During an evening talk show  there were plenty of jokes about pornography. And as the host and celebrity guest settled down, it was evident, porn, in their opinions, is no big deal.  If fact, many of the tabloids and even a few respected marital therapists, will tell you that a little porn is fine and may even enhance your marriage? But is this true?

Absolutely not. Pornography use increases your risk of separation and divorce, decreases marital intimacy and sexual satisfaction. In addition, it increase your appetite for more graphic types of pornography and can cause you to lose interest in relational sex.

The impact on marriage is such that the spouse feels betrayed, rejected, hurt, abandoned, lonely, isolated and angry. And the one viewing porn is having lustful thoughts about someone other than his/her spouse.

Exposing yourself to pornography leads to a lack of trust, a belief that sex is confining in marriage, and a belief that promiscuity is natural, creating a cynicism about the role of love and affection in a marriage.

To my knowledge, there are no known studies or data to suggest that there are any benefits to pornography use. However, the reports of damage are many. The damage is not only to the viewer, but to the spouse and family as well. And pornography is usually addicting when continuously consumed.

In the end, porn usually destroys marriages. So if you are being tempted by porn, don’t go there. If you are using, get help and stop. Your marriage depends on it.