Male | 26
What is the current scientific understanding of the "flat line" phase in pornography-related concerns?
Dear Doctor, I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to discuss some concerns that have been affecting my mental and sexual health, specifically related to my use of pornography and its broader impact on my life. I am a male, 26/27 years old. No health issues. I've noticed that my consumption of pornography and engagement in cybersex have escalated to a point where they negatively affect my life and relationships. My need for increasingly explicit material to achieve sexual arousal has grown over the years (a phenomenon called "Desensitization" i believe), and it's become apparent that this pattern is not sustainable. I've observed that this habit has not only affected my ability to enjoy real-life sexual encounters but has also contributed to the deterioration of my previous relationship. At times, I had found myself needing to think of pornography to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. In an attempt to address this, I've tried to quit watching porn, only to experience a significant drop in my libido and desire for sexual activity. This "flat line" phase, as it's often referred to in various forums, has left me feeling worried and uncertain about the path forward. Of course, i started watching again, just to make sure that everything is normal. The first couple of times, the erections were weaker than usual. I understand that the body of scientific research in this area is still evolving, and there seems to be a lack of definitive guidance on dealing with these challenges. Given these complexities, I'm seeking your professional advice on several fronts: 1- Is the "flat line" phase a recognized scientific phenomenon, and what does current research say about it? 2- Considering my concerns about the long-term effects of abstaining from pornography and reduced masturbation, what guidance can you provide? I'm particularly worried about maintaining sexual function, including erectile strength and ejaculation control. 3-Could you suggest any scientific, medical research articles or resources that could offer more insight into these issues? Your expertise and any evidence-based recommendations would be immensely valuable to me as I consider my next steps. Many thanks for your time and consideration. Kind regards,
Sexologist
Answered on 23rd May '24
It is crucial to realize that gaining an excessive amount of pornography and cyberspace ultimately results in being desensitized, and it has a negative impact on sexual encounters with real living partners and relationships.
The "flat line" effect, that you brought up, is also a commonly displayed problem where former porn addicts may experience a drop in their sex drive and arousal. But for now, the findings are not substantial, more studies are required to distinguish porn effect on sexual function from its own.
With regard to facilitation, many people have found it immensely helpful to consult a professional mental health care provider, such as a therapist or a counselor, and avail their expert help in dealing with this problem and addressing any underlying psychological factors. A sex therapist may possess skills in counseling individuals with sexual dysfunction or enhancing sexual functions.
Your well-being is of top concern and seeking the help of a mental and sexual health specialist can provide you with the needed information when making a decision about your next step. In this connection, I suggest you talk to a psychologist or sex therapist, whose main professional concern is the issues you are experiencing, for more help and support.
Best regards,
Dr. Madhu Sudan
96 people found this helpful
Questions & Answers on "Sexology Treatment" (654)
I am 41 years old. I married in 2011.i have problem erectile dysfunction & premature ejaculation very badly. What can i do?
Male | 41
Answered on 5th July '24
Dr. Arun Kumar
How I quite masterbating
Male | 42
Wanting to change is a basic human trait. If we do not maintain self-discipline, we can be faced with such situations as putting us under stress or everyday activities. Coping skills like unlocking the triggers of boredom or stress may be a good idea. To face this, start with finding new hobbies, engaging in physical activities, or transforming the current way of living by, for example, the method of meditation. Building a better daily program also helps this happen. If the behavior you see in someone else remains the same or if it is negatively affecting you physically and psychologically, get an appointment with a sexologist to obtain personalized guidance.
Answered on 19th Dec '24
Dr. Madhu Sudan
Me and my girlfriend wear wearing the underwear and I rub my penis without any ejaculation will she be pregnant pls tell me I'm in stree
Female | 17
Considering the circumstances, it is improbable that your girlfriend could become pregnant if there was no ejaculation. Nevertheless, it is good to realize that any genital contact has some risk involved. Therefore, if she starts experiencing any unusual signs like missing her periods or having abnormal bleeding; I advise you to go for a pregnancy test so that you can be sure about everything.
