Does the inclusion of safe sex measures in porn affect your viewing?

Contributor: Viv Viv
This seems to be coming up in the news recently as the Adult Film Industry is scrambling to test workers after an actress has recently tested positive for HIV directly after working on a film. One article stated that while some producers initially wanted to require condoms, audiences and actors didn't like that and instead some film makers made them optional.


How do you all feel about this? Does the inclusion of condoms or dental dams or gloves affect if you like or dislike a film? Should the choice to use safe sex measures in the production of adult films be up to the actors?
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
Seeing condoms/dams/gloves in a porn turns me off.
48
Seeing condoms/dams/gloves in a porn is a turn on since I know that the workers are safe.
24
Seeing condoms/dams/gloves isn't a turn on, but I prefer it when they are there.
50
It doesn't really matter to me either way.
108
I never notice! Must be focusing elsewhere!
14
Total votes: 244 (204 voters)
Poll is closed
06/12/2009
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Contributor: Backseat Boohoo Backseat Boohoo
It doesn't turn me on or off, but I am always pleased to see safe sex practices. I know the average porn star gets tested every month, but for me personally, that still wouldn't be enough to maintain a sense of safety to me, not with the amount of partners a popular star goes through each month, not with the sneakiness of many STIs.
06/12/2009
Contributor: Liz2 Liz2
My understanding of the standard practice in porn is no work using condoms. A talent has a "right" to insist on condom use but the end result is no work.
All participants are tested each month but I think we all know, a negative STD test just indicates no STD infection up until about two weeks prior to the test.
Condoms are no guarantee of safe sex but certainly help. And as BB mentioned, who knows the STD situation with their partners in their personal lives since their last test.
06/12/2009
Contributor: Adriana Ravenlust Adriana Ravenlust
It won't ruin it for me. I do prefer unsafe sex I guess - for the fantasy but I'm not going to necessarily be turned off by safer sex unless there's continuity errors
06/12/2009
Contributor: Average Joe Average Joe
I like creampies- kind of hard to accomplish if the guy is wearing a condom.
06/12/2009
Contributor: Champagne and Benzedrine (Roland Hulme) Champagne and Benzedrine (Roland Hulme)
Quote:
Originally posted by Average Joe
I like creampies- kind of hard to accomplish if the guy is wearing a condom.
Me too. I'll admit, I MUCH prefer condom-less porn. It is all to do with the fantasy aspect. I certainly wouldn't want my preference to affect the lives of the people IN porn, though. That being said, director Ernest Greene (married to Nina Hartley) wrote a convincing piece about why condoms-only in mainstream porn were a bad idea.
08/10/2009
Contributor: Raven Raven
I'm not much into dams or gloves. Condoms are okay, and even though I prefer no condoms, I understand the reasoning behind them.
08/10/2009
Contributor: ToyGeek ToyGeek
I haven't watched enough porn to have an opinion, although condoms sure seem like a good idea, but I've watched the endless circular debate on safe sex practices being portrayed in fanfiction. In written erotica, it needs to fit the circumstances, and be written in a way that flows -- it would be troubling to notice the lack of a condom in some settings, while it would be downright jarring to see one in other settings. They didn't have condoms in Middle Earth. Just to choose and example at random. There's also the fact that some writers can slip it in smoothly, and others make it awkward -- it's not whether or not it's done, sometimes, as how it's done, from an artistic standpoint. And to be honest, the writer who makes the condom discussion awkward and forced probably isn't doing much better with the rest of the scene either, so what's the difference.

Filmed porn, though? The safety of real people should trump other concerns. Maybe someone needs to invent condom-disguising makeup or something.
09/24/2009
Contributor: SilverVixen SilverVixen
I am a COMPLETE advocate of safe sex, but I do have to say porn with exclusive condom, dam, or glove use may be a bit distracting. I get hung up on stupid visual things. Like if someone has a weird mole or funky teeth. I wouldn't want the items to be an issue, but I know me, and I'd focus waaaay too much on those things to truly enjoy the scene.

