A relationship advisor has shared a surprising method that could enhance couples’ connections in the bedroom.
In relationships, it’s common for intimacy to fluctuate, as various life challenges such as health issues, work-related stress, or everyday routines can disrupt the flow. Major life events like relocating, welcoming a child, or adapting to new schedules can also alter the dynamics between partners.
What truly matters is acknowledging these shifts and discovering engaging and imaginative ways to reconnect.
Recently, a relationship expert proposed an idea that not only boosts intimacy but can also alleviate performance anxiety.
When executed properly, this practice can promote improved communication and increase satisfaction in intimate settings.
So, what is this intriguing practice that anyone can try?
According to Emily Conway, a sex expert and CEO of the intimacy brand Dragon Toys, the activity involves watching adult content together.
Pornography often sparks debate, as it can set unrealistic standards for beauty and expectations, encourage unhealthy practices, and sometimes create pressure or comparisons that hinder genuine intimacy. Additionally, some individuals view watching it as a form of infidelity.
However, Emily pointed out: “There’s a common misconception that all porn damages relationships, but that’s simply not true when it’s approached with intention.
“The difference lies in whether you’re watching content that celebrates mutual pleasure and realistic intimacy, or content that prioritizes performance over connection.”
Not every type of adult content serves the same purpose. Some categories focus solely on visual excitement without context, while others emphasize connection, storytelling, and mutual enjoyment.
Emily suggests four categories of adult videos for couples to explore.
The first is couples porn, naturally.
“Couples porn depicts sex as a shared experience rather than a one-sided performance,” Emily clarified. “It can help partners perceive intimacy as a collaborative effort, often leading to better communication in their own bedroom.”
Other recommended categories include story-driven content, which usually features more foreplay, verbal exchanges, and a narrative that reflects real-life intimacy. Additionally, amateur content, which tends to be more authentic, can feel more relatable for typical couples.
“This type of content can help reduce performance anxiety by showing that real sex isn’t always perfect, polished, or acrobatic,” Emily noted.
For those interested in exploring kinks or fantasies, fetish and roleplay content is an option. This category is only effective when it’s mutually chosen.
“Fetish content can be incredibly bonding when it reflects something you’re both curious about,” Emily observed. “It provides a shared visual reference point and facilitates discussions about boundaries and desires without judgment.”
Viewing adult content as a couple can offer genuine psychological advantages when approached with openness and communication, according to Emily.
“Watching together creates a safe space to talk about what turns you on without the fear of being judged,” she explained.
“I’ve spoken to countless couples who’ve told me that watching the right kind of porn together has helped them overcome awkwardness around discussing what they actually want in bed. It’s given them permission to be more adventurous and honest with each other.”
For those facing performance anxiety, watching porn before sex might help shift attention away from pressure and towards enjoyment.
Research published in Sexual Medicine found that watching erotic content with a partner can enhance arousal and reduce stress, especially when the content aligns with both partners’ comfort levels.
Emily concluded: “If the porn you’re watching leaves you feeling inadequate or anxious, it’s not the right content for you. The goal should be arousal and connection, not comparison.
“The important thing is to treat it as a conversation starter, not a rulebook. Your intimacy should always be shaped by what feels right for both of you, not by what you’ve seen someone else do on screen.”