Answered on 28th May '24
Dr. Inderjeet Gautam
I’m a 29 year old male, for a few years now, this has happened approximately 4-5 times. While intimate with my partner, and I’m receiving oral sex, it’s all normal until the moment I get the need to ‘release’, what feels like it should be normal, at the very last moment before it comes out, it ends up being urine instead., though if I’m by myself or I do the work, it’s a normal ‘release’ Why is this? It’s only while getting oral sex.. I’m otherwise a healthy male. I also work in the EMS field and know too many local doctors to want to ask them about this issue.
Male | 29
You might have retrograde ejaculation where semen goes into the bladder instead of coming out through the penis. The reason could be that the bladder muscles don’t function well. It is not dangerous but might affect fertility. To confirm you need a urologist to check and direct you accordingly.
Answered on 10th July '24
Dr. Inderjeet Gautam
I'm 30 years old male. I'm unable to retract my penile foreskin when it is erect.
Male | 30
Answered on 23rd May '24
Dr. Arun Kumar
Hi, want to use pull out and condom at the same time? Is it safe,
Female | 19
It is safe to apply both a pull-out method and condom at the same time because it can prevent unwanted pregnancy as well as STIs.
Answered on 22nd Nov '24
Dr. Madhu Sudan
I am 25 yr old female and I haven’t had intercourse till now and I am planning for my first time sex with my boyfriend and I am not nervous
Female | 25
Some normal things may happen like fear, worry, and body hurt. This is okay since it is new. Go slow, talk openly with your boyfriend, and make sure you both want it. Use protection to not get pregnant and STIs. Take your time and only do what you both agree is good. Your health and safety matter most here.
Answered on 23rd Aug '24
Dr. Inderjeet Gautam
Sir i have a small penis and my foreskin is very tight i can pull it but my penis head is very sensitive. I also have premature ejaculation. I am addicted to masterbation. I masterbate 3 time in a week and i can masterbate for 2,3 min only. How can i fix this problem
Male | 18
You may have a condition known as phimosis, whereby the foreskin is too tight. This can lead to discomfort and hyperesthesia. Premature ejaculation and masturbation addiction are probably also related. For better performance, try using ways that take a longer time to ejaculate, such as the stop-start method. Furthermore, consult a sexologist for treatment concerning the foreskin. As you gradually reduce the duration of the masturbation sessions, you will be able to cope with the addiction more easily.
Answered on 26th Oct '24
Dr. Madhu Sudan
Unsafe sex..used postinor 2 contraceptive to pill
Female | 25
Answered on 23rd May '24
Dr. Arun Kumar
Sir me and my gf gave me a blowjob while being fully naked on her 17th day later she thought it's risky at that time I was rubbing it on her face then she wore her pants up but didn't touched her vagina it's been almost 10 days and shes cramping for past 3 days can she be pregnant
Female | 21
When a man's sperm joins with a woman's egg that's called pregnancy. If your sperm doesn't get into her vagina then it is unlikely that she will become pregnant. There can be other reasons for cramps too – like periods or stomach problems – it doesn’t always mean you’re having a baby. If you’re worried take a test to make sure.
Answered on 11th June '24
Dr. Inderjeet Gautam
I am 18 yrs old boy and doing masturbation alot nd now I have doubts regarding my sexual performance as I'm facing PE. Suggest me some solution.
Male | 18
It's common to wonder about sexual performance, particularly if you've been engaging in masturbation quite often. Fast termination during sexual intercourse is called premature ejaculation (PE). The symptoms of PE are being unable to command when you ejaculate. Too much masturbation can be a reason for PE. Reduce the frequency of masturbation- practice methods of delaying ejaculation like the start-stop method, and- communicate honestly about your worries despite finding this advice difficult.
Answered on 1st July '24
Dr. Madhu Sudan
Hi, I am newly married just few days and we are still exploring things while having sex however no matter how much I perform I am unable to ejaculate while having sex however I have been masterbating before marriage and then I was able to ejaculate but why not now
Male | 26
The inability to discharge during lovemaking, which used to be possible, could be a consequence of several factors. Stress and performance tension are two of the reasons. The exclusion of anybody's problems from it is also good. Shift to the ideas of mutual understanding and frank discussion with your partner and see a physician if you are interested in treatment you can also consult a sexologist for treatment,.
