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Recruiting NCT07618104

Pornography Abstinence and Nocturnal Erections in Adult Men

— Observational Erection; Incomplete

For patients and families

In plain language

An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.

What is being studied
The protocol lists: Pornography Abstinence.
Who it may be relevant to
Registry conditions: Erection; Incomplete. Basic parameters: from 18 years · Male.
What needs checking
Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
Where it takes place
United States
Next step
Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →

Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →

Official title

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

Overview

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.

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/

Interventions

  • 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.

Primary outcome measures

  • Change in Nocturnal Penile Tumescence [Time frame: Baseline Day to Day 38]
Secondary outcome measures (4)
  • Change in Erectile Function [Time frame: Baseline to Day 38 after intervention]
  • Change in Sexual Desire [Time frame: Baseline to Day 38 after intervention]
  • Change in Pornography Consumption Patterns [Time frame: Baseline to Day 38 after intervention]
  • Change in Mood, Energy, and Emotional Well-Being [Time frame: Baseline to Day 38 after intervention]

Eligibility criteria

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

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: Yes

Study design

Observational model
Cohort

Study locations

United States · 1 center
  • Efforia — New York

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07618104 · 38321

Primary sources (government registries)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