hi, newbie here and finding the idea of hobbying rather exciting but scared to death of STDs (mainly herpes), given that somewhere around 1 in 5 ppl have it, is it reasonable to assume that most providers have it as well, or is this not the case at all?

The odds are no worse than 1 in 5 civvies.  If anything, most ladies are tested regularly, and are professional about their precautions.

Not only am I tested regularly, but I believe providers are even more vigilant about STD's than those in the civvie world.

Our bodies are our business.

If you are engaging in sexual activity, there is always a serious risk. That being said, I think the risk ultimately is equal between civ and hobby. The girls are more health conscious in the hobby world, but are also more likely to be much more active, therefore the chances increase. The girls in the civil world are less active, but are likely to be more wreckless, so I think it would be fairly even although personally I feel safer in the hobby.

ok, i appreciate your response holly, makes me feel a little better, but suppose (heaven forbid) you WERE to get it, would you drop out of the business or at least warn your clients?  I would like to think that providers would be forthright about it, but I'm afraid that some might not be so honest...

If I were to contract a STD I most definately would warn whoever I was with.  It is not only a matter of respect, but of public health.

VERY TRUE. DON'T THINK YOU'LL GET A GREATER CHANCE OF CATCHING SOMETHING FROM AN ESCORT BECAUSE MOST LIKELY YOU WILL CATCH SOMETHING OUTSIDE, BECAUSE WE ARE PROFESSIONALS AND PROTECT OUR SELVES FROM ANYTHING AS MUCH AS POSSIBEL, PROBABLY GET 10 TIMES MORE CHECKOUT OUT THAN THE CLIENTS.

Thats the last ALL CAPS post here, right?

jazz32