Despite the best efforts of the Adult Industry Medical Health Care Foundation (AIM), the adult entertainment industry has shown a sharp rise in the number of STD cases in the last month, a startling trend that not only places the health of performers at risk, but also costs both performers' and production companies' money.
“People shouldn’t freak out. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most widespread STDs in Southern California. So don’t freak out – this is very treatable. Take your meds and you can be back at work in five days,” Maggie Knowles, general manager of AIM, told AVN.com.
Both chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics.
So far for the month of August, 49 people have tested positive for either gonorrhea of chlamydia, a sharp rise from the 36 positives that were diagnosed the entire month of July out of a population of 750 performers. AIM officials say that significantly fewer people have been tested in August, though exact numbers are not yet available.
AIM now gives monthly STD tests that are mandatory for most production companies alongside their HIV testing. Monthly testing costs $100 for the full testing package, but AIM offers the STD test alone for $20 for members of the adult industry. The test normally costs $60.
If positive, AIM lets the individual know, then attempts to notify their professional and personal partners, while maintaining the anonymity of the performer with an STD.
“The important thing is to get tested and, if you have it, get treated. Just because you’ve been exposed doesn’t mean you have it,” Knowles said.
Besides diligence in testing and condom use, especially with partners outside the industry, other tips Knowles suggested for avoiding STDs include washing before and after sex, using condoms on novelties, using one hand for vaginal penetration and one hand for anal, and even using rubber gloves.
For women symptoms of chlamydia may include: Vaginal discharge, bleeding following sexual intercourse, mid-cycle or irregular menstrual bleeding and lower abdominal pains. Women with gonorrhea may experience abnormal bleeding and vaginal discharge.
For men, symptoms of chlamydia may include discharge from the penis, burning with urination and swollen and/or painful testicles. Gonorrheasymptoms and signs in men include a burning sensation when urinating and a yellowish, white, or green discharge from the penis.
Gonorrhea can cause fertility problems in both men and women if it goes untreated.
