Safe Mongering in Honolulu

at the suggestion of cleanman, i'm starting this thread for the sharing of information pertaining to stds, law enforcement, and the security and quality of individual establishments. as always, let's try to keep the thread lean and informative. we already know there are two types of mongers when it comes to stds: those who are willing to take their chances, and those who want to avoid them at all costs. so lets keep the std posts restricted to empirical information and skip the philosophical stuff. the same with le...i think we all agree that our men in blue could be spending their time and our tax dollars more efficiently by going after the crackheads, but for the time being they will be doing the occasional busts, usually for a good reason (immigration, ****, drugs) and not to deprive us of a good time. so, again, objective info about the latest bust, or a suspicious situation, is always helpful; complaining about something we can't change just takes up space. i thank you all in advance for your co-operation!

Brother Chas,

Thank you for starting the thread. You mention two types of mongers, I am the kind of Monger that will not take chances and would like to see my fellow mongers practice safe sex as well and at all times. It's olny good for all of us since our Hobby involves us making sexual contact with the same pool of providers. If we identify any provider that may be infected we should alert others using this forum. I also understand we don't want false accusations or rumors flying around or start a panic. But we should be on the look out for BAD providers that would risk our health for her small financial gain (small relative to our health). Some more experianced Mongers may even have some tips for keeping our sholongs safe from bugs. (like always wear a cover, always)

I know that some Mongers don't want to hear about this subject as it's not a fun topic to discuss, in fact it's a downer subject and we don't even want to think about it. But that's part of the problem that no one wants to discuss it.

We need to protect our selfs, no one else will and keep each other informed. I intend to contiue my Hobby, and I want to stay safe and clean doing it.

IMHO.

Safe Mongering,

Cleranman

[QUOTE=Cleanman]

If we identify any provider that may be infected we should alert others using this forum. [/QUOTE]
There is an old streetwalker (maybe in her forties or fifties) named Linda who works downtown, usually on or in the vicinity of North Kukui Street. She is haole, has blond hair (possibly dyed), has many years of experience as a streetwalker, and often looks tired and glum. Three other streetwalkers, who have previously been reliable sources of information, recently (and independently of each other) said that she has a serious communicable disease. Although I don't know this as a proven fact, downtown hobbyists may want to take it into consideration -- and, at the least, make sure to always use a condom if being serviced by that provider.

[QUOTE=Honolulu Chas]So lets keep the STD posts restricted to empirical information and skip the philosophical stuff.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Cleanman]I am the kind of Monger that will not take chances and would like to see my fellow mongers practice safe sex as well and at all times. It's olny good for all of us since our Hobby involves us making sexual contact with the same pool of providers...
Some more experianced Mongers may even have some tips for keeping our sholongs safe from bugs. (like always wear a cover, always) ...
I know that some Mongers don't want to hear about this subject as it's not a fun topic to discuss, in fact it's a downer subject and we don't even want to think about it. But that's part of the problem that no one wants to discuss it...
We need to protect our selfs...[/QUOTE]
You asked him to start the thread. He did. He asked to keep your philosophical ideologies on safe sex OFF this thread and to keep it lean and mean and to the point about specific providers and AMPs. You broke the rule on post #2.

Dude, we've been through this countless times. You ain't gonna change anybody. If you wanna swim in the pool, you gotta expect to share the pool with whomever is in there already.

Not sure of any of your experiences but just to let you know that the state is required to keep data on things like Gonnorhea and Chlamydia. So if you test positive you will be contacted. And then asked to confirm who you got it from and report who else might have been infected f rom yourself. Not a fun due process. Got the Gon from some street worker in Chinatown. Just recieved orally too BBJ but it was many yrs ago. I tried to give an anonymous run around and they wanted to send somebody out for me to drive around to point the person out. Felt criminal to deny but eventually I got off with out having to admit to the kinds of girls I was letting suck on me just to get a few rocks out. Good luck! Don't play that way with "hired" help anymore. Occassionally will recieve BBBJ from online fwb. Thats it!

My 2 cents, based on a lot of research when I started mongering about a year ago:

AIDS: Easy to avoid by wearing a condom during vaginal sex. Debatable whether it is easily passed at all from woman to man even by uncovered vaginal sex. Everyone seems to agree it is easily passable by anal sex, and that condoms break more frequently with anal so the risk is still there even when covered. Everyone seems to agree that there is either no chance or almost no chance of catching it via giving or receiving oral sex, even uncovered. Ditto for DFK. It is possible to catch it those ways, in theory, but there are no credible cases of it. Carefree mongers can do whatever they want. Careful mongers should avoid anal, and likely cover during vaginal. Oral seems safe from AIDS, even uncovered.

