I recently had my first experience in the hobby with a well reviewed provider. Had a good time, but contracted an STD. Was protected except for BBBJ to start session so that's where it must have happened. Obviously this is a risk, but how often does this happen in the experience of more seasoned hobbyists? It makes me want to never try again, or at least to avoid BBBJ as well as LFK/DFK.
but it seems to be relatively rare. I can only speak for myself, but I can say that I've never had a problem in my nearly 20 years of hobbying.
Here are some links from TER's Instruction Manual that may provide some more info:
STD Information:
http://www.theeroticreview.com/discussion_boards/viewmsg.asp?BoardID=33&MessageID=14568
http://www.theeroticreview.com/discussion_boards/viewmsg.asp?BoardID=33&MessageID=16080
Depends what kind of STD you are talking about.... I would check in your own back yard first. If you are talking bacterial like Gonnorhea or Chlamydia you likely got that from a girlfriend or casual relationship. Takes 5-10 days usually for symptoms. Very unlikely to get it from oral. If you're talking Herpes, chances are you carried the virus for years in your body and maybe the nerve-wrecking experience of a first provider brought out an episode. 3 out of 4 people have herpes, but only half of those get outbreaks. Why do I know all this? My best friend is a gynecologist so I am lucky to be able to ask a lot of questions... but, you are always safest to use a cover.