educational

HIV And The Adult Industry

It should be basic common sense these days, especially in the world of pornography, to get tested every six months or so for the HIV virus. Even more so, it should be the intelligent option to use a condom when engaging in any sexual act.

So how is it that a well-known star of adult movies suddenly comes up HIV positive, with another star, this one a mere fledgling to the industry, coming up positive as well, directly attributed to her contact with the first-mentioned individual?

It’s sad, to say the least. With the adult industry’s penchant for hot sex scenes, most often without any protection between the co-stars, shouldn’t there be a bit of a thought for the safety of the actors?

Recent industry news is all abuzz with the story. The question is: shouldn’t there be a regulation stating that all actors must be tested at certain time increments for STDs? Is there such a rule? If so, who overlooked it?

Sadly enough, it seems that many producers overlook the tests. Many don’t even check, or if paperwork is provided, it is only given a cursory examination before a scene begins. As we have seen, this can lead to serious consequences.

Still, the adult industry has thus far been relatively free of STDs. However, with the recent admission of the two stars’ infections, the scare has begun, and even mainstream media has picked up on the news, spreading the concern and fear to those outside the industry.

There are of course some ideas about where the infections were picked up, but the where is not as important as the why. Believe it or not, HIV and AIDS, along with other sexually transmitted diseases, are completely avoidable. The sad reality is that while they are preventable, they are not all curable. Genital herpes, HIV and AIDS are three well-known diseases that have no known cure.

So if a disease like this is preventable, why would anyone be willing to risk their lives for pornography? To be honest, the money is easy for the willing models. Those who are willing to go “bare back” are more easily placed in jobs where their talents are desired.

If you are a performer, it’s high time for you to take stock in what you choose to do. Get yourself tested regularly, be able to provide verification that you are disease free, and do all that you can do to make sure that those with whom you perform are also disease free. This goes double for any scene in which you are expected to perform without a condom.

Use condoms whenever possible. This should go without saying, but after all, this is the adult industry, and we realize how hard it can be to perform with a condom. The public doesn’t want to see that latex raincoat.

Perhaps, though, it is time for the public to see that even the adult actors are using protection these days. It might send a message of safety that would be heeded by those who imagine themselves on camera.

Preaching safety to the masses is a good start, but now the time has come to practice what is preached. Be safe, be clean, and use a condom. Let’s avoid more sad situations where the industry’s favorites as well as its fledglings are caught unaware.

Take care of yourselves. Seriously. ~ Tala

MensNiche gives you top quality unique sites such as penis enlargement, herbal products, volume pills, sex guides, dating guides, tantra and XXX sites, paying out over $100 on some signups. Click here to visit www.mensniche.com

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser

With her fiery red hair and a laugh that practically hugs you, Lainie Speiser is impossible to miss. Having repped some of adult’s biggest stars during her 30-plus years in the business, the veteran publicist is also a treasure trove of tales dating back to the days when print was king and social media not even a glimmer in the industry’s eye.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices

The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Building Seamless Checkout Flows for High-Risk Merchants

For high-risk merchants such as adult businesses, crypto payments are no longer just a backup plan — they’re fast becoming a first choice. More and more businesses are embracing Bitcoin and other digital currencies for consumer transactions.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

What the New SCOTUS Ruling Means for AV Laws and Free Speech

On June 27, 2025, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, upholding Texas’ age verification law in the face of a constitutional challenge and setting a new precedent that bolsters similar laws around the country.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

What You Need to Know Before Relocating Your Adult Business Abroad

Over the last several months, a noticeable trend has emerged: several of our U.S.-based merchants have decided to “pick up shop” and relocate to European countries. On the surface, this sounds idyllic. I imagine some of my favorite clients sipping coffee or wine at sidewalk cafés, embracing a slower pace of life.

Cathy Beardsley ·
profile

WIA Profile: Salima

When Salima first entered the adult space in her mid-20s, becoming a power player wasn’t even on her radar. She was simply looking to learn. Over the years, however, her instinct for strategy, trust in her teams and commitment to creator-first innovation led her from the trade show floor to the executive suite.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

How the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act Could Impact Adult Businesses

Congress is considering a bill that would change the well-settled definition of obscenity and create extensive new risks for the adult industry. The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Lee, makes a mockery of the First Amendment and should be roundly rejected.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

What US Sites Need to Know About UK's Online Safety Act

In a high-risk space like the adult industry, overlooking or ignoring ever-changing rules and regulations can cost you dearly. In the United Kingdom, significant change has now arrived in the form of the Online Safety Act — and failure to comply with its requirements could cost merchants millions of dollars in fines.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Understanding the MATCH List and How to Avoid Getting Blacklisted

Business is booming, sales are steady and your customer base is growing. Everything seems to be running smoothly — until suddenly, Stripe pulls the plug. With one cold, automated email, your payment processing is shut down. No warning, no explanation.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Leah Koons

If you’ve been to an industry event lately, odds are you’ve heard Leah Koons even before you’ve seen her. As Fansly’s director of marketing, Koons helps steer one of the fastest-growing creator platforms on the web.

Women in Adult ·
Show More