#Nooffence: Five myths on watching porn busted

Yes, you read that right. In fact, in some cases, experts even advise it for a healthy sex life. We bust some common myths associated with porn.

Earlier this month, the government invited the ire of lakhs when it imposed a ban on pornography in the country. A few days, and some scathing criticism and innumerable jokes later, the ban was partially lifted.

Most sections of society were glad about the withdrawal, but there were a few who voiced their concerns. Among these detractors were some who apparently claimed that watching porn could be seriously detrimental to one’s health and mental wellbeing.

However, experts rubbish such ill-founded criticism. Moderation, of course, they say, is the golden rule. Here, we speak to a few experts to help us bust some such myths.

While lesbian porn was found to be the runaway hit among women, women across the globe are also watching more "hardcore" acts than men. (Shutterstock Photo)

Myth 1: People who watch porn are unhappy with their sex lives

Experts say that this is almost always the other way round. In many cases, it is those couples, who are unhappy with their sex lives, who are advised to watch porn, with the hope that it may re-ignite their lost passion. “A lot of couples have a boring and nearly non-existent sex life. For such couples, porn can act as a substitute for a while. The cause for the unhappiness is mostly something other than porn,” says Dr Rohann Bokdawala, MD Psychiatry, Shriya Polyclinic, Marine Lines.

Myth 2: People who watch porn are of low moral character

One of the most popular online jokes that emerged around the porn ban highlighted the fact that, for once, a diktat seemed to have united all of India, rather than divided it. Dr Shaival Chandalia, endocrinologist, Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo, feels that “there is nothing immoral about watching porn”.

Myth 3: Only men enjoy watching porn

According to experts, porn is a gender neutral activity, in the way it affects the human brain. "I have come across an equal number of females who enjoy watching porn. The only difference is that they are not as vocal about it, due to the hypocrisy of our society," says Dr Bokdawala.

Myth 4: Porn will definitely affect your sex life negatively

“When dealt with prudence, porn helps you. Especially, when it comes to a long married life — it helps break the monotony, and adds some zing to your relationship. It is a good and healthy way to vent your frustrations too. It also helps people, who are in long-distance relationships, deal with the lack of intimacy. Rather than having an extra-marital affair, this is a safe way to satisfy your sexual urges,” says Neeta V Shetty, psychotherapist and life coach, Blissful Mind Therapy Centre, Wadala (E).

Myth 5: Porn makes you underperform in bed

“In the rare case, in which one does not understand that the porn film is after all fiction, there can be psychological effects. They tend to expect what they see on screen in real life as well, which isn’t always possible. As a result, they feel they are underperforming, which might not be true. Porn in no way leads you to underperform,” says Dr Bokdawala.

— With inputs from Dr Riddhish Maru, consultant psychiatrist,sexologist and counselor, based in Mulund and Thane

Read:Boys ain't having all the fun: Indian women watch more porn now