Relationship Between Sexual Function and Pornography Consumption Among Women: A Systematic Review

Purpose of ReviewThe present review summarizes associations reported in research published within the past five years between various forms of pornography consumption (e.g., frequency, problematic use, age at first consumption, consumption with a partner) and different sexual dysfunctions or aspects of sexual functioning, as defined by clinical classification systems, specifically in women.Recent FindingsRecent studies report links between women's increased pornography consumption and overall improved sexual functioning.SummaryWhen correlations are reported, increased pornography consumption is associated with better overall sexual functioning, increased desire, sexual arousal, and more frequent orgasms in women. Experimental studies use pornographic material to trigger women's sexual arousal. However, problematic pornography use is linked to reduced sexual functioning, most notably an increase in symptoms of compulsive sexual behavior.