Toy geek up there ^ no kidding! If they mainstream condoms, they need to invent skin colored non-compression condoms that cover junk and the trunk, maybe it would be a little less noticible or distracting. Notice I said MAYBE.

It also wouldn't hurt to take a more mainstream monogamous approach to sex in the industry. Monogomous as in working with commited couples, for some it may kill the whole Jesse Jane on Katsuni fantasy but... it's not like trends are incapable of leveling on "real porn featuring real people". It happens all of the time in porn communities. It's about marketing. If top production gurus were game for the "next biggest thing" being real couples and real sex - then undoubtedly, a lot of people would follow like sheep.
09/25/2009
Contributor: Rayne Millaray Rayne Millaray
I picked that it turns me on but it's not really cause the workers are safe. I'm just a weirdo and think condoms are hot. Though I'll pass on the funky colored ones. That's too distracting. Save funky colored condoms for the bedroom *nods*
09/25/2009
Contributor: Dragon Dragon
I've watched both. Films where ever male actor used condoms, and one last night where none of them did.

I KNOW that porn is fantasy in the first place, but I also KNOW that it involves real people.

Your survey did not include that I'm actually turned on more in porn when condoms aren't there. I am. I admit it. I like the fantasy. I saw it in the DVD that I watched last night. That movie was truly set up as if the couples knew each other - except for one. So the "reality" of fluid bonding made some sense. That DVD was a turn-on because it played off the reality of couples having sex and less of the "porn."

But, I've been with someone who took his clues in sex from watching porn. He wanted to make women gag with blow jobs and come on there face more than what felt natural. Everything he ever did, I know that he saw in a movie - including positions.

I'd like to think that actors/actresses only work with out protection with those that they know and trust and KNOW there sexual status. I know better. If there use of condoms, etc. in movies keeps anyone safe, than I support it. I've never found it to be a turn-off.

But I do maintain that the fantasy is stronger when the relationship and sex appears natural and real enough that it's not necessary.
09/28/2009
Contributor: Daddy'sPuppy Daddy'sPuppy
For oral its SUCH a turn off, it just looks gross like they know their not clean..as far as penetration, for anal i think its a turn off when its not on because its just gross and unsafe, unless their in a committed relationship which i find acceptable but in my experience if that's the case they do always have a disclaimer of who they are and their relationship status and do not advice it for the casual but i guess that's only the nicer porno sites that make sure to tell you that.

Vaginal idk, i don't watch much guy on girl but yeah i think its much more attractive for non condom, same reasoning as oral I guess. In perfection, penis and vagina clean is clean and no problems should exist except for pregnancy, but anal is not the case of course, you never really know if clean is clean as far as a microscopic sense goes.

But it all depends, i hate it when they use ugly rubber glove yellow condoms that just aren't appealing. If your going to use them in a "fantasy" situation you should at least make sure their as clear as you can get them or something nice like colored, red or blue or something nice. Same goes for oral, if theirs going to be condom used for oral at least make it a flavored condom cause those look cute cause you know if its yellow its banana he he he
12/07/2009
Contributor: Daddy'sPuppy Daddy'sPuppy
Quote:
Originally posted by SilverVixen
I am a COMPLETE advocate of safe sex, but I do have to say porn with exclusive condom, dam, or glove use may be a bit distracting. I get hung up on stupid visual things. Like if someone has a weird mole or funky teeth. I wouldn't want the items ... more
In the nicer gay pornos they have a sneak method idk if any one is aware of it. they always start close up oral without condom and then cut to the 'bottoms" cock or either's face to show emotion or something subtle like that, and then when you see the penis starting to penetrate it magically has a super clear saran wrap condom your not even sure if its there until it gets intense and you see the end of the condom at the end of the shaft or they pull it off to give the "money shot".
12/07/2009
Contributor: cand86 cand86
It really depends on the scene and how it's handled. I find gloves an enormous turn-on (especially when black . . . a bit hotter and more sexy-looking than the generic versions). Of course, that might just be because finger-fucking and fisting is so rare in a lot of porn that when gloves are donned, I know I'm going to get a really good focus on that. Plus, I love how fluids and lube shine very visibly on gloves (again, the black ones!), in a way they often don't when on skin. I guess my love for gloves goes beyond enjoying the fact that it's safe sex; I find it hot and sexy all by itself.

