YNOT – On Nov. 6, residents of Los Angeles County approved Measure B, the so-called Safer Sex Initiative that will require the use of condoms and other barrier protection on all adult movie sets. Among the several reasons the adult entertainment industry gave for opposing the measure is that forcing performers to wear condoms during sexually explicit scenes will reduce the product’s attractiveness to consumers.

Adult products retailer Adam & Eve decided to test that assertion as part of the company’s ongoing research into the sexual practices and preferences of American adults. A web-based survey asked more than 1,000 Americans age 18 and up whether condoms affected their choice of adult entertainment viewing.

The results were mixed, but in the main indicated condoms may not be the primary determinant of what consumers choose to watch.

Nearly 32 percent of the respondents said condom use in an adult movie would be a turn-off, while 68 percent said condoms would not affect their viewing habits. Of the men polled, 36 percent preferred condom-less porn while 64 percent said condoms usage would not affect their viewing decisions. Among women, 16 percent said condoms would be a turn-off, and 84 percent said condoms on porn stars don’t bother them.

Dr. Kat Van Kirk, Adam & Eve’s resident sexpert, interpreted the results.

“While the majority of adults say they support the use of condoms in their private lives, the idea of using them within the fantasy of erotica seems to be a negative,” she said. “In the world of adult entertainment, where viewers want to see ‘real’ sex, perhaps the use of condoms makes it a little too real.”

The survey was conducted by an independent third party on Adam & Eve’s behalf.

For more information about the company, its products and its continuing research, visit AdamEve.com.