First time posting after years of needing to say this

I think I am addicted to pornography.

I have been regularly viewing it for nearly 18 years now, starting with when I first got into computers in the mid-90s. I stumbled upon masturbating to it when I was a teenager, just from doing what felt good, and crying after the first time (because I didn't know what I had done). As I grew older, it became a few times a week/near daily kind of thing. I've never done it more than 2x a day, and even that is extremely rare (maybe 1,2 times a year).

I've had lots of girlfriends and have never had issues with women (meeting them/dates/etc). Only in the past few years did I ever think that my porn viewing habits have had an influence on my performace. I had had some slight trouble ejaculating but I always attributed it to anxiety medicine that I was on.

Basically, it is tough for me to finish when I'm having sex with my girlfriend. The next day, I'll usually watch pornography to help me finish. I have no trouble finishing when I watch it, and it troubles me.

I've been able to restrict watching porn to less than 2x a week now, although I can't seem to finally eliminate it forever. I am with a fantastic girl and really don't want to let this alter my life any longer than it already has. I need help...and that's why I am here. I really need a way to have some accountability, because I just can't seem to do this on my own.

Is there help here?

Hi LS and welcome.
Yes there is lots of help here, for me knowledge has been power. By that i mean that understanding how porn is addictive and how it affects the brain has been invaluable to me, and has really helped me resist the cravings. I recommend reading the articles and watching the videos on porn addiction on ybop. Really take the time to understand what is going on with your brain.
You've taken the first courageous step towards freedom in admitting that you have a problem. The journey will initially be hard, but will be so worthwhile.
I hope that is of help and i wish you the best of luck.

@ LarrySheets

I need help...and that's why I am here. I really need a way to have some accountability, because I just can't seem to do this on my own.

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Yes there is help here,

I just added a new accountability partner section for each age group in the journals. Make a post in the 30+ age group here:
http://legacy.rebootnation.org/index.php?topic=360.0

I've had lots of girlfriends and have never had issues with women (meeting them/dates/etc). Only in the past few years did I ever think that my porn viewing habits have had an influence on my performace

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Yea sometimes porn induced sexual dysfunctions creep up slowly after several years. That is what happened to me, I always had relationships through my teens and over time eventually it caught up to me and I no longer could get an erection to anything other than porn compilations.

Sounds like you have delayed ejaculation which is another very common porn induced sexual dysfunctions. You came to the right place... there are many guys here who are going through similar situations or have been there. I had a little DE at times as well. The reboot cured me completely, and I hope the same for you.

Learn from your relapses if you have them. Pursue healthy/productive things to keep yourself busy. Learn as much as you can on this site and on YBOP. And most importantly, understand that porn will never provide your life with the joy that you seek... it will only take it from you.

Thank you guys! I started a journal and have been updating it. I really appreciate this site - it is helping me get back on track!

LarrySheets said:

Basically, it is tough for me to finish when I'm having sex with my girlfriend. The next day, I'll usually watch pornography to help me finish. I have no trouble finishing when I watch it, and it troubles me.

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This is my problem as well and mainly what led me to this site. Real sex was becoming more difficult and less satisfying but I had no problem whem viewing porn. Sometimes I would have sex and in the same day still doing PMO if I was alone later.

Just learning as much as possible and reading other people's stories has strengthened my resolve to quit immensely. Learn all you can and stay strong. Also, you may have read all this already, but try moving your computer somewhere else if that is possible. That helped me some. Also, if I start thinking about it I get up and take a walk outside for a few minutes.