Pamela Stephenson Connolly, an American psychotherapist specializing in sexual disorders. She’s addressing the timely question of how erectile dysfunction is connected with pornography addiction. The columnist responding to questions via her weekly online column, she tackles all sorts of sexual health topics submitted by listeners and offers frank, informed perspectives and advice.
A spouse just wrote in their lament over their spouse’s erectile dysfunction. This very challenge came to the fore on their first evening together. After a short period of initial closeness, the couple hit difficulties which were partly caused by the husband’s turn to online pornography when his wife was out of town. When the pair started getting intimate, this shocking discovery occurred six months into their relationship — leading her to question whether pornography corrupted his sexual performance.
Their relationship moved fast, with the newly couple having sex on their first night together. Interestingly, they always succeeded in reaching climax in spite of the husband’s erectile dysfunction. He had some success due to choice holding himself while penetrating which provided short term relief. It’s been more than a year since they’ve attempted to have intercourse. That long distance poses serious threats to the continuity of their precious physical bond.
Pamela Stephenson Connolly welcomes adults who struggle with such matters to contact her for counsel. She shares advice about the crucial role of communication between partners and about what may be the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction. Her column is one stop for readers looking to learn more, or better understand, the often complicated world of sex.
Readers are invited to email her with their problems at private.lives@theguardian.com. Under no circumstances should you send attachments in an email. This policy protects the privacy and confidentiality of all submissions received.