Dental dams are a little more "meh". I love the safe sex aspect, but practically, it does hide a lot of the goods. My trade-off is in how well the porn shows the faces of the performers. One of my favorite porn scenes is a long stretch of oral sex with a dental dam- but what makes it so good is that incorporates a good deal of reaction shots. If it was one of the porno's with a close-up shot on the genitals for eons, I'm going to get bored. Watching somebody lick latex generally isn't very interesting. But if the camera shots are sufficiently varied and the performers very into it, they can "overcome" the annoyances caused by the presence of a dental dam.

Condoms are pretty cool by me. I honestly have no preference when it comes to penetration; seeing a wrapped or unwrapped dick makes no difference to me. About the only time I can imagine it "spoiling the fantasy" would be when the porn is clearly supposed to be set in pre-condom times; if you're watching pirates going at it, seeing a condom makes me do a double take and then scoff (but then again, I feel the same way about tattoos and piercings and modern clothing sneaking its way into porn set in the past). I also really wish that more porn actually showed the condom being put on, instead of cutting away to Boom!, insta-condom. When done right, rolling a condom on can be absolutely hot, not to mention that it helps continuity, instead of leaving me scratching my head and realizing that that particular bit was cut and edited out.

I don't like condoms for handjobs (gloves, though, are great!), and I tend to prefer without condoms for oral sex. I like to see cock, and while it doesn't matter much during intercourse, since it's mostly hidden in a pussy or ass, it feels like a shame to hide it otherwise. I can get into it, but I'd just rather have the cock be bare for a blowjob. Oddly enough, though, I pretty much adore condoms on strap-ons; watching someone blow a strap-on with a condom is really hot, probably because, again, I like seeing cock, but don't mind covering up a sex toy.

But really, none of it is a deal-breaker. I'm far more concerned with passion and chemistry and hot sex than whether or not there's a barrier between the bits, and I strongly admire and try to support companies that are able to provide both aforementioned hot sex and a dedication to safe sex.
12/07/2009
Contributor: Lavendar Menace Lavendar Menace
I much, much, much prefer to see the actors wearing some kind of protection. They are real people and deserve to be protected from STDs.
06/24/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Condoms don't bother me, but I have to admit, there is something really clinical about dental dams and gloves. Like "The Laboratory of Dr. Mengele" or something. I don't like gloves or dams, but in some situations, (like the kind of porn where it appears they just pick people up) I understand why they use them.

It is best for the actors to be safe. It isn't up to me to dictate whether they use condoms, dams or gloves. It's THEIR health and life and I think it should be up to each particular actor.
07/22/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by SilverVixen
I am a COMPLETE advocate of safe sex, but I do have to say porn with exclusive condom, dam, or glove use may be a bit distracting. I get hung up on stupid visual things. Like if someone has a weird mole or funky teeth. I wouldn't want the items ... more
I agree totally. Monogamous couple porn can be a lot of fun. I wish there were more of it.

I also seem to get hung up on weird visual things. We have some really old, vintage porn, and in one of the scenes, one of the guys has dirty finger nails, and the whole time I'm thinking, "Bleh, I wouldn't want those dirty hands in or on me!" My Man, OTOH didn't even notice.

