In addition to adult movies, there is also the old-school type of pornography: magazines and pictures. These can be a way to become comfortable with adult images and ease your way into the material before you check out some X-rated films. Just as with films, these types of materials run the gamut from tame to wild. Again, it's a good idea to check out a few different types to find the styles that you and your partner like best.

Porn Preferences

While plenty of people enjoy looking at adult magazines and erotic pictures, others find that these inactive images just don't do anything for them. Many people find it much more exciting to watch the scenes on screen so they can see and hear every aspect of the action. Fortunately, there are so many options available that you can take your pick.

When Is Porn a Problem?

For many couples, adult materials can be a great way to enhance their sex lives and bring some added excitement to the bedroom. But occasionally these materials can cause problems for one or both members of a couple. Some red flags:

• If you and/or your partner find it impossible to become aroused without the use of adult materials

• If one of you begins hiding your adult materials and covertly using them behind the other's back

• If one of you starts spending so much time viewing porn that your real-life sex life as a couple suffers

If any of these or other porn-related problems becomes an issue for you, it's probably time for you and your partner to have a serious discussion about porn's role in your relationship. In extreme cases, it might be necessary to enlist the help of a therapist or counselor.