Latest Moratorium Lifted in Adult Film Industry, STD Testing Increased among Performers

After the news broke that the Los Angeles adult film industry had seen a handful of its performers test positive for HIV, a moratorium was placed on the community in the hopes that more of the actors would begin wearing condoms and using other protective methods in order to prevent problems. However, officials note that the adult film industry has lifted its latest moratorium regarding porn production as of Friday because they believe the actors are no longer at risk for contracting HIV on set since the last outbreak.

Various reports show that three porn actors tested positive for HIV within the last month, prompting a shutdown in the community--the first of which lasted a week and ended on Aug. 28, following the diagnosis of two other actors that prompted the second shutdown via Sept. 6.

While the Free Speech Coalition, a porn industry trade group, states that the performers did not catch the virus on set or pass it to their partners while on film, many involved within the community are hoping this pushes for higher regulations within the industry.  Thus, officials are now requiring more testing for sexually transmitted diseases.

"Our industry protocols are designed to be conservative and our doctors support a conservative approach, for the health and well-being of the performers," said Diane Duke, the coalition's CEO, said in a statement to the Associated Press.

Now performers will be required to undergo STD testing once every 14 days instead of 28, according to the Associated Press.

Yet it's also important to remember that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) may take anywhere from three to six months to for a positive diagnosis to be confirmed.

WebMD notes that this virus, which is known to cause aids, greatly weakens a person's ability to fight off infections and is more likely contracted from high risk behaviors, including unprotected sex or needle sharing. While medications may suppress the virus and delay the onset of the problem, at this time, there is no cure.