With certain STI rates at an all-time high, being cautious about your sexual health is more important than ever. Just so you know, according to a recent analysis from the CDC dated August 28, 2018, chlamydia is up 31 percent over the past five years, gonorrhea is up 67 percent and syphilis is up 76 percent.
Here are some ways to keep your work uninterrupted if you’re also dealing with an STI outbreak, flare up or otherwise related issue.
Have Sex, but Safely
I know I’m going to sound like your high school sex-ed teacher (except more informed and less judgmental), but if you are concerned about STIs, safer sex practices are imperative.
Condoms are what I – and most of the sexual health professional world – consider the first line of defense against STIs and babies. You can find them literally everywhere, and they’re not expensive. If you’re near a college campus or health clinic, you can probably get them for free.
Maybe they don’t feel so great, but neither does a burning in your loins.
Just Ask!
Ask your sexual partners if they’ve been tested for STIs.
When I was ho’ing around my college, I asked every person I slept with if they got tested. Yes, it’s an awkward question, but they still wanted to sleep with me afterwards. I didn’t want to risk my sexual health, and, honestly, it made the person more inclined to use a condom.
Get Tested Frequently
Getting tested for STIs may be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences you can have. You will feel a lump in your throat the entire time, but you have a right to know what’s going on in your body. And get this — like most things, once you become more familiar with the process, it becomes less intimidating.
Get tested frequently at your local health clinic. If you don’t have insurance, Planned Parenthood offers free or low-cost tests.
So You Got an STI…
Sometimes you can do everything in your power to stay negative, but STIs still might happen. Condoms break, people lie, partners cheat. Having a flare-up might be enough to convince you to stop hustling, but don’t let the STI win. There are plenty of ways to cam, even with an inflammation.
Just Keep Camming
Make sure you’re still consistent with your cam schedule. Lay off the public cum shows and just entertain your audience. Do everything you normally would do, but keep your camera focused strictly on your upper body.
Private Shows
Only accept private sessions with clients that don’t insist on masturbation. With a flare up, things might itch or burn, and being down there is the last thing you want. You know your clients better than anyone. Make a list of your regulars and jot down what they like to watch. It will help you anticipate what kind of show they want you to perform, and you’ll know who to give a rain check.
Don’t be discouraged — there are a bunch of kinks out there that don’t require masturbation.
Send Nudes!
Just because your downstairs is currently out of business, doesn’t mean you can’t continue to sell content.
Do a photoshoot. Make photo sets of you in sexy lingerie. If the flare-up isn’t too noticeable, you can still do nude photos. Thank god for photoshop. Let this be an opportunity for you to explore different niches. Get a pedicure and take photos of your feet. If you’re into cosplay, take pictures of you cosplaying your favorite characters.
Look through your archives and find any videos you haven’t posted. If you can’t find any pre-recorded videos you are willing to put on the internet, make some! Grab your favorite dildo and make a blow job video.
Record yourself saying sexy things. There is a huge market for vocal recordings. Write out a script and do some roleplay. You can add sound effects, moans and heavy breathing. This is probably the easiest way to make content because you can do it in your pajamas.
Get creative, and sell as much content as you can while you heal. An STI is not going to be the end of your career, so don’t let it set you back. Stay positive (even when you’re positive!) and focus on your goals.
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Ariane Torres is a writer who says funny things on occasion. Email her at ariane@ynotcam.com and find her on Twitter at @tofulumpia.
Also: perfectly reasonable, non-nude hotness pictured below!
