When most people picture a “porn addict”, who do you think they see? We don’t even need to answer that question.
While males statistically make up a larger proportion of the population with a problematic relationship with porn, those with the XX chromosome also experience behavioral health complications with X-rated materials. Further, it’s no small number, with millions of women experiencing symptoms of the disorder. It’s time for pornography addiction in women to be taken seriously so that sufferers can come to terms with the problem and seek the help they need. Below are key insights that may help you and/or a loved one better understand vulnerabilities, monitor for signs of problematic consumption, and find information about how to break its grip.
What Women Need to Know About Their Potentially Problematic Relationship with Pornography
Female Pornography Addiction Statistics
Women who are concerned about their relationship with porn may feel like an anomaly. As a result they may feel ashamed, and avoid seeking help. But when one references the data it becomes clear that they are not alone. Research has uncovered the following statistics about female pornography consumption and addiction:
Median consumption rates of porn are 58% among American women (source)
A prominent study found that 3% of American women self-report that they are addicted to pornography (source)
An international study found that the number of women who self-report as porn-addicts to be much higher at 17% (source)
Vulnerabilities to Pornography Addiction in Women
There are certain histories and cooccurring variables that some women have that may make them more vulnerable to developing a problematic relationship with porn. In identifying with one or more of the following, an individual gains better insight into why they may have trouble controlling their compulsion.
History of Abuse
Psychiatrist.com reports that childhood sexual abuse and domestic abuse by a partner contributes to ongoing risk behaviors such as problematic porn consumption. Epidemiological data has consistently shown that there is gender difference in risk of childhood abuse, with women being more likely to report a history of childhood sexual abuse. Research also shows that women are more likely then men to experience domestic violence.
Extreme Religious Upbringing
What may be surprising to some, and not at all surprising to others, is that people with a staunchly religious upbringing report being porn addicts more than the general population. While this is true for men and women, research consistently shows that females are more likely than males to grow-up in more strict religious environments.
Cooccurring Mental and Behavioral Health Issues
Studies find that anxiety, stress, and depression are strongly related to pornography consumption. Research confirms that women have higher rates for anxiety disorders and stress, while the Mayo Clinic reports that about twice as many women as men experience depression. In addition, research has found a concurrent relationship between Bipolar Disorder (BP) I and II, hyper-sexuality, and compulsive sexual behavior such as problematic porn consumption. While data suggests that men often develop BP II earlier than women, women appear to have a higher preponderance to BP I and BP II than men.
Vocational Considerations
While the vocational correlation between problematic porn consumption is notable for males and females, it’s worth noting in this article on pornography addiction in women. For one, elite athletes may have a predisposition to compulsive porn use. In addition, studies have found that veterans and active military personnel should be more cautious in regards to their relationship with sexually explicit materials.
Signs and Symptoms of Pornography Addiction in Women
“I remember the feeling of being sucked in, really wanting that two-minute fix, that numbness I got when I used porn. I was stressed out, and I risked being late for my interview, but I pressed play anyway and fast-forwarded it to the bit I wanted. It took two minutes. Afterwards I just hated myself for giving in and getting off on images that treated women like pieces of meat. But I kept going back.”
Why More and More Women Are Using Pornography | The Guardian
The excerpt from The Guardian is just one accounting of what numerous women experience when it comes to compulsive porn use. By monitoring for the following, it can become clear as to whether or not professional intervention is required. Signs and symptoms include the following:
- Excessive periods of time spent searching for and watching porn.
- An inability to stop consuming porn after efforts have been made to pause it.
- Increased intensity or type of sexual content viewed to get the same arousal and stimulation.
- Lack of interest in other activities.
- Expressed anger and defensiveness when asked to stop by a concerned partner.
- Lying to romantic partners about consuming porn.
- Using alcohol or drugs in conjunction with porn.
- Social and/or familial detachment.
- Inability or disinterest in forming lasting romantic relationships.
- Loss of interest in sexual relationships with spouse or partner.
- Feelings of shame or depression regarding consumption.
- Compulsive masturbation (including at work and in public spaces).
- Violating school or workplace policies regarding consumption of elicit materials when on-premises.
- Soliciting strangers to fulfill porn fantasies.
- Using porn as a coping mechanism for anxiety, stress, and depression.
While the symptoms are not dissimilar from that of males, some concerns are more unique to women. As alluded to in the above section regarding statistics, experts report that women feel guiltier about their porn use than men, and that these feelings of shame can keep them from seeking help. Further, Psychology Today reports that women who frequently masturbated to porn expressed greater distress when they were unable to reach climax with their partner.
What Can Be Done About It
This article is certainly not a persecution on women’s use of pornography. There is significant research that shows women with positive attitudes about their own sexuality are able to use porn to enhance sexual relationships with themselves and their romantic partners. Instead, the intent of this article is to help the reader better understand vulnerabilities and monitor for signs of problematic consumption while finding information about how to break free from compulsive use. Women who may suffer from a problem are encouraged to try these alternatives to pornography, and connect to online support services to treat the disorder.
Kindbridge Behavioral Health offers access to a one-on-one online therapy with experts who understand what they (you?) are going through, without judgement. We have professionals on staff who specialize in porn addiction counseling. We also offer group therapy sessions that occur in a confidential, safe, welcoming virtual environment.
Concerned About Your Relationship with Porn?
CALL +1 (877) 426-4258
OR
Email [email protected]
