I'm new to the hobby.  Should it be assumed that most providers have herpes and/or HPV based on the number of sexual partners that they have?  I've been told that 15-20% of the population has herpes and HPV, both of which are transferred by skin contact (condoms are not always effective), so it would seem that individuals with more sexual partners than average (providers) are far more likely to have herpes and/or HPV.

...is that it's everyone's responsibility to respect each other's boundaries and keep everything as safe as possible...

It is highly unfair of you to single out providers as having more sex partners than average and thus the cause of the risk...there are many "hobbyists" who have had way more partners than average as well...

-- Modified on 3/4/2016 3:36:56 PM

It's been my experience in life that absolutely nothing is risk free.  
There's an saying that was taught to me by an old sergeant before I went into my first battle:
A coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero only one.  

by someone on the Newbie page who clearly had a medical background. He cited facts and statistics to support his conclusions that (1) the rate of STD transmission in the Hobby world is not as high as some folk assume and (2) some sex acts are much lower risk than some folk assume. Certain civvie groups are much higher risk. I wish I had time to search for the Newbie thread that I recall, but ... I don't have the time. Bottom line: always wear your galoshes for the deep dive.

-- Modified on 3/4/2016 4:32:19 PM

and over again on these boards. I suggest you do a search of this board and the Newbie board using the search terms "STI", "STD", "Herpes" and "HPV". Set your days to 3000 to 1.

You're correct, I meant to include hobbyists as well.

Is there a "search" function on this board or do you just hunt...?

...and it works very effectively...

Telling fish that he doesn't have the balls to be here is a good way to get run out of town on a rail. Fish is the only one here with the universal support of  both the White Knights and the Black Knights alike. Fuck with him at your own peril.

and he went into detail.