As much as you like sitting back and watching people get it on via your screen, you’d be surprised how many facts about porn you don’t know.
You’d be surprised how many people actually watch porn. If you think your significant other doesn’t watch anything like that, you’re probably wrong. At any given second during a day, there are roughly 30 million people tuned in and watching porn. But there are a few secret facts about porn you may want to know about before hitting that search bar. [Read: Addicted to porn? 43 signs & VERY effective ways to stop watching porn]
The Porn Industry
You might not give it much thought, but the porn industry is a colossal enterprise, operating in its own vast and intricate world. It’s not just a fringe part of the entertainment sector; it’s a giant, with tentacles reaching into many aspects of modern media and technology. [Read: The pros and cons of being attached to our gadgets]
Let’s talk numbers to get a real sense of its magnitude. Research shows that the porn industry rakes in billions annually, rivaling some of the biggest mainstream media conglomerates. Imagine that! It’s a financial behemoth that silently powers a significant part of the internet economy.
And the number of porn sites? They’re like stars in the sky – too many to count. But to give you an idea, we’re talking tens of thousands, each catering to every imaginable taste and preference. It’s a sprawling digital empire, with new sites popping up faster than you can keep track.
Did you know the golden era of porn actually kicked off with the ‘sexual revolution’ of the 60s and 70s? That’s right, while folks were busy watching the moon landing, there was another kind of ‘exploration’ taking off back on Earth.
And since then, the industry has evolved massively, riding the waves of technological advances like internet streaming – making access to adult content as easy as streaming your favorite Netflix show.
This industry’s growth skyrocketed with the advent of the internet. Gone are the days of shady back-alley magazine exchanges; now, it’s all about high-speed streaming and HD quality.
This transformation has not only made adult content more accessible but also shrouded it in a veil of everyday normality – it’s there, omnipresent, yet somehow still out of the mainstream spotlight. [Read: Why ditching your porn habit could improve your life]
But here’s a little secret: much like your favorite blockbuster movie, a lot of what you see in porn is, well, scripted. Yes, those mind-blowing scenarios are often as planned out as any Hollywood plot. This scripting is one of those facts about porn that gets overlooked, leading to a bunch of misconceptions about what real-life intimacy should look like.
And that’s exactly why we’re here – to peel back the layers of fantasy and reveal the truth, separating the facts about porn from myths.
Secrets Facts About Porn You Never Knew Before
The porn industry is shrouded in mystery. From the treatment of performers to the behind-the-scenes dynamics of getting a job, there’s a lot that remains hidden from public view. This secrecy is perhaps maintained to preserve the allure and fantasy that keep audiences coming back for more.
If you’re curious about what really goes on in the world of porn and what secrets are tucked away behind the scenes of the videos you watch, brace yourself. You might think you’re well-versed in the ins and outs of the industry, but these facts about porn might just surprise you. [Read: Dating a male porn star: 31 perks, perils & tips to navigate this path]
From the surprising realities of performer experiences to the economic and social intricacies of this multi-billion dollar industry, we’re diving deep into the secrets of porn that are seldom talked about.
1. STD Testing Inconsistencies
One of the most sensitive and critical aspects of the porn industry is the health and safety of its performers, particularly concerning sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
While exact statistics on the percentage of performers who have contracted STDs are not universally available, due to varying reporting standards and industry practices, some insights can be drawn from available studies and reports.
For instance, a report from the Adult Industry Medical Health Care Foundation, which used to provide health services to porn performers, suggested that the rate of STDs in the industry was higher than in the general population.
However, it’s important to note that these findings are subject to numerous variables, including the frequency of testing, use of protection, and the reporting practices of different production companies.
Moreover, industry regulations like the Performer Availability Screening Services *PASS* system in the United States require performers to be tested every 14 days for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Despite these measures, there have been instances of STD outbreaks, highlighting the ongoing risks. [Read: STDs 101: The most common types and their symptoms]
2. Extensive Paperwork and Legalities
Contrary to what the casual, another fact about porn is that spontaneous scenes might suggest, performers in the porn industry go through a significant amount of paperwork for each shoot. This extensive documentation covers a wide range of aspects, from health documents ensuring STD testing and safety protocols to legal agreements outlining release rights and scene specifics.