Hepatitis A/B/C. A/B are easily prevented with a series of shots. Since it is easily prevented, even carefree mongers should get them. C doesn't seem to be much of a problem as a STD.

Bacterial infections (Gonorrhea, Syphilis, etc.): catchable, but easily curable with a single dose of azithromycin (zithromax). Some married mongers (including myself) take a pre-exposure dose of zithromax, which is easily tolerated by the body in almost everyone's case. You must educate yourself on this drug, since there are some reasons not to take it (if you're taking other drugs, etc.). But since these bacterial infections are so easily treated, it seems no big deal to catch them, although avoidance is better. LK and DFK don't seem to be much of a risk. Oral has some higher risk, but still very low. The fear is that we could monger, then pass it along to spouses - very embarrassing. The prophylactic zithromax avoids this problem easily. Of course, if you monger weekly or more frequently, you'd always be on it, which is not good. Its half life is about 3 days, so if you take 4 pills on day 1, you need 2 more on day 4 to bring you up to full strength. This is particularly good for those who monger overseas for a couple weeks at a time, then come home.

Herpes. 2 kinds - 1 (usually oral) and 2 (usually genital). Both can be oral or genital though. Most of us already have 1. 25% already have 2. Vast majority have no symptoms whatsoever. Difficult to catch 2 from receiving oral sex, but easier to catch it from giving oral sex. No effective vaccine yet. No cure, but it can be controlled with anti-retroviral drugs for the rest of your life. In my humble opinion, Herpes 2 remains the single largest threat to mongers, since everything else can be avoided or cured.

I'm sure I've forgotten, but there's a quick regurgitation of my memory of what I've learned.

Gherkin

I've read all the repost on how fellow monger try to stay safe. Those were mostly at a AMP. Bringing your own "supplies" is a great idea. What about a black light? Is this too extreme? Got a few handheld battery operated, fits in your pocket deal. Most of them under 8 bucks. They all say they change to "clean" sheets and towels but do we really know? When they leave you in the room alone, time to check! What about the back rooms in the bars? I know of a guy that after he dropped his pants and sat in the room developed a nasty sore on his ass the size of a golfball. He said the doctor kinda knew how he got it from and what happened. We can laugh about it now but he was shitting for a while. Try black light the room. Spooky. I for one have sprayed a few walls in a few bars. I never wiped it neither did she. I don't think they disinfect the rooms, or do they? What you bros think?

Latas

Neko

[QUOTE=Poke Heradick]Not sure of any of your experiences but just to let you know that the state is required to keep data on things like Gonnorhea and Chlamydia. So if you test positive you will be contacted. And then asked to confirm who you got it from and report who else might have been infected f rom yourself. Not a fun due process. Got the Gon from some street worker in Chinatown. Just recieved orally too BBJ but it was many yrs ago. I tried to give an anonymous run around and they wanted to send somebody out for me to drive around to point the person out. Felt criminal to deny but eventually I got off with out having to admit to the kinds of girls I was letting suck on me just to get a few rocks out. Good luck! Don't play that way with "hired" help anymore. Occassionally will recieve BBBJ from online fwb. Thats it![/QUOTE]
Yikes!
A very interesting report. Indeed, it does not sound fun at all. So far I've been lucky with my BB*action*. Although I see myself being more on the conservative side nowadays. Mostly because I HATE the Q-tip in the P-hole tests when I need to do the "check/regret test" following such activities. =/

[QUOTE=Gherkin]My 2 cents, based on a lot of research when I started mongering about a year ago:

AIDS: Easy to avoid by wearing a condom during vaginal sex. Debatable whether it is easily passed at all from woman to man even by uncovered vaginal sex. Everyone seems to agree it is easily passable by anal sex, and that condoms break more frequently with anal so the risk is still there even when covered. Everyone seems to agree that there is either no chance or almost no chance of catching it via giving or receiving oral sex, even uncovered. Ditto for DFK. It is possible to catch it those ways, in theory, but there are no credible cases of it. Carefree mongers can do whatever they want. Careful mongers should avoid anal, and likely cover during vaginal. Oral seems safe from AIDS, even uncovered.

Hepatitis A/B/C. A/B are easily prevented with a series of shots. Since it is easily prevented, even carefree mongers should get them. C doesn't seem to be much of a problem as a STD.

