Question for SPs and Hobbyists regarding STD/STI testing

[Kane902 1]

Hey guys,

I had an account on here for several years but had it deleted recently as I've stopped seeing escorts.

I was wondering how often both SPs and Hobbyists in Halifax get tested for STDs and STIs (specifically HIV), and if it's something you worry about despite the usage of condoms for FS. I know there is minimal/negligible risk for BBBJ. I'm also aware that statistically the risk for men in heterosexual sex for HIV is extremely low, and with a condom that number is reduced even further.

I recently found out that the last time I was tested, I was only tested for STIs and I was not tested for HIV. So I don't have a confirmed negative result for everything from after I stopped being a hobbyist. The anxiety is killing me and I'm terrified of going to get tested and waiting for the results. I guess I'm here to look for reassurance and to also start a discussion because really, no one talks about this enough. 

For the 1-2 years that I was active, I saw around 15 escorts mostly in Halifax. Though I was usually careful about seeing credible providers from Backpage and Lyla (I wasn't active after Backpage went down), there were a few meetups that were not in the best circumstances in hindsight. I used condoms for FS in every encounter and not once did one break or slip off.

I know I just need to go get tested, but I'm hoping I can reduce my anxiety about it by talking. I really haven't had any symptoms and my long term SO just tested negative last week. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

[DyatlovPass 1263]

I would not say the risk of unprotected heterosexual intercourse is "low", not at all. That's how most STIs are transmitted (since anal is less prevalent).

[Rambler1980 1359]

While there are no guarantee's in life I think you'll find you are very very likely 100% clean.

 

There's a few STI's out there to worry about (HIV for example) but realistically the chances of getting them from the scenario you described is very low. If you google STI's they present a very alarmist view of transmission when in reality the transmission rates are rarely published and very low (with condoms and for a single sexual encounter). Just pick an STI and try to find the statistics on it. I linked to the best site I found and even when it says the transmission rate it say 20% that means WITHOUT a condom and with a partner over repeated sexual encounters covering a 6month to 1 year or longer period. Scroll down for a non-condom per encounter basis but if you make some assumptions about effectiveness of condoms and number of times you had sex you can see the percentages would drop way, way below 1% AND that assumes the escort even had an STI in the first place. The one's I know get tested routinely and routinely come up negative month after month after month. 

 

If you're worried go get tested, if you don't you'll worry a little forever and ever. If you do get tested you might worry waiting for the results but then it's done and you'll know.

 

Also I think getting tested for HSV/Herpes would be good but it is hard to do and is ironically the most likely STI you'll get and it can't be cured at the moment. 

 

https://srconstantin.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/std-statistics/

[Rambler1980 1359]

18 minutes ago, DyatlovPass said:

I would not say the risk of unprotected heterosexual intercourse is "low", not at all. That's how most STIs are transmitted (since anal is less prevalent).

 

He said he always had protected sex though and I'd say actually given the number of times he had encounters (15), the likelihood of the SP having any STI and the use of condoms that his risk is exceedingly low.

 

 

 

[Kane902 1]

A few sources I found say that the HIV transmission risk for males in vaginal sex is between 0.01%-0.38% per encounter with positive female without a condom. The rate goes up depending on incorrect condom usage/broken condoms and if the HIV positive partner's viral load is high, especially during the acute infection period.

I've been inactive for over 3 years now and haven't shown any signs or symptoms of anything really. I've had plenty of bloodwork done in that time but they were just regular blood tests and didn't test my CD4 levels that HIV tests for.

[inlove 563]

This is just your anxiety speaking Kane902 I've been there I know this anxiety and it's not pleasant.

 

But you have a far better chance of winning the lottery and being struck by lightening in the same day than you have of contracting HIV from protected sex 15 times. Get tested, get your results, be happy. I guarantee you your results will be fine 🙂

 

[ggobble 259]

Your fine is my guess 🙂

[Mikeyboy 27133]

Get tested for your own peace of mind, but in the meantime, don't worry about it. You're fine. 

[Tamepussy 1064]

How low are the risks when it comes to bbbj? I am not certain it is as low as you may think.

[Kane902 1]

6 minutes ago, Tamepussy said:

How low are the risks when it comes to bbbj? I am not certain it is as low as you may think.

Specifically for HIV the risk for BBBJ is negligible unless there are open sores/cuts in the mouth and/or cuts on the penis. HIV bacteria also isn't carried well in saliva which is why kissing is negligible as well.

[DyatlovPass 1263]

4 hours ago, Rambler1980 said:

 

He said he always had protected sex though and I'd say actually given the number of times he had encounters (15), the likelihood of the SP having any STI and the use of condoms that his risk is exceedingly low.

 

 

 

I think it's the phrasing here, he seemed to say unprotected was low. I doubt that was his intention. Anyhow, it was not to attack the guy at all. On the contrary.

