Is Porn Really Ruining Your Life? Here's What Science Says episode artwork

EPISODE · May 16, 2025 · 21 MIN

Is Porn Really Ruining Your Life? Here's What Science Says

from Rena Malik, MD Podcast · host Rena Malik, MD

Dr. Rena Malik, urologist and pelvic surgeon, examines the complex realities of pornography use, exploring scientific evidence on its potential benefits and risks for individuals and couples. She discusses motivations behind porn consumption, its effects on brain chemistry, sexual health, and relationships, as well as the impacts of moral beliefs, shame, and problematic use. Dr. Malik offers practical guidance for developing a healthy relationship with pornography, communication strategies for couples, and when to seek professional help—all with the aim of empowering listeners to make informed choices about their sexual wellness. Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content: renamalik.supercast.com Schedule an appointment with me: https://www.renamalikmd.com/appointments ▶️Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Motivations for Porn Use 03:13 Brain Response to Pornography 04:54 Benefits of Pornography 07:00 Research Findings on Satisfaction 07:53 Potential Risks and Challenges 10:14 Impact on Children and Adolescents 11:12 Pornography in Relationships 12:19 Moral Incongruence and Distress 13:39 Problematic Use and Control 15:06 Strategies for Healthy Use https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0038038516629909 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-021-00378-4 https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/8/1/article-p88.xml https://www.publish.csiro.au/SH/SH21220 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00224499.2018.1427204 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00224499.2023.2174248 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.661347/full https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11930-014-0016-8 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-022-00447-2 https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2020-55282-001.html https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00224499.2021.1893261?journalCode=hjsr20 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2021.1885532 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-016-0783-6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27318185/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23268743.2023.2267593 https://utppublishing.com/doi/abs/10.3138/cjhs.243-A4 https://youtu.be/ZYhZMsvBWSU?si=DeggmGuiRRcRZDOe https://youtu.be/cEqe5dHuQYE?si=NIU5RKM1SBvxSo1r https://youtu.be/cEqe5dHuQYE?si=NIU5RKM1SBvxSo1r https://www.aasect.org Let's Connect!: WEBSITE: http://www.renamalikmd.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD TWITTER: http://twitter.com/RenaMalikMD FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renadmalik PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/renamalikmd/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/RenaMalikMD ------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. The content of this podcast is my personal opinion, and not that of my employer(s). Use of this information is at your own risk. Rena Malik, M.D. will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NOW PLAYING

Is Porn Really Ruining Your Life? Here's What Science Says

0:00 21:34

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding That Hoarder Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives. The Small Business Startup School – Business Notes | Financial Literacy | Retail Psychology – For Professionals & Entrepreneurs The Small Business Startup School Inc. Starting or buying a small business? While personal circumstances may vary, business patterns remain timeless. On The Small Business Startup School, we explore strategies, insights, and practical solutions to help entrepreneurs confidently navigate their journey.Hosted by Ola Williams—a retail entrepreneur, fintech founder, and financial coach with over two decades of experience—this podcast marries financial awareness and retail psychology with optimism to deliver actionable takeaways.Join us to learn, grow, and connect as we uncover the keys to business success.Let’s continue to learn together and be encouraged to keep on connecting! DIOSA. Carolina Sanper This podcast is a sacred space created by Carolina Sanper where you connect with your inner wisdom and embody your magnetic feminine power.It is the realization that the mystical realm is where you plant the seeds of your desired reality.It is a portal to your true essence: awareness, presence, and receiving with ease. Welcome home, DIOSA. 🖤 XXX Tech by SOVRYN Dr. Brian Sovryn The crossroads between technology, sensuality, and metaphysics - and the longest running anarchist podcast in the world! Brought to you by Dr. Brian Sovryn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Rena Malik, MD Podcast?

This episode is 21 minutes long.

When was this Rena Malik, MD Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on May 16, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Dr. Rena Malik, urologist and pelvic surgeon, examines the complex realities of pornography use, exploring scientific evidence on its potential benefits and risks for individuals and couples. She discusses motivations behind porn consumption, its...

Can I download this Rena Malik, MD Podcast episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!