Even those scenes that seem like impromptu hookups are underpinned by detailed contracts. These agreements are meticulously drafted to cover every possible aspect of the shoot, including consent for specific acts, boundaries, and the use of the footage. [Read: Meaning of safe words, best examples & 27 ways to use them in rough play]
This legal framework is crucial not only for the protection of the performers but also for the production companies to ensure compliance with industry regulations and laws.
Moreover, these documents often include clauses about confidentiality and image rights, emphasizing the professional nature of the industry. In reality, behind every seemingly spontaneous scene is a backdrop of thorough paperwork and legal oversight, ensuring that everything is consensual, legal, and clear-cut.
3. Temperature Challenges on Set
Porn shoots often can’t use heaters due to noise, leading to performers getting cold. This practical challenge is a fact about porn that’s rarely considered by viewers. It’s not just about the performance; physical comfort is often a challenge.
It’s easy to assume that those who work in the porn industry are perhaps less educated or didn’t have many career options. But that’s so not true! One fact about porn is that many performers in the porn industry boast higher education degrees, challenging the stereotypical view of their backgrounds.
Contrary to popular belief, the industry is home to a diverse array of individuals, including law graduates, engineers, and even those with doctorates.
Studies and surveys have shown a surprising number of performers have college degrees, with some estimates suggesting that a significant percentage have at least some form of higher education. This diversity in educational backgrounds defies the common porn myth that associates performing in adult entertainment with a lack of education or career choices. [Read: How to balance your career, social life and dating life]
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that many female performers in the industry had higher levels of education compared to the general population. Another interesting finding is the variety of academic backgrounds, ranging from arts and humanities to more technical fields like science and technology.
5. Accidents Happen All the Time
Sex is a dirty thing. Even sex in a relationship can have some accidents. Imagine what could happen when you have sex for hours at a time.
There’s blood, sweat, urine, and even feces getting in the way, depending on the person and type of sex they’re having. [Read: 16 of the most awful and hilarious real-life sexual encounters]
6. Many Still Work During *That Time* of the Month
The truth is not all women get to pick and choose what weeks and times they work. Meaning they don’t have the luxury of ensuring they’re not working when Ms. Flo has come to town.
In order to still be able to work during that time of the month, they take makeup sponges and insert them in order to stop the blood flow and keep everything clean on set. [Read: The guide to having sex on your period]
7. Girls in Female Porn Often Date Other Porn Stars
This fact about porn might not be a surprise. It’s easier to date someone who is also in the porn industry because they understand your work and won’t get jealous or angry when you have to go have sex with someone else for hours. This has led to many female porn actresses marrying male porn stars. [Read: The 18 perks and perils of dating a male porn star]
8. Shame Isn’t Actually a Normal Feeling in Female Porn
There is a misconception that many porn stars have mental health issues and hate themselves, and this is why they choose to have sex on camera as a career. The truth is, if you ask many in the porn industry, they’ll tell you the complete opposite.
9. Most Women in Female Porn Actually are Bisexual
Obviously women in female porn have to be open and attuned to their sexual side. This often means that girls are bisexual and have no issues going between different genders when making porn.
They’re so attuned to their sexual side that they’re attracted to anyone they’re having sex with. [Read: Dating a bisexual: 12 things you should never say]
10. Women in Porn Tend to be in Great Shape
We mean, can you imagine having sex for hours on end as many women in female porn do? In order to get the best video made, they have to spend a LONG time having sex.
This can be really tiring so the girls have to be in tip-top shape in order to keep up with the demands of female porn. They also have to look great for the camera from a lot of different angles so being in great shape helps. [Read: Sex, calories, and METs: The fitness guru’s guide to sex]
Average pay for female porn performers usually ranges from $500 to $2000 per scene, with factors like popularity and scene type playing a significant role in determining compensation.
In contrast, male performers often see lower earnings. You might have thought the issue of unequal pay was exclusive to corporate offices or Hollywood, but it’s present here too.
12. Varied Pay Depending on Scene Type
Speaking of pay, it’s interesting to note how earnings in the porn industry are not uniform but vary significantly based on the type of scene. Explicit or niche content often commands higher rates, reflecting the demand and complexity of such scenes.
For example, a performer might earn around $1000 for a standard scene, but this can increase substantially for more explicit or specialized content. In some cases, a 5-minute niche scene could offer compensation similar to, or even exceeding, that of a longer, more conventional scene.
13. Unseen Expenses in the Porn Industry
While we’ve highlighted that the porn industry is a billion-dollar enterprise, it’s important to note that this wealth doesn’t necessarily trickle down evenly to the performers. They frequently incur significant expenses for health checks, grooming, travel, and wardrobe. [Read: The lazy twentysomething’s guide to saving money]
These out-of-pocket costs, often overlooked, can considerably reduce their net earnings, revealing a less glamorous and more financially demanding side of the industry.
14. Agency Representation and Contracts
Then there are also engaging agents, who take a commission of 10-15%, which is common among performers. While agents can provide valuable opportunities, their fees impact net income, challenging the idea of complete financial freedom in the porn industry.
15. Early Retirement is Common in Porn
Many female performers find themselves retiring early, often in their late 20s to early 30s, which reflects the industry’s focus on youth. However, it’s important to note that this trend doesn’t encompass the entire industry.
There are also older performers who continue to have successful careers, challenging the stereotype that only youth is valued in porn. Despite this, the general trend leans towards a preference for younger performers, contradicting the notion of a long-term career path in the industry for the majority. [Read: 21 steps to find yourself when you’ve lost your way & feel hopeless]
This dynamic highlights the diverse age range in the industry, yet underscores the youth-centric culture that predominates.
Platforms like OnlyFans have revolutionized the industry, allowing performers to take control of their content and income. This shift towards digital autonomy marks a significant departure from traditional studio control.
It changes the entire game, as content creators can now produce material in the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for large-scale production setups. This means performers can bypass traditional industry barriers, offering more creative freedom and potentially a larger share of the profits.
17. The Reality of Working Hours in Porn
The long and demanding working hours in the porn industry often come as a surprise to many. Sometimes, a single scene can take up an entire day. Could you imagine being naked and engaging in sex for, say, three hours straight, in front of an entire production team? Every bit of your being is exposed to bright lights and cameras, capturing every angle and moment.
This scenario paints a vivid picture of the physically and mentally strenuous nature of working in porn. It’s not just the duration of the scenes that’s challenging, but also the environment in which they’re shot – often under intense scrutiny and pressure to perform. [Read: Dating a workaholic: 20 signs and tips to maintain a happy relationship]
Earnings and popularity in the porn industry can be highly variable, offering a far cry from the notion of a stable and assured career path in this field.
Sure, you might know a handful of famous porn stars who have become household names, but for every one of them, there are thousands of others who remain relatively unknown. These lesser-known performers often face fluctuating fortunes, navigating an industry where visibility and success are not guaranteed.
19. Fan Interaction as a Revenue Stream
Increasingly, performers are leveraging fan interactions on social media and personalized content as a significant source of income. This evolving trend emphasizes the growing importance of digital engagement in the industry’s financial landscape. [Read: Boyfriend follows sexy instagram models: Okay or reason to be pissed?]
20. Income Through Merchandising and Appearances
Aside from fan interactions on digital platforms, many performers in the porn industry find creative ways to supplement their income. Why not capitalize on their fame, right?
Engaging in merchandising, making appearances at events, and embarking on other entrepreneurial ventures are increasingly common. Selling branded merchandise, attending fan conventions, and exploring unique business opportunities allow performers to leverage their brand beyond the screen.
The Most Common Porn Myths
Of course, the world of porn is still shrouded in a myriad of baseless beliefs and misconceptions. From exaggerated portrayals to misunderstood norms, it’s a field ripe with myths that often blur the lines between reality and fiction. Let’s delve into some of these and decipher what’s real and what is not.
1. Butts Are Naturally Empty
No, they’re not. You need to clean it before having anal sex, and you can’t eat or drink anything for several hours before doing the deed, unless the viewers are alright with watching things getting dirty on screen. [Read: The curious guy and gal’s guide to anal sex]
2. Sex on the Hood of a Car is Extremely Easy
Car hoods are slippery, and you run the risk of scratching and denting an expensive car in the process. How they make it look like a breeze is some sort of talent.
3. All Porn Stars Have No Gag Reflex
When porn stars can’t handle the size of the objects they put inside their mouths, the director cuts the scene and resumes it using a different angle later. [Read: Hot blowjob secrets to drive him mad]
4. Sex Makes Any Problem Go Away
It can distract you when you’ve got a lot on your mind, but sex does not help in deactivating bombs or saving the world the way porn implies.