 

Protected, the risk is as low as it can get. It's virtual impossible to catch something (except herpes) with a condom, as long as they don't break.

Unprotected oral: risk is nil for HIV, low for anything else although it can happen. Unprotected sex: even if chances are you'll be fine, I wouldn't risk it, stakes are too high. I think that's a good rule of thumb.

[Guest]

  Unless an "holy sh!t" moments like a condom breaking or get any signs or symptoms, don't worry about it too much.

  Had one of those moments a few years ago with a strong burning sensation from peeing. After getting tested, all was negative and turned out to be a reaction to the cheap hotel body wash.

[Kane902 1]

1 hour ago, Greenteal said:

  Unless an "holy sh!t" moments like a condom breaking or get any signs or symptoms, don't worry about it too much.

  Had one of those moments a few years ago with a strong burning sensation from peeing. After getting tested, all was negative and turned out to be a reaction to the cheap hotel body wash.

This is why I was worried about HIV because back when I was a hobbyist I also assumed, if I have no obvious symptoms then I'm fine. But looking into signs of HIV, not everyone experiences symptoms and it can vary. For most people that contract it, they will have an acute infection period several weeks after the exposure which usually lasts 1-4 weeks. The acute infection can be as mild as a cold, or it could be what some people describe as the worst flu ever. You might have symptoms as mild as a sore throat, while others could have swollen lymph nodes, a rash, night sweats, zero energy, etc. After the acute infection period is over, you could not have any more symptoms for years. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.

 

Sorry if I sound like Wikipedia or something but I've been obsessively researching everything about this for weeks like a crazy hypochondriac lol

[blowinsmoke 1083]

I’m in Ottawa, I get tested regularly, every few months.

You seem to know quite a bit about the topic anyway, however if you do go see your doc and ask for an STI test , they have a standard regimen to test and HIV is one of them.  I am sure it is the same in Nova Scotia as it is here.  It’s easy, do it for your own piece of mind, I found my doc was helpful without being nosy about my affairs.

[drlove 37204]

Along the same lines, how does C-36 factor in? E.g. Suppose someone did test positive for an STD? Would they have to reveal that they were seeing escorts? (Technically illegal) I’ve heard that medical professionals will pressure you for details so that they can attempt to inform past partners and track down the source. Again, not sure if that’s true... just curious. I remember once or twice when I’d gotten tested at the request of a new GF, and the medical doctor or whatever he was (possibly a resident, or someone very green) was asking a lot of invasive questions regarding my past sexual history and number of partners. I promptly told him it was none of his business! 

[Guest]

45 minutes ago, drlove said:

Along the same lines, how does C-36 factor in? E.g. Suppose someone did test positive for an STD? Would they have to reveal that they were seeing escorts? (Technically illegal) I’ve heard that medical professionals will pressure you for details so that they can attempt to inform past partners and track down the source. Again, not sure if that’s true... just curious. I remember once or twice when I’d gotten tested at the request of a new GF, and the medical doctor or whatever he was (possibly a resident, or someone very green) was asking a lot of invasive questions regarding my past sexual history and number of partners. I promptly told him it was none of his business! 

    I'm pretty sure more people get STD's from random one night stands, than with SP's.

   And if a doctor is too nosy or preachy, simply tell him you had sex with someone you met online or in a bar. And I honestly don't see how a doctor or cop could connect your health to activities with providers unless you're ridiculously careless or get infected with a very rare and specific infection related to some human slaves.

 

[Guest]

in ontario,

many places offer anonymous HIV testing, and you can get a same visit pin prick test which is very effective at determining negatives.  If the simple test shows a positive possible you get the full blood work done - so its still not confirmed that you have it until the blood work is reviewd.

But for sure you don't have it (they'll give you the statistics) if you result negative.

 

IMHO you will create more anxiety for yourself discussing it, rather than seeking testing asap

[Andee 220524]

If you’re concerned about getting tested Through your doctors office then find an anonymous sex clinic and have them test you for everything you’re concerned about.

In Halifax: http://hshc.ca/services/

[Guest]

12 hours ago, Kane902 said:

This is why I was worried about HIV because back when I was a hobbyist I also assumed, if I have no obvious symptoms then I'm fine. But looking into signs of HIV, not everyone experiences symptoms and it can vary. For most people that contract it, they will have an acute infection period several weeks after the exposure which usually lasts 1-4 weeks. The acute infection can be as mild as a cold, or it could be what some people describe as the worst flu ever. You might have symptoms as mild as a sore throat, while others could have swollen lymph nodes, a rash, night sweats, zero energy, etc. After the acute infection period is over, you could not have any more symptoms for years. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.

  But again, this thought should only be there if you were careless. Being preventive is good, but no point in overreacting because you touched a provider.

[Guest]

On 4/10/2019 at 9:49 AM, Kane902 said:

... I've stopped seeing escorts.

