Burning Man revellers ‘sterile’ after ‘catching STIs’ inside notorious Orgy Dome
Burning Man’s infamous Orgy Dome is facing fresh controversy after Reddit users claimed some attendees became sterile after allegedly catching STIs there, despite sexual health talks
People who visited Burning Man’s notorious Orgy Dome have later become sterile after allegedly catching STIs there(Image: Baby Jesus)
Revellers who visited Burning Man’s notorious Orgy Dome have claimed they later become sterile after allegedly catching STIs there.
Every year, around 70,000 people gather in a remote Nevada desert, in the US, to build a temporary, money-free city dedicated to wild art, electronic music, and eccentric outfits, culminating in the ceremonial burning of a massive wooden statue. But this year, things have seemingly taken a particular wild turn.
The Orgy Dome, a long-running feature at the Nevada festival, bills itself as a “sex positive community on a mission to educate the world about consent and the importance of its practice beyond intimate spaces!” The camp does not allow people to enter alone, and anyone who wants to take part must sit through a mandatory consent seminar stressing that consent must be freely given, informed, enthusiastic, specific, and reversible.
Every year, around 70,000 people gather in a remote Nevada desert(Image: GoFundMe)
It’s a space that has attracted controversy for years, with critics and past visitors raising concerns about everything from hygiene to practicality – including the mix of dust, sweat and shared mattresses. Festival organisers have also issued sexual health guidance in the run-up to this year’s event, reminding attendees to take precautions.
However, one festival-goer posted on Reddit that they felt unwell after returning home, the Mirror US reported. They wrote: “It turns out I was positive for a UTI, but no STDs.”
They added that their partner, however, did test positive for an STD. The post prompted a wave of replies, with several claiming sexually transmitted infections are becoming increasingly common at Burning Man.
The Orgy Dome is a long-running feature at the Nevada festival(Image: Baby Jesus)
In one striking response, another user wrote: “I know 2 ppl who are sterile now from STDs caught at burns. Yikes.
“Put a big ol’ damper on my orgy having.” Despite the backlash, the Orgy Dome has repeatedly insisted sexual health discussions are part of the culture before anyone gets intimate.
Its official Instagram page shared a detailed post offering STI guidance for would-be participants.The caption reads: “Planning a trip to the orgy dome?
The camp does not allow people to enter alone(Image: orgydome/Instagram)
“Here’s some tips and tricks around informed consent.” It then advises on how to talk about sexual health in a way that avoids stigma – including discouraging phrases like “Are you clean?”
The camp’s rules are strict. Entry is limited to couples and groups, with the organisers writing: “Sorry, no singles!”
They also insist all participants must be “unimpaired” and show a physical government-issued ID proving they are at least 18. Consent is also framed as non-negotiable, as per the Mirror US.
Under its “Informed enthusiastic consent” rule, the group says anything short of an enthusiastic “Yes” is a “No”, whether someone wants to touch or even watch. Furthermore, the camp bans any recording equipment, including cameras and mobiles.
It has previously warned: “We WILL confiscate and destroy them,” if devices are found inside. Burning Man runs from August 30 to September 7.
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