The current poll is indicating that appoximately 10% of us aren't worried about STD's.  I can't help but wonder, why not?
Is it denial, a fatalistic outlook, an "it-won't-ever-happen-to-me" attitude?  Any opinions on this one?

Could it be that those who are unconcerned already have them?  Or could it be as dman brought up on the LA board they are unconcerned because they take the proper steps to prevent them?  Or do they as you say just not care?  I suspect that it's a bit of all of the above.

-- Modified on 2/18/2002 11:46:23 PM

-- Modified on 2/19/2002 12:28:56 AM

You typically worry about things you can't control and whose implicaions could adversely affect you.  Acknowleding the presence and risk of STD's and taking precautions mitigates the need to "worry."  It's not denial, but rather a rational approach to one of life's risks.

We all make dozens of decisions every day based on our personal tolerance for risk.  Do you wear a seat belt, do you smoke, have sex with your wife's best friend, take drugs from a stranger you met in a bar, cheat on your taxes etc.  

The question would have been more informative if it asked something like "Has concern over STD's caused you to change your behavior?" or something similar.  The answer to that question would then reveal whether people are fatalistic, in denial, or responding to risk in some rational manner.

Your Damn right I changed my behavior, many years ago when I was in Viet Nam they talked about some of the exotic things you can catch over there, and never get rid of....So everything is covered for me and it should be for you ladies to... EVERYTHING...for your own safty, and for the rest of your lifes..

How risky is DATY if the provider always requires condoms for actual penetration? I love it, but wonder how much risk I'm taking.  Other than annecdotal evidence, any responsible sources for info on this?

Thanks.

Hard to say what the reasons are.  My guess is that it's a combination of reasons, one that may have to do with part obsessive-compulsive behaviors that lead to increased risk taking, combined with the knowledge that one of the worst sexually transmitted disease you could get, HIV, is not esily transmitted through heterosexual sex from female-male (in most western countries.)  As well as the statistical odds of getting HIV from a prostitute when you're wearing a properly fitted condom are very low (perhaps lower than the risk of having an automobile accident if you live in a highly populated area)

Sex is a drug for many people, myself included.  Drug users take risks all the time.

WOW.. auto accidents and HIV, I sure hope it's tougher to get STD's that to get in an accident..Shit I got hit 3 times last year, in my car..