SpankChain Partners with PASS on Mgen Awareness Initiative

In its announcement, SpankChain noted that Mgen is an STI first identified in 1980 but remains relatively obscure to the public.

“The lack of awareness around this little-known bacterium may be accounted for by the fact that it only affects 1-3% of the population, the symptoms are often confused with UTIs, and some infections are asymptomatic,” the company said in its statement. “However, Mgen can have notable consequences, including urethritis in men and cervicitis in women.”

“It is also increasingly resistant to antibiotics and takes weeks, sometimes months, to cure,” SpankChain added. “Not only is the treatment process difficult and prolonged, additional injuries may be incurred and require further medical attention. In an alarming turn of events, there has also been a notable increase in infections amongst adult talent in the past year, and there are currently no major adult testing services nor screening requirements that check for this specific infection.”

Ian O’Brien, Executive Director of PASS said that recent evidence “suggests that Mgen may be more widespread than many realize but testing for it is uncommon.”

“The adult industry has been a historical leader in the fight for sexual health, and this innovative pilot will help us better understand if Mgen is affecting the performer community,” O’Brien added. “I cannot thank SpankChain enough for their generosity in funding this initiative.”

With SpankChain’s support, PASS is offering 1,000 no-cost testing opportunities for the adult community to “raise awareness and encourage performers to protect each other by protecting themselves,” the company said in its announcement. Testing will be conducted at the new TBD Health Clinic in Las Vegas, and at-home test kits are available for select states (Nevada and Florida).

In its statement, SpankChain said that before enrolling, every patient will be provided with information about drug resistance and the potential implications of a positive result. The test is administered via a urine sample. If a positive result is detected and action deemed appropriate, treatment will be offered by the clinicians. Patients will also be given access to the TBD Clinical Team, which they may message at any time for 90 days via the TBD portal.

“Fuck around and find out. You really don’t want this STI,” said SpankChain CEO Ameen Soleimani. “I had it and it took several different antibiotic regimens over a few months to finally clear up. With this pilot program SpankChain hopes to help adult performers avoid this emerging health risk.”

In its statement,

SpankChain emphasized this effort “is not a study, but rather a way to start a conversation about sexual wellness and encourage healthy habits.” Testing will begin on April 11 and public enrollment for verified, actively shooting performers will begin April 4.

Over the next month, PASS and SpankChain will be “working with production companies, platforms, creators and agents to reach eligible workers,” SpankChain said in its statement. If you’re a performer, model or content creator working or living in Nevada or Florida and would like to get tested as part of this pilot program, please fill out the enrollment form.

For more information, please see the following resources:

PASS Mgen Screening Pilot FAQ

PASS Mgen Resource Page