September is National Sexual Health Awareness Month, the perfect time to talk about key sexual health and wellness issues that all creators need to be aware of.
In addition to the absolute essentials — like regular STI testing, bodily cleanliness, consent discussions and maintaining intentional boundaries — content creators who work as livestreamers must attend to a unique set of concerns. Performing for a live audience for an indeterminate amount of time, while having to consider what fans are tipping for, makes it extra important for livestreamers to protect their sexual health by staying on top of the following considerations.
Performing for a live audience for an indeterminate amount of time — while also considering fan requests — makes it especially important for livestreamers to protect their sexual health.
Managing Your pH Balance
Maintaining a healthy vaginal pH is crucial to your health — but balancing pH levels is a common issue for livestreamers. Using a variety of toys in a session, or working with multiple partners, can lead to cross contamination due to the sharing or transfer of various bodily fluids.
The vagina naturally maintains a slightly acidic pH, typically between 3.8 and 4.5, which helps protect against harmful bacteria and yeast overgrowth. Introducing multiple toys, lubricants or bodily fluids from different partners can disrupt this balance, leading to irritation, bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Nonbreathable toys, lingering moisture or using lube with glycerin, parabens or high sugar content can alter the natural acidity.
To help maintain a balanced pH, prioritize thorough washing of hands. Gently cleanse genitalia with warm water after a session, avoiding harsh soaps or douches. This supports the body’s natural flora without stripping protective bacteria. Use pH-balanced or glycerin-free lubricants designed for vaginal health. Stay hydrated, and allow airflow between extended sessions. Finally, for those prone to imbalances, probiotic supplements designed for vaginal health, or probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir, can also help maintain a healthy microbiome.
Disinfecting Toys
Properly disinfecting sex toys between livestreams, or any sexual experiences, is crucial for both personal health and the health of collaborators. Even when toys appear clean, microscopic traces of bodily fluids and skin cells can remain on their surfaces. Without proper cleaning, these residues can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses or yeast, which can easily be transferred during future use. This risk increases when toys are shared between partners or used for different types of sexual play without thorough sanitation.
Keep unscented, body-safe antibacterial wipes or a dedicated toy cleaner on hand so that items can be wiped down between uses. Nonporous toys such as silicone, glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic can withstand thorough washing, and some can even be boiled or sanitized with specific cleaning solutions for deeper disinfection. However, even a quick wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap is highly effective.
Follow manufacturers’ cleaning guidelines to ensure that toys remain safe, nonporous and free from degradation that could trap bacteria. Cleaning toys properly can help prevent a multitude of sexual health issues and infections.
Wardrobe Choices
Wearing latex, PVC or tight-fitting lingerie can create an environment where heat and moisture build up against the skin. Because these materials are often nonbreathable, they trap sweat, natural body moisture and any lubricants or bodily fluids against the skin’s surface. This prolonged exposure to warmth and dampness can create the perfect conditions for bacterial or yeast overgrowth, leading to skin irritation, chafing, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Without airflow, sweat and fluids are unable to evaporate, allowing microorganisms to thrive. Repeated friction, sweat buildup or skin exposure to irritants can weaken the skin’s natural barrier.
To prevent these problems, take breaks from tight or nonbreathable clothing to allow the skin to cool and dry. Wear moisture-wicking, breathable undergarments underneath latex or lingerie to help create a barrier between the skin and nonbreathable materials. After a session, promptly change into clean, dry clothing and gently cleanse your skin with warm water to reduce the risk of irritation or infection. For latex specifically, using a water-based lubricant or specialized latex dressing aid can minimize friction, and applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer afterward can help the skin recover.
Energy and Safety
Last but certainly not least, it is always important to stay hydrated and be conscious of your energy level. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and overexertion can sneak up quickly during longer livestreams, especially because creators often prioritize fan requests over their own needs. Watch for early warning signs, such as dizziness, nausea or unusual fatigue. Take breaks as needed.
Finally, when incorporating items like gags, hoods or restraints, it is essential to understand how they impact breathing, circulation and body movement in order to prevent injury and protect yourself and your collaborators from medical complications.
Staying on top of the concerns listed above can help livestreamers maintain their sexual health and overall wellness, so they can continue to work in this industry in a way that is not just profitable but also healthy and sustainable.
Mikayela Miller is a content creator, writer and advocate in the adult industry. She operates with the ethos that sex work is just as valid and relevant as work in any other sector. Follow her @Mikayela_Miller on X.com or at OnlyFans.com/mikayelamiller.
