Am I to understand the ladies rely on the rubbers to not get pregnant.? Surly they are on the pill. I would never think the ladies would take a chance even with their boy friends or SO. Originally Posted by tucson
Tucson, the longer I am around the hobby, the less shocked I am. I can't tell you how many hobby babies there are out there or hobby pregnancies there have been.
I guess the bottom line in all of this is: Each of us is responsible for protecting ourselves, relying on another (hobbyist or provider) to take care of one's self is quite the risk.
Condoms fail, birth control fails, accidents happen, people make mistakes etc. Ensure your best interests are taken care of, do your best to do no harm, get tested regularly and recognize that life is full of risks. Period.
If one isn't prepared to deal with the potential consequences, they shouldn't play.
WALDT. So, there should be no judgment (in theory), however we live in a very real (and non-theoretical) world.
I presume that most providers have, or have had, a relationship outside of the hobby. An SO, BF, GF, casual encounter with a civilian, etc. The same is true of the hobbyist. I presume at some point, we (providers and hobbyists) have engaged in a level of activity that some would consider "risky". To me, not an issue. What matters is that 1) I am respectful of my partner(s) (civilian or hobby partners) 2) I do not secretly bring risks into that relationship. 3) I am prepared to deal with the consequences of those risks.
I know several hobbyists that were served with papers requiring them to submit to DNA testing. Is that harsh? Not IMO, they knowingly engaged in BBFS with a provider who was indeed on contraception. The contraceptive failed and a baby resulted. In Texas, there goes 20% of your net available for the next 18 years.
Again, not judging, but are we all truly prepared to deal with the consequences?
I had a condom break once, early in my hobby "career". I was freaked out, but the provider was calm and said, "don't worry dear, I also take an oral contraceptive, so I won't get pregnant." That was reassuring, but certainly the event was an eye-opener for me.
A provider friend of mine recently got a message from a one time client. He tested positive for HIV and he was letting the ladies know. That provider is retired. She did not engage in BBFS in the hobby, but I don't care how careful you are, the reality is that viruses are pesky. She tested negative.
Want some facts on risks?
Genital Herpes may be caused by HSV-1 OR HSV-2. It is the location of the outbreak that makes it “genital herpes”.
HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus type 1) is the “fever blister” virus – associated normally with cold sores on the mouth. CDC studies show that nearly 58% of persons aged 14-49 have HSV-1.
HSV-2 is related to HSV-1 and is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) .
MOST persons infected (CDC estimate is over 80%) with HSV-2 have NOT been diagnosed with genital herpes.
Women are more prone to infection than men.
CDC studies show that 1 in 5 women aged 14-49, while 1 in 9 men aged 14-49 are infected with HSV-2.
The more sexual partners one has in a lifetime, in general, raises the risk of infection.
There are racial differences in the numbers as well:
39.2% of blacks, 12.3% whites and 10.1% of Hispanics are infected.
(When adjusted for only 2-4 lifetime sexual partners, the numbers are still racially skewed: Blacks 34.3% Whites 9.1% and Hispanics at 13%)
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be shed from skin that appears “normal” (in other words, no sores).
In these “asymptomatic” infections, HSV shedding occurs on 10% of the days.
Generally a person can only get HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone that has a genital HSV-2 infection.
IN MOST CASES TRANSMISSION OCCURS FROM AN INFECTED PARTNER WHO DOES NOT HAVE ANY VISIBLE SORE. (And may not know they are infected).
The CDC does not recommend screening for HSV-1 or HSV-2 for the general population. In other words, you either need symptoms (e.g. lesions) or need to ask your Doctor for testing.
There is no cure for Herpes.
Antiviral meds (such as Valtrex) can shorten or suppress outbreaks and a daily suppressive therapy can greatly reduce the likelihood of transmission of the virus to partners.
Only way to be sure to avoid HSV-2? Never have sexual contact. (However, some contact is riskier than others).
Only way to be sure to avoid a hobby baby? Never have sexual intercourse.
All facts above are from www.cdc.gov.
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Opinion:
STI s (and babies) are a risk, hobby or not. Of course, hobbying increases our partners and therefore our risks.
That being said, the risks two people choose to take BCD should be mutual and consensual.
A provider who is diagnosed with an incurable STI and pulls herself from the hobby, is IMO, doing taking a responsible act. Her other responsible choice would be to inform each and every client of her infection. (Mutual and informed consent).
By the same token, a hobbyist with an incurable STI should pull himself from the hobby or inform each and every provider of his infection.
STI testing should be routine, it is inexpensive and responsible.
In the event of the "unwanted phone call", pull yourself out, get tested and play again when it is safe.
Probably more than you wanted and off my soap box for now.
My .02
Respectfully submitted,
OldSarge
