Sex and Needs: Pornography, Expectations, and Real Intimacy

In this episode of Doing Marriage Well (July 17, 2026), Paul addresses how pornography harms marriage and explains why a wife’s request that her husband stop viewing porn is valid, often tied to feelings of disrespect and being used. He summarises research linking porn use to depressive symptoms and sexual dysfunction, encourages those struggling with pornography to seek help, and recommends support resources. Paul also discusses sex frequency, balancing wants versus needs, and stresses that caring for and honouring your spouse’s needs is the foundation for healthy, intimate marital sex. Links: Greater depressive symptoms are associated with increased use of pornography. Additionally, porn use correlates with significantly lower sexual function and sexual satisfaction and higher rates of sexual dysfunction. I highly recommend Be Broken Ministries.