The first time I saw a condome in porn actully WAS a vintage porn (a weird old VHS tape My Man has called "The Magical Bed") and Ron Jeremy has a condom on in the entire movie. (Not the same one, obviously ) I commented on it, "OMG, that dude has a condom on." My Man said, "That's Ron Jeremy, he's had sex with, like, 10,000 women, I think a rubber is necessary for him and the girl."
07/22/2010
Contributor: SexyySarah SexyySarah
It's not that big of a deal to me.
07/22/2010
Contributor: Blinker Blinker
Honestly it turns me off. I don't watch a lot of porn anyway, but when I see a rubber or dental dam, I switch it off. I don't use condoms in my sex life either. My partner and I can't stand them.
07/25/2010
Contributor: Sera Sera
Quote:
Originally posted by Viv
This seems to be coming up in the news recently as the Adult Film Industry is scrambling to test workers after an actress has recently tested positive for HIV directly after working on a film. One article stated that while some producers initially ... more
Don't really notice, but I do prefer seeing a natural cock, not a condom covered one. Though I do suppose that it would be much better health-wise to have methods of safe sex covered and supported.
08/16/2010
Contributor: UrNaughtyaAngel UrNaughtyaAngel
I have only seen condoms and gloves in some porns. I have never seen a dental dam in real life or on a porn, I am very intrigue to see a porn with a dental dam.

I can't believe the actors were against the use of protection on the films, I would have thought it was the actors wanting it and the producers being against it. But I am glad its optional instead of non. I have wonder why some pons the actors to wear them and on others they dont. As well as why one guy in the movie and another is not.
09/05/2010
Contributor: Dusk Dusk
None of the porn I've watched has actors using safer sex practices, but I'd love to see some. While maybe it wouldn't be quite as hot, I'd feel much better knowing everyone involved was being safe. It's worth it.
09/06/2010
Contributor: Unconventional Unconventional
I think it's good that they do it, but definitely a turn-off.
10/25/2010
Contributor: lemony lemony
It doesn't bother me, but it's nice to see when they do use protection. Never seen dental dam used.
03/05/2011
Contributor: Cedarlooman Cedarlooman
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
Condoms don't bother me, but I have to admit, there is something really clinical about dental dams and gloves. Like "The Laboratory of Dr. Mengele" or something. I don't like gloves or dams, but in some situations, (like the kind of ... more
I agree. I have no problem seeing condoms in porn, but rubber gloves and dental dams would be a bit un-erotic. As to the comments about it in erotica, it can be done and it really isn't that difficult to work in. I have written a handful of stories, and the one I am most proud of is a threesome story and does actually include condom usage by both males. I haven't used them in the other stories, but there has actually only been sex in one other one so far.
04/05/2011
Contributor: NarcissisticLust NarcissisticLust
Although it isn't sexually arousing, I appreciate when porn starts use condoms. Aside from the medical benefits, it may send a positive message to younger viewers. "Hey, James Deen wears a rubber, I should too." Hey, maybe
04/09/2011
Contributor: cobiffle cobiffle
IT does not matter to me at all and i dont notice really but the gloves thing would turn me off.
04/11/2011
Contributor: kawigrl kawigrl
first time i saw a condom in porn it was a turn off but now i don't really care
04/16/2011
Contributor: cnspots cnspots
It's a turn off to me and I also find it hypocritical



For one thing I don't want to feel like I'm being preached to when I watch porn and that's how it feels to me when I see condoms in porn. Secondly the condoms are a waste of time in porn because they are having unsafe oral sex in,never seen denatl dams or gloves in any of the porn I have seen. They also most of the time either the female or another female is taking the guys penis into their mouth after it's been in her vagina or another woman's vagina or ass these days in porn. Lastly at the end of every scene with a man and a woman there is a pop shot usually in the womans face and atleast part of the cum is going into the woman's mouth etc. So all this really defeats the purpose of condom use imho. I will also say I don't think it sends a positive message because the stars are having sex with multiple partners in 90% of all porn movies so in my opinion it sends the message of if I use a condom I can have sex with all the partners I want as long as I use a condom and if I pop off in her face or if he pops off in my face then I'm still safe.
05/01/2011
Contributor: Kdlips Kdlips
i don't care one way or the othere
05/08/2011