Bacterial infections (Gonorrhea, Syphilis, etc.): catchable, but easily curable with a single dose of azithromycin (zithromax). Some married mongers (including myself) take a pre-exposure dose of zithromax, which is easily tolerated by the body in almost everyone's case. You must educate yourself on this drug, since there are some reasons not to take it (if you're taking other drugs, etc.). But since these bacterial infections are so easily treated, it seems no big deal to catch them, although avoidance is better. LK and DFK don't seem to be much of a risk. Oral has some higher risk, but still very low. The fear is that we could monger, then pass it along to spouses - very embarrassing. The prophylactic zithromax avoids this problem easily. Of course, if you monger weekly or more frequently, you'd always be on it, which is not good. Its half life is about 3 days, so if you take 4 pills on day 1, you need 2 more on day 4 to bring you up to full strength. This is particularly good for those who monger overseas for a couple weeks at a time, then come home.

Herpes. 2 kinds - 1 (usually oral) and 2 (usually genital). Both can be oral or genital though. Most of us already have 1. 25% already have 2. Vast majority have no symptoms whatsoever. Difficult to catch 2 from receiving oral sex, but easier to catch it from giving oral sex. No effective vaccine yet. No cure, but it can be controlled with anti-retroviral drugs for the rest of your life. In my humble opinion, Herpes 2 remains the single largest threat to mongers, since everything else can be avoided or cured.

I'm sure I've forgotten, but there's a quick regurgitation of my memory of what I've learned.

Gherkin[/QUOTE]Howsit newbie to the forums, but not to the scene, Gherkin, how would a person get zithro without a perscription? It's not like you can go the your dr and say yo, need some, I thought it was perscript only? BTW all great stuff in this forum, what a tool for us mongers!

Mahaloz

Last time I was on the mainland, I had an anonymous comprehensive STD panel done at [url]www.tstd.org[/url] -- no Q-tips involved. Just pee into the container, and give them some blood. 3 days later, results available online. I think it was about $250. They needed a name to send to the lab, but they said to invent one. The lab, which was just an ordinary diagnostic lab, wasn't interested in checking ID at all - very anonymous. Results are obtained on the web via a tracking number that you get when you sign up. They required that I phoned in before getting access to the web site, just so they could read me some sort of disclaimer. Once again, anonymous other than the tracking number (I used a payphone). I paid with a visa giftcard that I bought for cash at Target.

Gherkin

[QUOTE=Tyrone Biggins]Yikes!

A very interesting report. Indeed, it does not sound fun at all. So far I've been lucky with my BB*action*. Although I see myself being more on the conservative side nowadays. Mostly because I HATE the Q-tip in the P-hole tests when I need to do the "check/regret test" following such activities. =/[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Hypo Luxa]You asked him to start the thread. He did. He asked to keep your philosophical ideologies on safe sex OFF this thread and to keep it lean and mean and to the point about specific providers and AMPs. You broke the rule on post #2.

Dude, we've been through this countless times. You ain't gonna change anybody. If you wanna swim in the pool, you gotta expect to share the pool with whomever is in there already.[/QUOTE]I asked for a senior member to start the thread since I can't.

You know I was going to thank Chas on a PM for starting the string but posted instead. Maybe should have sent PM and not have posted. Oh well, Fuck it, I did, so what. I am not a philosopher so excuse me if I sounded like one to you. Don't assume I am on a mission to convert all mongers to wear condoms or make them feel bad or what ever, I am not. I do want to learn any tricks on staying safe (from STD's, LE, etc) for myself, so any ideas for safe mongering is all good to me. I thought others would be intrested in this too, hence the request to start the thread.

[QUOTE=Cleanman]I asked for a senior member to start the thread since I can't.

You know I was going to thank Chas on a PM for starting the string but posted instead. Maybe should have sent PM and not have posted. Oh well, Fuck it, I did, so what. I am not a philosopher so excuse me if I sounded like one to you. Don't assume I am on a mission to convert all mongers to wear condoms or make them feel bad or what ever, I am not. I do want to learn any tricks on staying safe (from STD's, LE, etc) for myself, so any ideas for safe mongering is all good to me. I thought others would be intrested in this too, hence the request to start the thread. [/QUOTE]I think Hypo Luxa was referring to this comment:

[QUOTE=Cleanman][I] would like to see my fellow mongers practice safe sex as well and at all times. [/QUOTE]I think if you had simply stated that you wanted us to avoid catching STIs that would have been a different story. Because as far as I know, that is true.

