What are the symptoms of porn addiction? And more health-related questions Canadians are asking this week

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

It’s hard to recall a time before we had the internet to answer every question that popped into our head. Instead of going to the library or reaching for an encyclopedia, it took effort to find answers to some of our most pressing concerns — especially if they’re health related, and extremely personal.

Luckily, in 2024 all we have to do is go online to learn the answers to our questions, no matter how taboo they might be.

Here are the top three health-related questions Canadians had this week.

What are the symptoms of porn addiction?

This week, Canadian web searches for “the signs and symptoms of porn addiction” increased by 1,250 per cent.

According to researchers, Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD),or hypersexuality, is marked by an intense focus on sexual fantasies, urges and behaviours that cause “distress or impairment in personal, familial, social, educational, or occupational areas of functioning, for a period of at least six months.”

Porn addiction is typically viewed as a manifestation of CSBD, and is not its own addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR is the latest edition). However, there are symptoms of CSBD that include an intense relief after acting on sexual urges followed by intense shame or guilt, inability to maintain healthy relationships, inability to curb sexual desires and a feeling of being out of control. It’s common for people with hypersexuality to also experience anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or other mental health issues.

Earlier this week, a new study from the University of Montreal reported that “70 to 94 per cent of adults have used pornography at some point in their lives.” According to findings, 3 per cent of people fall into the category of “problematic pornography use” (PPU) with men having more trouble with PPU than women. Of the number of people with PPU, less than 10 per cent have sought formal help, while approximately 21 - 37 per cent did not seek treatment due to factors like social stigma and affordability.

Treatment is available for CSBD. Speak to your healthcare provider for a referral to a qualified expert.

What are the first symptoms of measles?

Measles cases are popping up across the country, prompting many Canadians to turn to the internet for answers and guidance. As 17 cases of measles were reported across Canada this week, web searches for the first symptoms of measles increased by 200 per cent.

Measles are a “highly contagious” airborne viral infection transmitted by talking, sneezing or coughing. Symptoms of measles typically present 3-7 days after exposure and include a very high fever, a rash that looks like small red dots, cough, red watery eyes, small white bumps that appear inside the mouth, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain and sensitivity to light.

Although there is no treatment for measles, most people typically feel better within two weeks. However, there are a host of complications that range in severity that can occur.

Common symptoms of measles can include ear infection, pneumonia and diarrhea. More severe complications of measles can include developing encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can have long term effects such as vision and hearing loss and speech and memory issues.

Measles can also cause respiratory failure and death.

How often do you need the measles vaccine?

Vaccines are the only way to protect yourself against the measles. However, some Canadians are unsure whether or not they're fully protected. This week there was a 1,900 per cent increase in searches for information about measles vaccines.

The current recommendation to protect yourself against measles is a two dose MMR vaccine. The first dose is administered when babies are between 12 to 15 months old with a second dose given at approximately 18 months of age, or before children enter daycare or school.

In a recent interview with Yahoo Canada, infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch said that the pandemic may have interrupted routine vaccinations for children. Bogoch added that the second measles vaccine was introduced in 1996 and while there were nation-wide "catch-up" campaigns to administer a second dose, many Canadians may not know that they're not fully vaccinated against measles.

Checking your vaccination card or asking your health care professional can help ensure you're up to date on your vaccines. If you're not sure, Bogoch said a simple blood test can help determine if you're immune or not.

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