; Wright et al, 2017 , 2019 ).…”

“…Additionally, in men, links between frequent pornography consumption and worse sexual functioning have been reported in the past. For instance, an association between increased pornography consumption and worse erectile functioning has been revealed (Grubbs & Gola, 2019 ; Malki et al, 2021 ). Furthermore, men who prefer masturbation while consuming pornography have been found to be more likely to be affected by sexual problems than are men who prefer partnered sexual activity.…”

Internet Addiction and Polish Women’s Sexual Functioning: The Role of Social Media, Online Pornography, and Game Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Online Surveys Based on FSFI and BSMAS Questionnaires

“…In a study conducted by Malki et al, most of the women answered that pornography use had no impact on their sexual life, while 13.4% of women declared that pornography had a positive effect on their sexual life [30]. Only 4% of women admitted that pornography had a negative impact on their sexual life.…”