What if porn wasn’t the problem but part of the solution?
Pornography is often presented as a threat to sexual health, particularly among men. Everything from performance issues to relationship failures are attributed to it. But these claims are increasingly being questioned, even when it comes to women.
New research suggests that porn consumption may actually benefit women’s sexual well-being. Whether it’s increasing desire or helping achieve orgasm, it could offer benefits that have long been overlooked.
To better understand this shift, researchers Nikola Komlenac and Jennifer Birke of the Medical University of Innsbruck in Austria examined recent studies on porn consumption and women’s sexual function. Their findings suggest it’s time for health care providers to rethink the role of pornography. Instead of viewing it as a problem to be solved, it can serve as a tool to increase desire, satisfaction and communication.
Women and porn
Recent research reports have linked higher pornography consumption among women to better sexual function and greater sexual satisfaction. Komlenac and Birch explain the potential benefits for both relationships and overall sexual health:
“In particular, women report that pornography provides access to new sexual techniques, increases sexual arousal, facilitates masturbation, awakens new fantasies, promotes orgasm, and enhances sexual exploration and communication. Previous studies also show that some women feel sexually stronger, more relaxed, and more able to enjoy their sex lives through pornography consumption.”
However, previous studies have not specifically focused on the relationship between women’s pornography consumption and sexual function. They also did not address the range of sexual dysfunctions described in current diagnostic manuals.
To fill these gaps, Komlenac and Birke examined 34 articles published between 2020 and 2025 in two major scientific databases: PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection. Researchers looked at differences in use, including frequency, problematic use, age at first exposure, and use with a partner.
How Porn Consumption Affects Women’s Sexual Function
Most studies have found that increased pornography consumption in women is associated with better sexual function, including higher desire, greater arousal, and more frequent orgasms.
Even women who simply watched porn tended to report better overall sexual function, regardless of frequency.
When it comes to gender, one study found that those who consumed porn with “passion and romance” were more likely to report better sexual results.
Porn, partners and sexual results
Watching porn with a partner was linked to better sexual function. Some studies have also shown that higher porn consumption increases sexual desire with a partner.
In fact, some studies have shown that pornography consumption, whether alone or together, is associated with a higher likelihood of orgasms during sexual activity alone or with partners.
Other studies found that women who consumed pornography were more likely to have difficulty reaching orgasm with their partners. One study found that higher porn consumption was associated with longer time to orgasm during masturbation and partner sex. Feeling pressure from a partner to watch porn was also linked to difficulty reaching orgasm.
Measuring arousal with porn
Nearly a third of studies used pornography to test women’s arousal in real time. Looking was associated with greater subjective and physical arousal, as well as increased awareness of physical reactions.
These findings suggest that pornography may be more than just a useful way to increase arousal. It can also help identify those who have difficulty getting aroused.
What about “problematic pornography use”?
Problematic use of pornography (PPU) is a common use that seems difficult to control and has negative consequences in daily life, such as at work or in relationships.
Most studies have shown no link between PPU and sexual function. However, two studies found that women with higher PPU levels reported poorer sexual functioning.
The most consistent finding was an association between higher levels of PPU and more symptoms of compulsive sexual behavior disorder, which involves dealing with intense sexual impulses. Although many studies assume that compulsive behavior is caused by PPU, the authors point out that the diagnosis actually shows the opposite: PPU is considered a symptom of a deeper, persistent difficulty controlling sexual urges.
“High stress, difficulty regulating emotions, or repetitive thoughts could explain the reported association between PPU and reduced sexual function,” the authors added.
Women who started watching porn at a younger age were more likely to have symptoms of compulsive sexual behavior. Some studies have also linked these symptoms to frequent and prolonged use.
Shift the conversation to porn
Although porn often gets a bad rap, many women say it enriches their sexual experiences.
This review supports this perspective and confirms the results of previous research. For most women, porn consumption is not associated with sexual problems or better sexual function. This means increased arousal, better communication with partners and greater sexual satisfaction.
However, because most studies were cross-sectional, they cannot demonstrate cause and effect. Therefore, it is unclear whether pornography consumption leads to specific sexual outcomes or whether people with certain characteristics – such as higher sexual desire – are simply more likely to watch porn.
Some of the studies reviewed also concluded that problematic pornography use is associated with poorer sexual function, particularly when it comes to compulsive sexual behaviors. However, the PPU may not be the cause of these problems. Rather, it could be a symptom or coping mechanism for difficult emotions or other underlying causes.
Additionally, some people may find their porn consumption problematic because cultural or moral messages portray it as harmful and instill feelings of shame. The question arises whether a person’s behavior is problematic or whether the society around him does not accept him.
The authors urge doctors not to focus solely on the amount of porn a person consumes. Instead, the focus should be on why they use it and how it affects their well-being. They also recommend that therapists consider discussing pornography as a potential tool for sexual stimulation and satisfaction. Additionally, future research should include sexual minorities and participants outside of North America and Europe.
It turns out that when it comes to pornography and women’s sexual health, the climax of the story can only be positive.
This article was originally published on The Shaw.