Hi, I wanted to introduce myself. The most important thing that English is not my native language, so I apologize for any typos etc. I'm 22 guy, a bit good looking, but not perfect of course (small overweight from about a year). I've got a good-paid job (in my country) from a long time and a girlfriend ~2 years (I don't live with her). My first porn experiences was in early years (13?), but that was more like a rare, interesting stuff. The real PMO started when I had ~19 years old. For some people it is very late, but that actually happened, to be exact: accidentally under the shower! That was veryyy pleasing. A few months later I've had my sexual initiation. No issues here (apart from my GF being false and lying). Fast-forward to 2016. It's been "only" 3 years, but I feel it might ruin my part of life, so I'm writing here. I'm pretty busy person - job, studying, big family (siblings), girlfriend, gym or running (not always succeeds), sometimes friends (if enough time and no issues, I really like to be in touch). I barely find a few hours to really rest, but if I do - hobbies like electronics or mindless TV watching (downloaded; Netflix lately; I don't have any TV channels). Why I call it "mindless"? My job and field of study needs constant focusing and sometimes I need something "mindless" to relax. That's why I lately prefer comedies. My PMO frequency from the beginnings was 2-4 times per week, but there was a period of excitement too (10 times /w?) a long time ago (half of the first year). Currently it is like that: if I'm not very exhausted, I want to have PMO (mostly before sleep, using mobile in bathroom) as an "award for the day" or "enjoyable end of the day" (hard to describe). It is sometimes two times per day, but very rarely (I know that it's related to my mood and stress). Usually 15-30 minutes. That's my another "mindless" relax I'm enjoying. The funny thing is - I was reading many articles about masturbation, even just before it happened in my case. I was always open-minded person and was curious how that works and what are negative effects. While reading, I've been sometimes scared. Summing up, I was aware of all effects caused by PMO. That didn't help when I got into this addiction, but for sure I feel I have a bit healthier view for porn that some others. I don't think PMO is 100% wrong thing. IMHO it has got also some minor, good effects, but if the one can't control it, then it's addiction. I know I've got a problem, because I can't stop. It pleases me, I have no issues in society (in my opinion ) and in a relationship, although here I could say that it has a slight impact in intercourse frequency (my GF usually had a low-esteem, plus gynecology issues, that is not sexy, but we're slowly fixing that ). I enjoy sex with my GF every time (sometimes more, sometimes less; I need to feel really stressed to have any issue). From my point of view - during these years I've started to watch more girls on the street (not as pure sexual object, but as sexy person) and I need a bit more intense porn (nothing special IMHO). I think that's usual after such time. Could you tell me do I need to worry? I would like to prevent future negative effects - they might/will come to me too. I've been reading some reddits and realized that I don't have the worst situation, although I'm amazed how many people write posts like "my life is 1000% better, I'm happy, I'm rich...!" etc. I'm pretty sure that leaving PMO in my case would not change a lot for now. It's also a handy thing - I can't make love often with my GF (she does not really seem to have much sex , plus we live separately) and I know I need one intercourse every day. I'm confused and I need your help, if you think that something would change in my case. It's not that I'm sure it won't change anything, but I don't feel I have a big issue (rather just "issue"). That's why I'm writing here. I would love to get from you some tips and arguments to stop it and/or show me that I've got bigger issue that I think ... I would really appreciate it, because I know it might be useful for me!
j0hnx, I am also pretty new to this community. I have had some hard time with MO more recently and asked for someone to tell me the negative effects of it. I was surprised by the answer. There can be a lot that stem from PMO that we don't even realize. I think that P is the worst of it, just because I am REALLY AGAINST trafficking, and porn is a huge industry that trafficking is stemmed from. It objectifies everyone involved, and it can harm the brain - you can look more into that through Fight the New Drug, an awesome organization trying to spread love, not porn! As for the MO, it seems you have a problem if you are inclined to go to a site like this and ask about it. A lot of people I've heard from here say that sex is great after giving it up. And if you have a girl friend, I'd encourage you to give it up for both of your relationship. That is my simple advice. Stay strong! You're in the right place