...I know I just need to go get tested, but I'm hoping I can reduce my anxiety about it by talking. I really haven't had any symptoms and my long term SO just tested negative last week. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Get tested, keep playing safe with long term SO or try to abstain - until results, then have at er

Go to the gym, eat well, drink lots of water stop reading these posts...

😉

i've been there, and when regularly active, i get tested regularly regardless of how safely i play - sure the interview STI people tell you you are really low risk and shouldn't worry, but nonetheless you are verified free and clear and stop having to worry

 

... unless you slip into hobbying again!

[msexy6969 148]

I've been in the hobby for many years and get tested every few month. Guess its peace of mind for myself and the regular SP's I see.

Glad you did bring this topic up. It's not something to be ignorant about it.

 

Stop bending your mind .... get tested. You will be fine

[Kane902 1]

Thanks guys. I did finally convince myself to see my doctor and get a blood req form so I will be getting tested this month (I won't know the results until my next scheduled doctor's appointment). Reading everyone's reassurance actually did help me feel a bit better. The fact is in this business most people can't talk to people in their regular life about it - in my case I had nobody and the anxiety was just building up so badly into numerous panic attacks I've honestly never experienced before.

And yeah even though this thread is mostly about the testing anxiety I have, it is definitely important to talk about testing because I ran a search through the entire Lyla board and barely found any discussion on it. And thinking back to my encounters, it never really came up. In my experience, providers who are open to gfe kissing, dfk, daty, bbbj, etc would just make a judgement call like 'you seem cool, ok!', and then get on with it. Now that I've obsessively researched everything to death, that really doesn't seem like enough. It's hard to bring up though because you don't want to be insulting to either party, ruin the mood, or ruin the encounter. 

 

[slowbus 1]

19 hours ago, Kane902 said:

Thanks guys. I did finally convince myself to see my doctor and get a blood req form so I will be getting tested this month (I won't know the results until my next scheduled doctor's appointment). Reading everyone's reassurance actually did help me feel a bit better. The fact is in this business most people can't talk to people in their regular life about it - in my case I had nobody and the anxiety was just building up so badly into numerous panic attacks I've honestly never experienced before.

And yeah even though this thread is mostly about the testing anxiety I have, it is definitely important to talk about testing because I ran a search through the entire Lyla board and barely found any discussion on it. And thinking back to my encounters, it never really came up. In my experience, providers who are open to gfe kissing, dfk, daty, bbbj, etc would just make a judgement call like 'you seem cool, ok!', and then get on with it. Now that I've obsessively researched everything to death, that really doesn't seem like enough. It's hard to bring up though because you don't want to be insulting to either party, ruin the mood, or ruin the encounter. 

 

Well said, this thread has been reassuring for me to read also. Frank and honest discussion is appreciated!

[Aubreyskye 21]

On 4/18/2019 at 4:38 PM, Kane902 said:

Thanks guys. I did finally convince myself to see my doctor and get a blood req form so I will be getting tested this month (I won't know the results until my next scheduled doctor's appointment). Reading everyone's reassurance actually did help me feel a bit better. The fact is in this business most people can't talk to people in their regular life about it - in my case I had nobody and the anxiety was just building up so badly into numerous panic attacks I've honestly never experienced before.

And yeah even though this thread is mostly about the testing anxiety I have, it is definitely important to talk about testing because I ran a search through the entire Lyla board and barely found any discussion on it. And thinking back to my encounters, it never really came up. In my experience, providers who are open to gfe kissing, dfk, daty, ****, etc would just make a judgement call like 'you seem cool, ok!', and then get on with it. Now that I've obsessively researched everything to death, that really doesn't seem like enough. It's hard to bring up though because you don't want to be insulting to either party, ruin the mood, or ruin the encounter. 

 

While it might not have been directly brought up many of us SP’s know how to spot the signs and symptoms of many STI’s and are consistently on the look out during the session for redness, rashes, sores, cuts, cold sores, ect. While I only offered safe services when working for the peace of mind for myself and my clients regular testing was a priority for me. Also without asking a lot of my clients would disclose their sexual history (ex. Through references of other providers, speaking about a wife or girlfriend ect) while this information is nice to have it’s never 100% reliable anyhow so not much point in asking. 
 

Stay safe everyone 🥰💕

 

I’m sure your results will come back just fine and I hope the anxiety subsided some after getting it off your chest. 

[NotchJohnson 214123]

1 hour ago, clearbluesky15 said:

Thanks for the post, it was interesting and helpful. Curious what frequency of tests you'd (or others) recommend. 

When I was seeing 6-12 new providers every year, I would get checked 3 times a year.  Since 2020 (when Covid started) I have been checked twice and that is because I only seen the one and only provider and She gets tested on a regular basis and keeps me updated if anything would be wrong.  I have not seen anybody since the beginning of 2022 thus no testing this year yet.