Answered on 30th Nov '24
Dr. Madhu Sudan
Suffering from low libido
Male | 24
Having a low sex drive is common, meaning you don’t feel like having sex often. Signs include not feeling excited about intimacy and rarely thinking about it. Stress, being tired, and hormone changes can cause this. To help, try to relax, get enough rest, talk with your partner, and seek counseling if needed.
Answered on 15th Oct '24
Dr. Inderjeet Gautam
I’m a 41-year-old man been married a year and a half and we have only had Intimacy about five or six times since we’ve been married, I feel like I can’t get it up anymore and have Low Sex drive
Male | 41
You might be going through a difficult time with erectile dysfunction and low libido. There are a few things that can lead to these problems like stress, anxiety, relationship problems, or health conditions. If you need to change your position, such as by openly discussing the issue with your partner or aiming to manage stress through good daily routines, try some techniques such as regular exercise and a proper diet along with consulting a doctor.
Answered on 21st June '24
Dr. Madhu Sudan
How do I recover from masturbating and regain my man power agai
Male | 23
MASTURBATION does not cause a decrease in man power... It is a normal activity and does not affect physical health... To regain man power, maintain a BALANCED DIET, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep... Avoid SMOKING, drugs, and EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION... Speak with a healthcare professional if experiencing sexual dysfunction...
Answered on 23rd May '24
Dr. Inderjeet Gautam
Hey, I want to ask. Yesterday I had sex with a sec worker and the condom slipped but the rim of the condom was outside the vagina when I pulled out. Can I get HIV from such mistake?
Male | 26
When a condom slides off during sex, there's a chance of HIV transmission if bodily fluids (like semen or blood) made contact. HIV spreads via these fluids. Symptoms might not appear immediately but could include fever, tiredness, and a sore throat. Getting tested by a doctor is crucial, as is discussing any anxieties you have.
Answered on 23rd May '24
Dr. Madhu Sudan
Sex life problem Tait pn nahi hot lvkr divsat ekch veles sex hote wife ko khush nhi kr pa rhaa hu kuch btai sir
Male | 28
It sounds like you're experiencing difficulties satisfying your wife during sex. This could be due to various reasons such as stress, fatigue, or underlying health issues. I would advise you to consult with a urologist to address any potential medical concerns and a sex therapist to explore techniques for improving intimacy and satisfaction in your relationship.
Answered on 23rd May '24
Dr. Madhu Sudan
Hie Doctor, i am not able to do sex with my wife may b as i have fear in me about sex ( we do oral sex ). Please guide
Male | 33
It must be recognized that sexual dysfunctions are not always related to only physiological problems, but also to psychological ones. I recommend you to see a specific sexologist who knows about sexual health, to help you to overcome your fears and gain confidence
Answered on 21st Nov '24
Dr. Madhu Sudan
I am 22 years old, I have severe weakness during sex, my whole body hurts and I vomit I don't vomit all the time, I vomit when I want to have sex
نارینه | 22
You may have a condition known as sexual asthenia. This can lead to weakness, body aches, and vomiting before or during sex. It may be caused by physical or mental issues such as stress. Make sure to rest, eat well, and talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. If they do not go away after taking these steps then seek help from a medical professional who will give further advice on what needs to be done.
Answered on 11th June '24
Dr. Madhu Sudan
Mastrubate effect permanent on girls Masturbation effect hormone permanent If it has been a year since you left it, does body repair start happening? without medicine If masturbation is done on external part means upper lips then fingering is done on it.
Female | 23
It is not uncommon for girls to engage in the practice of masturbation. It does not produce lasting damage or have an impact on hormonal levels. After a year, your body will start to heal itself using its own without the aid of medication. Primarily, if you did it on the outer part, such as your upper lips, it shouldn't be a serious problem. The only point of caution is that you need to ensure that the area is kept clean to avoid any possible infections.
Answered on 16th Aug '24
Dr. Madhu Sudan
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