Whatever the venue, there seems to be little difference in the sexual arousal that they help produce. In contrast, the content of erotica, rather than its style of presentation, does have a specific effect. People are more likely to be aroused by content to which they can relate, rather than by depiction of sexual acts that they find uncomfortable or offensive. The sexual arousal that occurs with the use of erotica can be both psychological and physical. Many investigators have noted specific physiological changes in people while they watch erotic movies, read erotic passages, or listen to tape recordings of erotic stories.
Men often experience erection and women undergo changes in vaginal blood flow or lubrication.
In had been generally assumed that men responded more frequently and powerfully to erotica than women. However, research indicates that this is not necessarily the case. Furthermore, until recently, most erotica has been developed by men for men. This may be one reason why some women do not find traditional erotic materials as appealing as men do.