Often a lot of my blogs work for one audience ahead of another – but this is generally one for everyone who is likely to read.

Sexual Health.

I know many of you probably already get routinely checked and take practices seriously.

But, if you don’t – I don’t wish to be preachy but encouraging.

For me.
I knew it was something I really kinda should do – but, just, well, didn’t.

It was actually during a very busy period where the conversation came back up and I felt I really should look into getting checked – and, also as it happens, during this period I did suffer (what turned out to be) damage to the tip of my penis which of course made me know – I HAVE to get things checked out.

In this blog I am going to talk about both my experiences at the clinic and some safe practices.

RISK

Obviously some things are higher risk than others. If you only have protected sex with one partner then this is obviously lower risk than bareback with multiple.  It is still not zero risk.
But, it’s important to learn risk is not just limited to penis in vagina (PIV).
If you engage in strap on, then if not cleaned correctly the prosthetic can carry disease or infections.
If you do play that can result in blood, then blood can also transmit.
Any play where semen or other fluids is produced can also carry a risk.
And even if you yourself is not doing this, you may be using a premise where someone else HAS.
This means, for example, even if you’re ‘just’ doing caning – if this breaks the skin/draws blood then it introduces a risk.
You are not risk free just because you do/don’t do certain things.

With so many variables it’s probably on you to kind of work out the own risk and how you will manage this.

But, imagine finding you do have a sexual disease and then having to contact everyone you may have had contact with.

Also of course note that you may be carrying something and not have any symptoms.

SAFE PRACTICES

At a minimum.
Toys and equipment should be cleaned after use with anti bacterial cleaner. Not just insertables (i.e butt plug, strap on, dildo) or other sex toys (i.e. flesh light).
Ideally, they should also be cleaned BEFORE use, in case the last person neglected to do this.
Insertables that are going to be used on/by more than one person should be used with a condom that is disposed of after use.
If something is going to be used on more than one person in a session (for example, a cane used on a line of people) it should be cleaned between individuals.
If a porous toy like a flogger draws or absorbs blood or other fluids, then it should not be used on multiple people.
These are non exhaustible.

HOME TESTING

You can get home testing kits and these may well suffice.

More info on self testing kits and where to get them.

A lot of the purpose of testing is also for your own peace of mind – so if visiting a clinic just isn’t going to work for you, then this works.

GP VISIT

I did visit a clinic for a few reasons – one of which was my concern over the pain; they were able to run a swab and check straight under a microscope.

In the first instance, I went to a clinic held at my local doctors surgery on a Monday evening. They had drop ins available in the morning, or appointments on the afternoon and evening so I made an appointment.

They were able to take a blood and urine sample – but that was it. They recommended I visit one of the main centres regarding my aforementioned pain explaining that they could make a better assessment and that they could also do some additional tests.

Again, a simple visit at a drop-in at a local GP or centre may well be enough for your needs.

You can find details of all centres/clinics/drop-ins here.

CLINIC VISIT

I was able to make an appointment the following evening – not with the centre they recommended, but with another that was a little more convenient for me.

In this appointment they also started me on a programme of hepatitis vaccinations. This involved two follow up appointments, the second of which would also include a further blood test for 3-month closure on HIV checks. I also repeated the blood and urine samples.

At this point, I made a little fluff of trying to explain what I do. And, it might have been better/easier if I’d got it right.

This is something that in my next appointment when answering questions there was a light bulb moment when the lady asked me, “Do you work in the adult film industry?”

I answered ‘Yes’ and this allowed her to be much more helpful now she knew my situation.
I explained (or tried to) that this was more fetish based than PIV but when we discussed some of the things I did she explained there was still a risk.

I APPRECIATE I WAS FORTUNATE

I’ve learned some clinics are better than others for the support/advice given for those of us who film.   It is certainly important to be honest.  If you feel like you are judged for making films, working professionally or other lifestyle choices – you are within your rights to make a complaint.

You also do not need to visit your most local clinic.  I choose one more convenient for myself, but the nurse told me there are content creators and professionals who are not local that visit the same centre I do.  Possibly because it is so helpful.

It may be of course that some information or advice isn’t as forthcoming as I received, so part of the reason I am making this blog is to share information.

THE FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT

In the following appointment, which was also the end of the 3-month window for HIV – she asked what I’d been up to since we’d last met. Not in a conversational way but – with new partners or people I already knew, what sort of activities, etc.

I mentioned I’d done a scene involving 3 Ladies and strap-ons, so as part of this round of testing we did a rectal and throat swab.

She also explained that she’d made a note on my records, so when I next got the results I could call up and get a certificate showing my results.

She said she was quite surprised that in three years I’d never previously been asked to provide this.
I said I’d felt that the nature of a lot of the filming had led people not to really consider this (although…. I *have* done PIV and received blow-jobs on camera… I’ve also ejaculated a few times – most, not all, the work I’ve done is fetish related…)
But, I also think that sometimes slippage happens and this is why it’s important to keep yourself right.

Incidentally, I have found myself a lot more in demand with filming and a lot more opportunities are opening up – so I think having this on record is a good thing.
Should anyone insist on, or require, this then I have it – and if they don’t then I feel it’s good practice.

As I say, you don’t need to go to the clinics, there are home testing kits – but I think if you are someone who either plays with multiple people, plays with someone who plays with multiple people – then it’s worth the peace of mind and is good practice.