Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has a negative impact on women’s quality of life, self-esteem, and physical health. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence and the factors associated with FSD using an online questionnaire. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among young adults (18−35 years old) in Hungary using the DSM-5 criteria. The participants (n = 5942) were divided into three major groups: FSD (20.3%), an intermediate group (43.9%), and a control group (35.6%). Most of the women showing FSD were affected with female orgasmic disorder (9.2%) and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (4.6%), while female sexual interest/arousal disorder was found in altogether 100 women (1.7%); 4.8% of women were affected by more than one definite disorder. The occurrence of female sexual dysfunction was related to the women’s previous sexual history (first sexual experience, sexual education, early encounter with pornographic content, and sexual abuse), their self-satisfaction (with their own body, genitalia, and sexual attraction), and their sexual orientation. Sexual dysfunction showed a strong association with abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and self-esteem. The present study identified the relationship between sexual dysfunctions and other health conditions, which can be the basis for some form of screening and early assistance programs for FSD.

Background: The widespread availability of internet-based pornography has led to growing concerns about its impact on mental health, particularly among young adults. Despite increasing recognition of problematic pornography use, standardized diagnostic criteria for pornography addiction are lacking. Objective: This study aimed to address this gap by applying adapted DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fifth Edition]) criteria to evaluate “pornography-watching disorder” (PWD) in a large sample of young adults in Hungary. The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of PWD among young adults and identify key risk factors associated with its development using DSM-5 criteria adapted for pornography use. It also aimed to advance the understanding of PWD as a potential behavioral addiction. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted between September and December 2018, targeting young adults aged 18-35 years in Hungary. Participants were recruited through social media and the University of Szeged Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School’s web page. Of the 9397 respondents, 7187 (76.5%) had previously consumed pornography and were included in the analysis. PWD was measured using 10 statements adapted from the DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of PWD. Results: The prevalence of PWD in the sample was 4.4% (n=315). Frequent pornography consumption was a significant risk factor, with weekly users (odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% CI 0.33-0.62, P<.001), monthly users (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.11-0.28, P<.001), and less than monthly users (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.03-0.10, P<.001) showing significantly lower odds compared with daily users as a reference category. Male sex was associated with a higher risk (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39-0.72, P<.001), as were early exposure to pornography (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98, P=.006), paraphilia (OR 3.95, 95% CI 2.37-6.56, P<.001), dissatisfaction with sexual life (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98, P=.006), difficulty forming personal relationships (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.98, P=.005), and strong adherence to religious norms (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.19, P<.001). Protective factors included adequate sexual education (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.87, P=.02) and residing in the capital (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.91, P=.02). The use of an anonymous web-based questionnaire likely reduced the influence of stigma, resulting in more accurate self-reporting of sensitive behaviors. Conclusions: This study is among the first to apply DSM-5 criteria to evaluate PWD, providing important insights into its prevalence and associated risk factors in young adults. The findings highlight the need for standardized diagnostic tools for PWD and suggest targeted interventions, particularly for high-risk groups. These results contribute to the ongoing discussion about whether pornography addiction should be recognized as a distinct behavioral disorder.

Journal of Medical Internet Research - International Scientific Journal for Medical Research, Information and Communication on the Internet #Preprint #PeerReviewMe: Warning: This is a unreviewed preprint. Readers are warned that the document has not been peer-reviewed by expert/patient reviewers or an academic editor, may contain misleading claims, and is likely to undergo changes before final publication, if accepted, or may have been rejected/withdrawn. Readers with interest and expertise are encouraged to sign up as peer-reviewer, if the paper is within an open peer-review period. Please cite this preprint only for review purposes or for grant applications and CVs (if you are the author). Background: The widespread availability of internet-based pornography has led to growing concerns about its impact on mental health, particularly among young adults. Despite increasing recognition of problematic pornography use, standardized diagnostic criteria for pornography addiction are lacking. Objective: This study aimed to address this gap by applying adapted DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fifth Edition]) criteria to evaluate “pornography-watching disorder” (PWD) in a large sample of young adults in Hungary. The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of PWD among young adults and identify key risk factors associated with its development using DSM-5 criteria adapted for pornography use. It also aimed to advance the understanding of PWD as a potential behavioral addiction. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted between September and December 2018, targeting young adults aged 18-35 years in Hungary. Participants were recruited through social media and the University of Szeged Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School’s web page. Of the 9397 respondents, 7187 (76.5%) had previously consumed pornography and were included in the analysis. PWD was measured using 10 statements adapted from the DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of PWD. Results: The prevalence of PWD in the sample was 4.4% (n=315). Frequent pornography consumption was a significant risk factor, with weekly users (odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% CI 0.33-0.62, P<.001), monthly users (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.11-0.28, P<.001), and less than monthly users (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.03-0.10, P<.001) showing significantly lower odds compared with daily users as a reference category. Male sex was associated with a higher risk (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39-0.72, P<.001), as were early exposure to pornography (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98, P=.006), paraphilia (OR 3.95, 95% CI 2.37-6.56, P<.001), dissatisfaction with sexual life (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98, P=.006), difficulty forming personal relationships (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.98, P=.005), and strong adherence to religious norms (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.19, P<.001). Protective factors included adequate sexual education (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.87, P=.02) and residing in the capital (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.91, P=.02). The use of an anonymous web-based questionnaire likely reduced the influence of stigma, resulting in more accurate self-reporting of sensitive behaviors. Conclusions: This study is among the first to apply DSM-5 criteria to evaluate PWD, providing important insights into its prevalence and associated risk factors in young adults. The findings highlight the need for standardized diagnostic tools for PWD and suggest targeted interventions, particularly for high-risk groups. These results contribute to the ongoing discussion about whether pornography addiction should be recognized as a distinct behavioral disorder. Trial Registration: