# Are porn stars physically damaged by their work? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 22, 2012, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782 "2012-11-22T00:39:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Atakapa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a8b319/32.png) [@Atakapa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atakapa)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2012, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/1 "2012-11-22T00:39:36Z")
It’s not uncommon to see rather petite females be paired with a male who looks painfully huge for her size. Between the massively endowed actors, huge sex toys, frequent productions, and popularity of rather rough sex; how does the physical health of hardcore pornstars fare? Specifically, issues such as anal fissures, inflammation, torn/loose/blown-out genitals, incontinence, scarring, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2012, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/2 "2012-11-22T00:49:20Z")
[Nautica Thorn](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nautica_Thorn) from Hawaii says that once she stopped doing straight lesbian – a contradiction in terms? – scenes and ventured into M-F action, she “kept on getting torn and yeast infections.” ---
**Author:** ![rogerbox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/76d3ee/32.png) [@rogerbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rogerbox)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2012, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/3 "2012-11-22T02:18:44Z")
There was a star who entered the business and took on too much too soon, and has had to have surgeries since then, I can’t think of her name at the time but I read the interview, pretty gross. Yes it does happen. ---
**Author:** ![qualityleashdog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/9f8e36/32.png) [@qualityleashdog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qualityleashdog)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2012, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/4 "2012-11-22T14:19:44Z")
I’ve seen quite a few male bottoms with cauliflower ass, so yeah, it’s having some effect on them, for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/5 "2012-11-24T03:54:22Z")
Several porn stars became infected with AIDS from their film work, back when producers insisted that using condoms would spoil the ‘reality’ of the films. That’s certainly physically damaging. But regarding the possibility of vaginas being damaged by extra-large penises, that seems unlikely – even in porn, I’ve yet to see a penis that approaches the size of a baby’s head. And babies heads & bodies come out of vaginas every day, all over the world. ---
**Author:** ![rogerbox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/76d3ee/32.png) [@rogerbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rogerbox)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/6 "2012-11-24T03:56:10Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > But regarding the possibility of vaginas being damaged by extra-large penises, that seems unlikely – even in porn, I’ve yet to see a penis that approaches the size of a baby’s head. And babies heads & bodies come out of vaginas every day, all over the world. …and every day they get stitched up after childbirth because of damage, which only backs up the OP’s point. 😕 ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/7 "2012-11-24T04:11:40Z")
In defending their industry, many accuse the ‘‘anti-porn brigade’’ of focusing only on particularly violent examples of pornography. A recent study published in the journal Violence Against Women, however, has analysed the best-selling porn videos to see just how widespread and routine the degradation of women in pornography has become. The research found that physical aggression was present in 88 per cent of scenes. Of these, there was an average of 12 aggressive acts per scene. In addition, name-calling occurred in about half of all scenes. Advertisement Perhaps unsurprisingly, the perpetrators of violent acts were most commonly men, while the targets of their violence were nearly always women. In almost every case, women were shown reacting to aggressive acts with pleasure or neutrality, enforcing the idea that women enjoy being dominated or degraded during sex. Sexual acts that women would typically find painful or degrading were common in the videos analysed. Boston sociology professor Gail Dines has previously reflected on this particular sequence and noted that it often comes with a ‘‘joke’’ about the woman being made to ‘‘eat shit’’. Professor Dines further points out that **the brutality of the industry has become such that most porn actresses have a ‘‘shelf life’’ of three months because their bodies are so physically damaged by the job.** Read more: [Why the new 'porn norm' is hurting women](http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/why-the-new-porn-norm-is-hurting-women-20110302-1be54.html#ixzz2D6sgow14) ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/8 "2012-11-24T04:16:51Z")
> [@](#): > > HPV or genital bruising are generally not listed as job hazards. Women who do porn talk about anal prolapse and surgery [for repair]. The injuries in porn leave long-lasting emotional impacts. The level of abuse and violence to women in porn stands out. There is the psychological trauma of having one’s body treated in this way. It is a very intimate form of abuse. Articles from the porn industry press reveal how difficult and demanding the job is and that women can’t last that long in the industry because of injury. > > * * * > > I asked folks in the porn industry for their responses to Gail Dines’ claim that porn physically traumatizes women. Beth Brigham disagrees. (Brigham was formerly Dines’ research assistant and currently performs in porn.) She reports: > > ``` > There’s no emotional trauma from a sex act that you’re prepared for. If you know in advance what you’re going to be doing, you are ready. If I have a day where I’m doing seven penetrations, I know what to do to insure that my body remains healthy. Sex acts don’t happen by accident in porn and you know how to deal with them in advance. > > ``` > > April Flores, a BBW adult actress, adds: > > ``` > “There is no doubt porn is a very physical job. However, it is also a very individualized profession. Each performer is responsible for their own physical health. A performer always has the choice of not doing something they are not comfortable with. All of my peers are doing work they feel proud of and that enhances and expands on their own sexuality. Gail Dines thinks all performers are victims and this couldn’t be further from the truth. > > I also need to point out that many people outside the industry are having rough sex by choice. I’ve heard quite a few stories of people [in the general population] going a little too hard and hurting themselves. > > ``` > **[Porn: Pleasure or Profit? Ms. Interviews Gail Dines, Part II](https://msmagazine.com/2010/07/07/porn-pleasure-or-profit-ms-interviews-gail-dines-part-ii/)** > > In Part I of my interview with Gail Dines, the self-described anti-porn feminist discussed sexual freedom, coercion, safety and harm. Part II continues the conversation. And this time, porn actors respond. Shira Tarrant/Ms.: Your new book, PORNLAND:... I guess make of that what you will. Porn actresses still in the business say it is safe and fine, and those not in it tend to bash it hardcore and say it’s dangerous ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/9 "2012-11-24T04:34:11Z")
The other day I saw a video with two petite women and a man. One of the women, who looked to be about 19-20, bent over for some doggy style action. OH MY GOD. Her anus looked like a huge gaping hole through which a large cucumber could pass unmolested. You could throw a baseball through it and barely hit the sides. It was a serious :eek::eek::eek::eek: moment and I turned it off immediately. _“Ok, she’s done a little TOO much anal…”_ ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/10 "2012-11-24T04:43:41Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > But regarding the possibility of vaginas being damaged by extra-large penises, that seems unlikely – even in porn, I’ve yet to see a penis that approaches the size of a baby’s head. And babies heads & bodies come out of vaginas every day, all over the world. Vaginal tearing is common in childbirth and can range from mild to first-degree up to fourth-degree. Here’s a slideshow from Mayo Clinic (illustrated, not RL pics, but NSFW for most): [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginal-tears/PR00143](http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginal-tears/PR00143) For those not wanting to click on that (I’m not squeamish and it made me cringe), tearing can go from not needing any extra care aside from time to heal, to needing surgery and ongoing issues with bladder slippage, fecal incontinence and painful sex. Anecdotally, I dated a couple for a brief time in my 20’s, he a 6’4" pro football player, and she a tiny Phillipina who I asked about issues because she was so tiny. Yes, she did have tearing, which would have been “mild” I guess, according to Mayo, since she didn’t need medical attention for it. However, she was also in a relationship with a partner who gave a shit about her and they were able to take it easy for as long as it took for her to heal and adjust. Despite what current actresses claim (opposing what “retired” ones claim) I can’t imagine porn actresses who are on the clock and expected on set are given any consideration as far as their pain or discomfort during a shoot and are expected to finish. I imagine they have a much harder time recovering if they do at all. Everyone is built differently, and I’m sure there are those who don’t have problems, too. Lucky for them. ---
**Author:** ![moriah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b2d939/32.png) [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/11 "2012-11-24T05:14:20Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > The other day I saw a video with two petite women and a man. One of the women, who looked to be about 19-20, bent over for some doggy style action. > > OH MY GOD. > > Her anus looked like a huge gaping hole through which a large cucumber could pass unmolested. You could throw a baseball through it and barely hit the sides. It was a serious :eek::eek::eek::eek: moment and I turned it off immediately. > > _“Ok, she’s done a little TOO much anal…”_ Should we all look it up and goa tsee it too? ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/12 "2012-11-24T05:30:04Z")
DAs to the current porn stars disagreeing with the former ones; that’s par for the course. Whatever the course, it seems. Not just porn. You never hear about any of the bad aspects of a thing by someone actively enjoying some kind of reward from their involvement with said thing. ---
**Author:** ![rogerbox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/76d3ee/32.png) [@rogerbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rogerbox)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/13 "2012-11-24T08:02:23Z")
> [@April\_R](#): > > Boston sociology professor Gail Dines has previously reflected on this particular sequence and noted that it often comes with a ‘‘joke’’ about the woman being made to ‘‘eat shit’’. Professor Dines further points out that **the brutality of the industry has become such that most porn actresses have a ‘‘shelf life’’ of three months because their bodies are so physically damaged by the job.** > Read more: [Why the new 'porn norm' is hurting women](http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/why-the-new-porn-norm-is-hurting-women-20110302-1be54.html#ixzz2D6sgow14) You know, it only hurts you anti pornography peoples’ case when your only examples are ridiculous extreme porn that I have never even encountered, and I’ve been watching porn since I was 11 years old. ---
**Author:** ![ruadh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@ruadh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ruadh)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/14 "2012-11-24T08:58:19Z")
> [@April\_R](#): > > The research found that physical aggression was present in 88 per cent of scenes. I’d like to see the actual study - it seems to be behind a pay wall. From the abstract I’ve found I’m not sure how the videos were selected, how a “scene” is defined or what criteria were used to determine “physical aggression”. > [@](#): > > Boston sociology professor Gail Dines Urgh. Anyone tempted to take her seriously should read [this](http://sarahditum.com/2012/04/06/pornwars-a-new-left-project-debate-with-gail-dines/). ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/15 "2012-11-24T15:53:15Z")
> [@rogerbox](#): > > You know, it only hurts you anti pornography peoples’ case when your only examples are ridiculous extreme porn that I have never even encountered, and I’ve been watching porn since I was 11 years old. It’s not my stance. I don’t have a stance on porn. I was just quoting an article. I don’t really have an opinion either way. I think it is all biased, either for or against because both sides have something to gain. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/16 "2012-11-24T16:19:20Z")
> [@ruadh](#): > > Urgh. Anyone tempted to take her seriously should read [this](http://sarahditum.com/2012/04/06/pornwars-a-new-left-project-debate-with-gail-dines/). That was an excellent link that led to a range of interesting articles. Thanks for that. I’m studying sexology right now, and sadly am often treated to such lack of rigour. ---
**Author:** ![qualityleashdog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/9f8e36/32.png) [@qualityleashdog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qualityleashdog)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/17 "2012-11-24T16:53:54Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > Several porn stars became infected with AIDS from their film work, back when producers insisted that using condoms would spoil the ‘reality’ of the films. That’s certainly physically damaging. I’ve seen a comeback for bareback recently, especially with your Eastern European gay porn and some domestic. It’s all about being able to deliver something different. I suppose it would be possible to ensure a closed group of barebackers aren’t transmitting disease, if you are able to ensure they’re not infected when they begin and don’t screw outside the group. Possible if you keep a group in the Ukraine on a short lease and dictate what they do everyday and how they live. But it’s more likely the producers don’t give a damn about the actors’ health, and que sera, sera. ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/18 "2012-11-24T17:09:58Z")
> [@matt\_mcl](#): > > That was an excellent link that led to a range of interesting articles. Thanks for that. I’m studying sexology right now, and sadly am often treated to such lack of rigour. They have pills for that now. ---
**Author:** ![sco3tt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@sco3tt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sco3tt)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2012, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/19 "2012-11-25T03:24:49Z")
> [@moriah](#): > > Should we all look it up and goa tsee it too? That was quite a stretch, but congrats on seeing an opening to work that one in. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![rogerbox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/76d3ee/32.png) [@rogerbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rogerbox)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2012, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782/20 "2012-11-25T03:36:36Z")
> [@April\_R](#): > > It’s not my stance. I don’t have a stance on porn. I was just quoting an article. I don’t really have an opinion either way. I think it is all biased, either for or against because both sides have something to gain. If it’s actually the case that you don’t have a stance in the future please put arguments that aren’t your owns in quotations, or better yet in the quote tag, so people can know it isn’t what you yourself are saying, in your first post on this thread I thought you wrote that. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-porn-stars-physically-damaged-by-their-work/641782.md?page=2)