Hey everyone

[NYR]

I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm an 18 year old college student and a P and MB addict. I have been reading the forum for a few days and I have found it immensely helpful.
I am fortunate to say that I feel like I don't suffer from as intense an addiction as some people I have read about here. I have a very powerful guilty conscience so when my ex-girlfriend asked me to stop watching P I was able to do so successfully for 9 months, until my relationship ended. P definitely had a negative impact on my relationship, making my ex-girlfriend distrust me and making me have trouble enjoying sexual activity with her. When we tried to have sex, I couldn't "get it up", and I think P and MB contributed to the problem.

When I had ED issues again recently, I realized that I needed to stop watching P and only MB once a week, if at all. I feel like P and excessive MB have caused ED. Has anyone else (especially another young person) experienced this?
I am only two days sober so far, but I already feel much better. My energy, concentration, and self-confidence have improved.

Thanks for reading, and for this wonderful Community.
NYR

[JenMac]

HI NYR,
Welcome to TTF! As you have already noticed, this is a great community of PAs and SOs of PAs. All here are working toward the common goal of a Pfree life. You will find many here who can offer support and guidance as you walk the path of recovery.
P and MB is directly related to ED! You will discover that that has been the case for many of the PAs here. It is scary to think that P can have that great an affect on something which should be so natural.
I am an SO here and have been for approximately 6 months. I know that there will be many PAs here who will chime in and offer strategies for you to try to help overcome this. May I suggest you start a journal in the Recovery journal section? Coming up with a game plan to help fight this will be important for you. Recognizing triggers, deciding how you will spend your time, recognizing why you want to give up P, etc. All important things to think about.
Wishing you all the best NYR! It's a difficult journey but one I hope you will conquer so you can move on to a better place.
Jenn