Pornography Abstinence and Nocturnal Erections in Adult Men

NCT07618104 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 38321
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 100
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The effects of pornography use on male sexual health remain uncertain, with mixed findings across existing literature and substantial variability at the individual level. This observational study is designed to help participants evaluate how a 30-day period of pornography abstinence affects their own sexual health and well-being, with a specific focus on nocturnal penile tumescence as a physiological biomarker. Participants will complete a short baseline observation period during which they maintain their usual pornography consumption patterns, followed by a 30-day abstinence period. Objective nocturnal erection data will be collected using a connected wearable device, alongside validated self-report questionnaires assessing erectile function, sexual desire, mood, energy, and emotional well-being. Participants serve as their own control, allowing for within-person comparisons of outcomes before and during the abstinence period.

Conditions

Erection; Incomplete

Keywords

Erection; Men's health

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Nocturnal Penile Tumescence

  Measure: Adam Sensor - Nocturnal Erection Tracking Description: Objective measurement of nocturnal penile tumescence, Frequency/Time nocturnal erections per night

  Baseline Day to Day 38

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Change in Erectile Function

  Baseline to Day 38 after intervention

• Change in Sexual Desire

  Baseline to Day 38 after intervention

• Change in Pornography Consumption Patterns

  Baseline to Day 38 after intervention

• Change in Mood, Energy, and Emotional Well-Being

  Baseline to Day 38 after intervention

Study Arms (1)

Single Arm longitudinal where participants act as their own control

Single Arm longitudinal where participants act as their own control

Behavioral: Pornography Abstinence

Interventions

Pornography Abstinence BEHAVIORAL

Participants will attempt to abstain from all pornography use for 30 consecutive days. Any deviations from abstinence are self-reported and logged for contextual analysis.

Single Arm longitudinal where participants act as their own control

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Gender Eligibility Details: Male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adult men who are interested in evaluating how a 30-day period of pornography abstinence may affect their sexual health, nocturnal erections, and overall well-being. Participants are self-selected volunteers who report current or recent pornography use, are able to attempt abstinence for the duration of the study, and are willing to use a non-invasive wearable device to collect nocturnal penile tumescence data and complete electronic questionnaires. The study population reflects a real-world, consumer-based sample rather than a clinically diagnosed population.

You may qualify if:

• Adult males of legal age of consent
• Willingness to attempt pornography abstinence
• Ability to use a wearable device during sleep
• Ability to complete electronic surveys
• Willingness to purchase the study device

You may not qualify if:

• Have a history of significant sexual dysfunction requiring active medical treatment
• Have current or uncontrolled mental health disorders
• Have a history of addictive behaviors that may be exacerbated by abstinence
• Are undergoing hormonal therapy or treatment affecting sexual function
• Are experiencing unstable interpersonal or relationship stressors
• Have significant concerns about privacy related to sexual health data
• Have cultural or religious considerations that could cause distress

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Efforia, Inc: lead

Study Sites (1)

Efforia

New York, New York, 10003, United States

RECRUITING

Central Study Contacts

Matthew Amsden

CONTACT

(646) 679-2479; help@efforia.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: OTHER
• Sponsor Type: INDUSTRY
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 24, 2026
• First Posted: June 1, 2026
• Study Start: September 22, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 22, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 22, 2026
• Last Updated: June 1, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Locations

US (1)