5. Boobs
As much as you wish that those things were real, they’re often not. [Read: Fake breasts: The subtle implant signs to tell if your girl’s boobs aren’t real]
6. Stamina
Filming allows porn stars to take breaks now and then. No one is capable of having sex for three hours without getting any rest.
7. Lighting
The only way you can see that much detail in real life is if you set up a spotlight in your bedroom.
8. Joint Approximation
Some porn stars are double-jointed. Don’t even try to bend your body backward if you aren’t trained to do so.
9. Spanking Doesn’t Hurt
It only looks like the actors and actresses are having fun because they get pleasure from experiencing pain. If you don’t like pain at all, it’s best not to try it. [Read: Ways to open up about your kinky side]
10. Putting Animals Inside Your Body is Safe
Bestiality is a fetish, but it is not safe in any way. A lot of animals have diseases that are dangerous to the human body.
11. Hotel Rooms Have Amazing Lighting
At times they do, but you can’t get the lighting porn videos get unless you set up a room with lots of artificial lighting.
12. Women Who Need Repairs Done Also Need Sex
Just because in most settings, porn stars always ask for a few “extra repairs” from their plumbers or even from delivery guys, doesn’t mean that your clients in real life will want some too.
13. Asian Women Moan the Same Way
A lot of people like the way it sounds when Asian porn stars moan, but that doesn’t mean they all moan that way in real life.
14. Foreplay is Simple
Absolutely not. It needs timing and precision, as well as a deep understanding of the way the mind and body of a person work. [Read: 42 secrets to satisfy a woman in bed & make her wet just thinking of you]
15. No Sweat
Porn stars have assistants that wipe them down during breaks on set. Sweat doesn’t look good on camera.
16. Girls Always Come
Starring in a porn film is acting in itself. Most female porn stars don’t orgasm because of the numerous cuts during filming.
There wouldn’t be enough time to build up to an orgasm anyway, unless their partner is really, really good. *coughs* James Deen *coughs*
17. All Vaginas Look Alike
Many female porn stars get cosmetic surgery done on their vaginas in order for it to look good on camera.
The amount of sex they have would make it impossible for their vaginas to retain their shapes for a long period. Normal vaginas vary in shape, size and color. [Read: The 4 MAIN types of vaginas & BIG must-knows that make up the vagiverse!]
18. All Lesbian Porn Stars are Lesbians
Here’s another fact about porn. It’s a job, so the most you can say of a straight person having sex with another of the same sex is that it pays well. [Read: Reasons lesbian porn is way hotter than straight porn]
19. All Gay Porn Stars are Gay
The same goes for them as well, but statistics say that gay porn pays more than straight and lesbian porn.
20. Being a Porn Star Pays Well
If it did, then these porn stars who make thousands of videos every year would be living more lavishly than celebrities who only do a couple of films once a year.
21. Porn Stars Orgasm Simultaneously
It’s possible, but it rarely happens when filming porn. [Read: 22 most common reasons women fake their orgasm]
22. Sex While Wearing High Heels is Comfortable
It looks sexy, but it’s not all that comfy. You could even sprain an ankle because of it.
23. Female Students Like to be Dominated
It’s just an assumption that caters to men and women who like younger people. It’s not exactly pedophilia, but it’s pretty close.
24. There is a Universal Script for Dirty Talk
You can’t limit yourself to the usual lines you hear in porn. Those are basically just sound effects for a film. Don’t hesitate to try lines that are more in line with your personality. [Read: 23 tips on mastering dirty talk]
25. Hentai Girls Exist
A lot of men wish it were true, but you will rarely see Japanese girls with breasts the size of their torsos wearing skirts higher than their pelvis.
Did You Expect These Facts About Porn?
Did you see these facts about porn coming? The bottom line is, like anything else, the industry is layered and complex. There’s so much more to it, and these revealed secrets help shed light on a topic that often remains hidden in plain sight.
[Read: Embarrassing questions about sex most of us are too shy to ask]
Porn seems like a very simple thing: they get naked and have sex. But there’s so much more facts about porn than that and these revealed secrets will help shed light on a hidden topic.
