I've decided to bring up a subject that most prople don't want to discuss. Testing for S.T.D.'s. I decide if I'm going to be hobbying I should get checked out on a regular basis. I believe most if not all of the top providers do this, but I think i should bear some of the responsibility as well. The testing was surprisingly easy, discreet and the results were available in 3-5 days. I'm happy to say all came out negative as I expected. In case anyone's interested it was Lab Express 3 locations in the Valley- 1-800-Lab-Express. This was easy for me  as I have no SO but as I mentioned it is done discreetly. Stay safe and have fun...

Jeez, I thought I could post something relevant and informative on an adult discussion board... Thanks for being an Alias and a coward-

and the reply was not necessary.  It is nice to see that the guys take some responsiblity too.  We, the providers, all make sure to be checked out monthly but it is nice to see the other half doing it too.  Thanks and just ignore the BS.

Misty

hey driver welcome to my world,just move forward and let the naysayers and aliases roll off your back hon, looking forward to having lunch with you SAT....PS it was a good POST

Thanks V, Your pictures  are beautiful as always... Too bad it will be too warm to wear that coat to lunch :0)

I have to say. I've been very lucky to not have any issues in the biz. My only bad experinces where I had to worry were in the past with loser, cheating boyfriends.
From my experience and having some medical background. I feel the ladies are very safe about what they do. My girlfriend and I even cover our toys.
But I think it is very wise and admirable that you would take some responsibility.
It's peace of mind everyone should have, because it never hurts to be sure.

Down on Roosevelt and 16th Street will test you anonymously and free.  Keep in mind that if you have tests run by your doctor, or ask insurance to pay for them, you'll create a paper trail that may keep insurance carriers (especially life) from covering you.

This note to providers:  If you have a concern, and go there for testing, they'll ask you how many partners you've recently had.  If you're honest, you'll go to the front of the line, and get your results on the spot (instead of waiting a day or two like the rest of us).

must one be tested monthly if clients and providers are practicing “safe sex”?  Is there something I’m missing?  Sounds as if people are riding “bareback” and using the testing to allay their fears.  Something akin to closing the barn door after the horse has gotten out.

Even the Trojan company admits their product is not 100% effective.  Do everything you can to be safe, not just one thing.

-- Modified on 3/23/2007 12:56:56 AM

I went and checked your reviews... You do realize that oral sex can transmit diseases as well as DFK- Without any of those fun activities we may as well only go to MP's-  And what fun would that be?

On the oral topic of BBBJ and DFK, yes there is a chance for some exchange. But it is rather low if both parties are STD free. The bigger issue with that would be things like cold sores or herbies that could be contratced from the contact. You would have to swallow gallons and gallons of saliva to hurt you in regards to some other STD's. Most STD's (trich, gono etc) are from body fluid or genital contact.
I have never heard it reccomened you go ever month. I know they suggest Aid's testing every six months, esp. if you are at a higher risk. (Which this activity would qualify) That is due to the window on the test.
So it's typically good to be checked for other STD's at the same time. As there are a couple that often don't show symptoms in men right off and can later cause you to be sterile.
Just as an fyi, unless stat's have changed, Trich, is the most common STD to catch.
It is a natural occuring bacteria that blazes out of control with over build up. You will have burning, itching, and possible discharge. However, this is one where you may not notice symptoms at all.
An anti-biotic for 7 days will take care of it.

Hopefully that is helpful and the medical lingo doesn't gross you out.

I am sure if you have ever been STD tested you would know that even when a condom is used you can get for example Chlamydia. Just the way it is. Also, Chlamydia is one of the fastest growing STD's here in the Valley right now according to my Gynecologist. So everybody should get tested regularly. But there are other things that are transmitted as well. Sometimes orally even though that is not nearly as common, but it does happen.

Honest, as in telling them that we are escorts?

Minor correction Jai.

HIV antibody tests have a window for detection - measured in months.

HIV PCR-DNA tests are effective within two weeks of possible exposure.

I realize PCR-DNA is way more expensive than anti-body tests (western blot I think they are known as), but MUCH more effective given the nature of our community.

I do agree that testing frequency is really a function of visits over time (clients, providers alike). A guy that plays 2-3/month has less 'risk' than a lady that plays 2-3 times every two days.

I've always enjoyed your SD board posts. Glad to see you hanginig out here! Are you contemplating a visit? (yippeee!).

AAJ

PS - not plugging AIM healthcare, but I use them. They are not anonymous though. I see that lab-express is offering PCR-DNA HIV (and g/c) tests. I may go that route next time around.

-- Modified on 3/24/2007 1:01:30 AM

Yes, there is something you are missing, and it is a big something.

The actual term is "Safer" sex, not safe sex.
The only "safe sex" is masturbation, and even then you might hurt your wrist or get a bit chaffed if ya do it too much. *grin*

Condoms and  other barrier methods (female condoms, dental dams) do provide some protection from STIs, but none are 100%.  Condoms break, even when used regularly and "perfectly" they have a failure rate.

The average failure rate for condoms is 12% for "typical use", for "perfect" use the failure rate is still 3%.

The failure rate for female condoms is 21% with "typical" use, and 5% for "perfect" use.

Now the failure rates for condoms is figured based on pregnancies that occur...sperm is larger than the bacterias and viruses that cause STIs....so think about it, if in a year's time women that use condoms every time "perfectly" 3 of 100 will still get pregnant...how many get STIs? and how many men get STIs and assume because they use a condom it is "Safe" so it gets passed along?

Your assumption about Bareback and the barn door is a bit misplaced, and actually an attitude of, "I used a condom so nothing can happen" is both misguided and dangerous, to ones self, the ladies that person sees and a SO they may have.

Condoms aren't magic good luck charms that keep you completely safe...just like you probably wouldn't say, "I have air bags in my car, so my car doesn't need seat belts." you shouldn't say "I use condoms, so I never need to be tested."