I'm wondering how common it is among the hobbyist population, especially middle aged and older, to schedule a session with a provider to make sure that the plumbing still functions in the bed of a woman.

That thought might be paramount in the mind of the gentleman or it might be repressed but still present, I believe.

Good grief, iCock,

I should hope that's not the only reason, but hey, there is probably a unique reason for every individual out there. I have a dream [to paraphrase the great MLK, Jr.] and that is that men will feel free and happy in their sexuality and let go of the performance-oriented perspective. OTOH, if you just want to check your equipment, I suppose paying for sex is a guaranteed way to obtain a research partner.

My hunch is that "middle aged and older" men get with providers because they don't get enough [or the right kind] of sex in their regular relationships. And then there are those who may be single or widowed and who feel that they have difficulty meeting with women who are not in the paid sex field - my research has shown that this is a definite factor. That surely brings a tear to my eye and I wish there were a way to inject some more confidence in these men.

Many men, many reasons,
The Love Goddess

AS the LG says, "Many men, any reasons" --

As one of those "middle-aged" guys (56 -- and, yes, I plan to live to be 112, who is a few months out of his last "serious relationship" (5+ years), my reason for seeing a provider is to have that vital sexual interaction with a lovely woman without getting into another relationship.

Part of that is possibly generational and mostly just the way I was brought up, but one-night stands in the "civvie" world have never really worked for me. If I like a woman enough to have sex with her, I want her in my life in some fashion. At this point, this would be an unwanted emotional complication.

I have no problem meeting, talking with or getting together with a woman; lack of confidence isn't an issue for those of us "mature gentlemen" who take care of themselves, stay in shape and treat our bed partners with respect, a sense of humor and mutual pleasure. Availing myself of a woman who provides a service allows me to have sufficient emotional separation to just enjoy the sex for the joy that it can be.

When the time is right and I find myself in another committed relationship, the "hobbying" will stop -- but until then, I'll have some fun. *That* will ensure that everything still functions correctly!

now mind you i would guess it's not extremely common, but there are those gents who do patronize a provider with the primary goal/intent of "checking out the plumbing." i have seen one gent like this, in his early 60s but a long-time widow. He had not engaged in sexual intercourse for quite a few years, and although had a "lady friend," she was very conservative and they had not gone beyond the very light petting stage. so he wanted to know if he would still be able to maintain an erection through intercourse, orgasm that way, would he be able to recover anytime soon, etc.

now normally i would refuse to see a gent seeking such a "professional" type single encounter, i tend to restrict myself to those gents in need of long-term mental and emotional connections. however i made an exception in this particular case as he was just so sincere and respectful, and his need was therapeutic, not recreational.

oh, and the findings? all was in perfect working order, to his great surprise and delight. the confidence boost alone did wonders for him. a couple of months later he contacted me saying he and his girlfriend had finally consummated the relationship, and things were going swell.