So have big an issue is this out there? and how do you know if your lady is clean?

Through all of the threads below, I am left with the impression that those involved with BB have the concept in their head "it won't happen to me."

Let's review history.  Early 80's and there was somethin' killin homos in San Fran.  ok?  Finally they figured out that it was a virus transmitted by unprotected sex... and the virus just happened to get a foothold in the gay community.  In that community, guys were engaging in unprotected anal sex with multiple annonymous partners in a single night while visiting "gay bathhouses."  Many of the cases could be traced to those specific activities.

It was suggested that they bathhouses shut down for a while.  An incredible outcry arose- the "you are takeing away our rights" vs. "no we are trying to save your life" debate was initiated... fortunately the gay community itself "got it"!  they were dying.  And THAT community then began to expect protected sex... and that, my friends slowed the spread of AIDS!

With that backdrop, the transmission of disease is a lot harder in a population that blocks transmission.... but the more people that have the disease, the harder it is to block... just as the more that have the disease, the easier it is to transmit.

Think of it this way, if 1 and only 1 person does BareBack in this hobby, he is totally safe.  If 2 in all this hobby go BB they too are statistically speaking - safe.  What troubles me about the discussion we find ourselves in is that we are saying that lots and lots of people are going BB.  and that is not safe... it is a herd transmission issue - and not YOU individually... get it - it is NOT ABOUT YOU... it is about US and those around us, family friends, sons and daughters that cause the concern... so it feels good!  ha!  really!  How will you feel after your 1st week on a triple cocktail?  or how will you feel with a MDR strain of anyother STD....

grow up people, it is not about how YOU feel - as in the 80s it is about US staying alive.

I have been called stupid and ignorant on this board, by some who have considerably less in both education and accomplishments... but hear me on this, this move or attempted move to BB is incredibly misinformed and somewhat self-destructive.