RACHEL NEEDLE, LLC
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Dr. Rachel Needle received her M.S. and Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She received her B.A. in psychology from Barnard College, Columbia University. Dr. Rachel completed an internship in clinical psychology at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey: Robert Wood Medical School in Piscataway, New Jersey. She is a Florida Certified Sex Therapist. Dr. Rachel is currently a Licensed Psychologist in private practice at the Dr. Needle is the Founder and CEO of the Advanced Mental Health Training Institute, a continuing education provider company. She runs a Sex Therapy Certification Program that certifies sex therapists around the world. Dr. Needle is also the executive director of the Whole Health Psychological Center, a group practice setting devoted to treating a range of psychological disorders. Dr. Needle is the founder of Palm Beach Matchmakers, the premiere expert dating company in Palm Beach County.             Most significant, is the effect on a man’s sexual performance when with a real partner. It is possible that as a result of a particular masturbatory style that could never be mimicked by a partner (through penetration, oral or manual stimulation), delayed ejaculation and difficulty maintaining a firm erection may occur. In addition, if when watching porn , an individual tends to watch sexual activity that includes more than two people (i.e. threesomes or “gangbangs”) or tends to click (and alternate) between different videos or pictures, then having just one partner and not having the change and novelty every few seconds, might make it more difficult for a male to perform as well.              But, the news is not all bad. After viewing internet pornography, many people have indicated an increase in sexual arousal and pleasure in “real” non-virtual settings. Couples have reported that exposure to pornography has provided them with material regarding giving pleasure and enhancing their ability to talk openly about sex. Utilizing porn—like a good tutor—can provide mature users with words and tools to discuss their sexual wants and needs with their partner.              Porn’s relationship to sex can be used in other positive ways. These videos can also be a great way to reduce anxieties about sex. Some couples use porn to try to “spice up” their sexual relationships and couples who – willingly – watch it together, report favorable results. Some, however, describe that Internet porn viewing can have the unintended consequence of making real sex less satisfying. For some individuals/couples porn has helped them become more open-minded and tolerant about sex, increased their sexual arousal and pleasure, educated them, provided them with material to spice up their relationship and provided them a tool to talk openly about sex with their partner.             Couples who not only embrace porn, but actually watch it together may fare better. However, it’s important to remember, everything in moderation. This may not be true if the couple is watching porn every day, for example, or each time they are sexual together. When porn becomes a ritualized aspect of lovemaking, it is generally problematic.           Many couples and sex therapists often prescribe their clients to explore various sexual materials at home with their partner. The belief is that it can promote communication about sex and even bridge the gap between the desires and fantasies of each individual. Unmarried couples who watch porn together report having a more committed relationship than couples who do not watch porn together. It provides opportunities for them to discuss what they like or do not like and can help them feel more comfortable with one another sexually.              A few things are clear: 1) there are good things and less good things about the ease of access to internet pornography in regards to relationships; 2) communication is key! Communicating with your partner about your porn use and the boundaries can be helpful to the relationship; and 3) everything in moderation! While some porn viewing can be healthy personally and for a relationship, too much online porn viewing can lead to difficulties with sexual functioning as well as in a relationship.             Most significant, is the effect on a man’s sexual performance when with a real partner. It is possible that as a result of a particular masturbatory style that could never be mimicked by a partner (through penetration, oral or manual stimulation), delayed ejaculation and difficulty maintaining a firm erection may occur. In addition, if when watching porn , an individual tends to watch sexual activity that includes more than two people (i.e. threesomes or “gangbangs”) or tends to click (and alternate) between different videos or pictures, then having just one partner and not having the change and novelty every few seconds, might make it more difficult for a male to perform as well.              But, the news is not all bad. After viewing internet pornography, many people have indicated an increase in sexual arousal and pleasure in “real” non-virtual settings. Couples have reported that exposure to pornography has provided them with material regarding giving pleasure and enhancing their ability to talk openly about sex. Utilizing porn—like a good tutor—can provide mature users with words and tools to discuss their sexual wants and needs with their partner.              Porn’s relationship to sex can be used in other positive ways. These videos can also be a great way to reduce anxieties about sex. Some couples use porn to try to “spice up” their sexual relationships and couples who – willingly – watch it together, report favorable results. Some, however, describe that Internet porn viewing can have the unintended consequence of making real sex less satisfying. For some individuals/couples porn has helped them become more open-minded and tolerant about sex, increased their sexual arousal and pleasure, educated them, provided them with material to spice up their relationship and provided them a tool to talk openly about sex with their partner.