Pornography Abstinence and Nocturnal Erections in Adult Men

A Real-World Observational Study Evaluating the Effects of 30 Days of Pornography Abstinence on Nocturnal Penile Tumescence, Sexual Function, and Well-Being in Adult Men

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Erection; Incomplete
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Pornography Abstinence

Detailed Description

This single-arm, real-world observational study evaluates the association between pornography abstinence and changes in nocturnal penile tumescence, sexual function, and psychosocial outcomes in adult men.

During an initial baseline phase, participants continue their typical pornography use while collecting objective nocturnal erection data and completing baseline questionnaires. Participants then enter a 30-day abstinence period, during which they attempt to refrain from pornography use. Abstinence adherence is self-reported, with lapses logged as observational data rather than protocol violations.

Nocturnal penile tumescence is assessed nightly using the Adam Sensor, a non-invasive wearable device that measures changes in penile circumference during sleep. Additional outcomes are assessed using validated questionnaires administered at baseline and at weekly intervals. The study is exploratory and signal-detecting in nature and is not designed to establish causality.

Study Design

Study Type: Observational

Study Design: Single-arm, within-participant comparison

Time Perspective: Prospective

Masking: None (Open Label)

Primary Purpose: Health outcomes assessment / signal detection

Additional information can be found at the study recruitment landing page here: https://app.efforia.com/30-day-tv-abstinence-challenge/

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 100

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Matthew Amsden; Phone Number: (646) 679-2479; Email: help@efforia.com

Study Locations

• United States
  • New York
    • New York, New York, United States, 10003
      • Recruiting
      • Efforia
      • Contact: Matthew Amsden; Phone Number: (646) 679-2479; Email: help@efforia.com

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• 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.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• 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

Exclusion Criteria:

• 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

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
Single Arm longitudinal where participants act as their own control	Behavioral: Pornography Abstinence; 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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
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 Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in Erectile Function	Measure: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) Scale Range: 5-75 (higher scores indicate better erectile and sexual function) Description: Assesses erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction.	Baseline to Day 38 after intervention
Change in Sexual Desire	Measure: Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2) Scale Range: 0-112 (higher scores indicate greater sexual desire) Description: Measures both dyadic and solitary sexual desire.	Baseline to Day 38 after intervention
Change in Pornography Consumption Patterns	Measure: Weekly Pornography Consumption Survey (custom self-report) Scale: Frequency and duration categories (ordinal) Description: Tracks self-reported pornography use and abstinence adherence.	Baseline to Day 38 after intervention
Change in Mood, Energy, and Emotional Well-Being	Measure: Weekly Self-Assessment Check-In (custom) Scale: 1-10 Likert-type scales (higher scores indicate more favorable states) Description: Assesses perceived mood, mental clarity, energy level, and emotional resilience.	Baseline to Day 38 after intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Efforia, Inc

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): September 22, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 22, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 22, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: February 24, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 26, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): June 1, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 1, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 26, 2026
• Last Verified: May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Men's health; Erection
• Other Study ID Numbers: 38321

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No