Porn Industry

[Rakuz66]

So, I have a question about hiv and the porn industry, but not sure where I should post it??  Please advise, thx

[Jim]

Pornographic performers aquire HIV & STIs the same way the rest of us do. In some nations, the industry tries to reduce the risks by regularly testing the performers, but it still happens.

Anyhow, where do you post your question? "Do I have HIV" covers: Information on HIV exposure, testing and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) "How can I prevent HIV" covers general information on safer sex, condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and other prevention tools.

If you are unsure use this rule: Any post-exposure concerns or questions you have  = Do I have HIV.

Keep in mind that, if your question is about someone else's HIV status, exposure or story, then regardless of where you post it, we're not going to answer it.

[Rakuz66]

Thanks Michael, my question is this regarding the porn industry and hiv,,,
My understanding is that the porn industry requires testing 14 days prior to a shoot.  Well, we all know the incubation period can take up to 6 weeks to show up on a test,  so unless like you say “ someone is locked in the basement “ there’s really no way of accurately testing 100% for hiv in that industry.  Someone could have been infected 2 weeks prior to the test or became infected a day before the shoot.  So how is it that the industry has so little hiv infections?  Or is that a misconception?  Thanks again.

[Jim]

there’s really no way of accurately testing 100% for hiv in that industry. 

Correct and testing alone would not and did not stop HIV or STIs within the porn industry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23191956/

Someone could have been infected 2 weeks prior to the test or became infected a day before the shoot.

Yes. However, one day beforehand would not result in onward HIV transmission.

So how is it that the industry has so little hiv infections?  Or is that a misconception?

Well, the "porn industry" isn't the same everywhere across the globe and officially reported vs publicly reported vs actual infections are different things.

However, after 2012 when talking about the USA/UK the porn industry generally relies on a combination of things to reduce HIV:

- Testing every 30 days with additional testing 2 weeks before a shoot.
- Strict sex avoidance outside of work & inside work only with tested performers
- Condoms (In some places this is mandatory, ex: Measure B, California, 2012)
- PrEP since 2012


As for yourself, well as explained previously:

In brief, your adult HIV risks are:

* Condomless intercourse & a minute (theoretical) HIV risk if you give a blowjob.
* Sharing drugs rigs (Syringes)
* Blood products/ transfusions (Rare nowadays in most nations thanks to screening)

What can you do to reduce your risks:

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse correctly and consistently, with no exceptions. Consider taking PrEP as an additional layer of protection against HIV. As for STIs consider getting vaccinated against HPV, Mpox, Hepatitis A & B, consider taking DoxyPrEP and get an STI/HIV screening out of standard routine yearly.

[Rakuz66]

Thanks,, its just something I always wondered about.