All professional mainstream production studios utilize industry standard STI testing panels provided by a select handful of approved providers. Results come back lightning-fast, often within 24 hours of the sample being taken. These panels are typically only accepted for 14 days from the date of results, with some companies as strict as 7 days.
These tests take the following samples from performers:
Urine
Blood
Anal Swabs
Vaginal Swabs
Oral Swabs
Industry STI panels are more thorough than what you would find at a general practitioner check-up, and the results are incredibly fast. While your annual labs might take 1-2 weeks or more for results, industry standard providers have results back in 24-48 hours which leaves less room for error and less time to potentially jeopardize the results with new or untested partners. The adult industry, much like any athletically challenging or physically creative pursuit, involves some level of physical risk which must be openly addressed and regulated. These regulations evolve over time, and as new health and science data comes to light, panels are regularly updated to account for the latest technology and infectious disease adaptations.
A standard STI panel for a mainstream porn performer includes screening for the following via multiple sample confirmation:
HIV: a virus which suppresses the immune system of the host, typically spread via bodily fluids such as blood and genital secretions. HIV is a life-long condition, though treatments are becoming much more accessible.
Hepatitis B: A virus which causes severe liver infection. Spread via bodily fluids, most people recover from acute Hepatitis B, but if the immune system cannot fight it off then it can become a lifelong chronic illness. Hep B is much more infectious than Hep C, as it is typically spread through more types of bodily fluids.
Hepatitis C: A virus which causes severe liver inflammation and infection. Similar to Hep B, Hep C is generally recoverable with treatments currently available to completely cure the patient. Hep C is less infectious as it only spreads through blood contact.
Syphilis: A bacterial infection which typically spreads through sexual contact. Caused by a specific strain of bacteria, Syphilis typically begins as a series of small sores and can even remain dormant or asymptomatic for some time, but if left untreated it can cause damage to the organs, brain, and heart.
Trichmoniasis Vaginalis: A common and curable STI caused by parasites. Many cases are asymptomatic and as such transmission is easily missed without regular testing. These parasites, when symptomatic, will cause itching and discomfort as well as irregular discharge.
Gonorrhea: Another common and curable STI brought on by bacterial infection. Gonorrhea can affect many other areas of the body, including urethra, rectum, throat, mouth, or eyes. This STI can present asymptomatically, or can be accompanied by itching, burning, and irregular discharge.
Chlamydia: You guessed it – another common, curable STI caused by bacteria. Chlamydia is often asymptomatic, like many on this list, and while harmless when treated, can cause damage to the internal systems and fertility when left unchecked.
Mgen: Otherwise known as mycoplasma genitalium, Mgen is another infection which lives in the cervix and urethra, and is treatable but can cause lasting damage to the affected areas, in particular around fertility, if not detected.
The majority of STIs are easily treatable when caught early, and the rigorous and frequent testing requirements of regular performing ensure that any potentially harmful infections are nipped in the bud and kept out of the talent pool. Any potentially serious positive results, such as HIV or Hep, are cause for immediate production holds carried out by PASS and performer unions like APAC while contact tracing and re-testing occurs. The diligence around production holds and identification of affected parties keeps everyone safe and healthy. False positives are also not unheard of, and taken very seriously before production is allowed to continue. Due to these strict testing requirements, STI transmission percentages among the performer pool are close to zero and extremely low compared to the general non-performer population which is encouraged to get incomplete STI panels annually or perhaps a few times a year, at best.
It is common knowledge within the industry that when performers are tested, they abstain from untested partners. Failure to abide by this standard can mean anything from canceled shoots to industry blacklisting, depending on the severity of infraction. All performers and studios heed these requirements because performers are regularly putting their body and health on the line and it is of the utmost importance to maintain a baseline of good health and negative test results. If someone is found to be faking a test, it is perhaps the fastest way to get booted from the industry entirely and permanently – there is a very strong network of information-sharing within the community of mainstream producers, agents, and performers who take their responsibilities to each other very seriously. Production holds do not benefit anyone, and the industry’s reputation is incredibly important especially as more and more laws are being proposed by people unfamiliar with these existing regulations in order to control the flow of industry happenings, from their perspective.
Since its inception in the digital era, the industry has taken its health and safety very seriously without the need for outside intervention. It is in everyone’s best interest to collectively abide by and uphold these standards for the good of the industry and its most important members – the performers consistently putting their bodies on the line to create entertaining and stimulating content for millions to consume daily.
For more information, check out our resource list for links to certification databases and panel providers.