[QUOTE=Gherkin]My 2 cents, based on a lot of research when I started mongering about a year ago:

AIDS: Easy to avoid by wearing a condom during vaginal sex. Debatable whether it is easily passed at all from woman to man even by uncovered vaginal sex. Everyone seems to agree it is easily passable by anal sex, and that condoms break more frequently with anal so the risk is still there even when covered. Everyone seems to agree that there is either no chance or almost no chance of catching it via giving or receiving oral sex, even uncovered. Ditto for DFK. It is possible to catch it those ways, in theory, but there are no credible cases of it. Carefree mongers can do whatever they want. Careful mongers should avoid anal, and likely cover during vaginal. Oral seems safe from AIDS, even uncovered. [/QUOTE]Agree. However, condoms slipping or there were reports on using oil based lubes which compromise the integrity of the condom which may cause a problem. Any sores (eg. See herpes below) in the mouth or breaks in the skin + body fluids can also increase risks of HIV. Oral sex therefore is NOT completely safe. A report in the past indicated that he brings a flashlight for "inspection. " Funny but eh, he's being "safe. "

[/QUOTE]Hepatitis A/B/C. A/B are easily prevented with a series of shots. Since it is easily prevented, even carefree mongers should get them. C doesn't seem to be much of a problem as a STD. [/QUOTE]Hep A usually does not kill you nor does it stay in your system. You get sick. Sometimes very sick, then it passes. Hep B can be prevented. Most younger people have gotten the immunization. If unsure, ask your doc and blood tests can be done to check. If not immunized, GET IT. Most folks who get hep B can clear it but not everyone does. Hep C is one of the fastest growing liver diseases in the country. However, it is kind of like HIV in that you need a break in the skin or a sore in the mouth. Typical sex will not (likely) get you hep C. However, hep C will also kill you and treatments are not pretty (no guarantee for a cure). [/QUOTE]Bacterial infections (Gonorrhea, Syphilis, etc.): catchable, but easily curable with a single dose of azithromycin (zithromax). Some married mongers (including myself) take a pre-exposure dose of zithromax, which is easily tolerated by the body in almost everyone's case. You must educate yourself on this drug, since there are some reasons not to take it (if you're taking other drugs, etc.). But since these bacterial infections are so easily treated, it seems no big deal to catch them, although avoidance is better. LK and DFK don't seem to be much of a risk. Oral has some higher risk, but still very low. The fear is that we could monger, then pass it along to spouses. Very embarrassing. The prophylactic zithromax avoids this problem easily. Of course, if you monger weekly or more frequently, you'd always be on it, which is not good. Its half life is about 3 days, so if you take 4 pills on day 1, you need 2 more on day 4 to bring you up to full strength. This is particularly good for those who monger overseas for a couple weeks at a time, then come home. [/QUOTE]Zithromax is considered a second line drug for STDs like gonorrhea. It used to be that pills like Cipro, Ofloxacin etc. Were used here in Hawaii. Now there are resistant strains. Zithro also needs to be taken in a 2gram dose. It can also cause a lot of abdominal cramping as well as diarrhea when taken at this dose. I am not certain about Gherkin, but potentially he may be undertreating for gonorrhea. 1gram for chlamydia. I do not believe syphilis can be cured with Zithro. Usu treatment is penicillin only I think. Don't think that Zithro is a wonder drug.

[/QUOTE]Herpes. 2 kinds. 1 (usually oral) and 2 (usually genital). Both can be oral or genital though. Most of us already have 1. 25% already have 2. Vast majority have no symptoms whatsoever. Difficult to catch 2 from receiving oral sex, but easier to catch it from giving oral sex. No effective vaccine yet. No cure, but it can be controlled with anti-retroviral drugs for the rest of your life. In my humble opinion, Herpes 2 remains the single largest threat to mongers, since everything else can be avoided or cured.

I'm sure I've forgotten, but there's a quick regurgitation of my memory of what I've learned.

Gherkin[/QUOTE]I worry about herps as well as genital warts which really cannot be cured. Treated yes, but not cured. The pics on the internet are ugly.

All that being said, I'm still out there. I cover 100% but still get checked regularly. BB or not, the best thing to do is to get checked regularly as you can have an STD potentially without any clear symptoms.

Stay safe out there!

VS

[QUOTE=Gherkin]Last time I was on the mainland, I had an anonymous comprehensive STD panel done at [url]www.tstd.org[/url] -- no Q-tips involved. Just pee into the container, and give them some blood. 3 days later, results available online. I think it was about $250. They needed a name to send to the lab, but they said to invent one. The lab, which was just an ordinary diagnostic lab, wasn't interested in checking ID at all - very anonymous. Results are obtained on the web via a tracking number that you get when you sign up. They required that I phoned in before getting access to the web site, just so they could read me some sort of disclaimer. Once again, anonymous other than the tracking number (I used a payphone). I paid with a visa giftcard that I bought for cash at Target.

Gherkin[/QUOTE]Wow no q-tips; that's awesome!

[QUOTE=Hypo Luxa]You asked him to start the thread. He did. He asked to keep your philosophical ideologies on safe sex OFF this thread and to keep it lean and mean and to the point about specific providers and AMPs. You broke the rule on post #2.

Dude, we've been through this countless times. You ain't gonna change anybody. If you wanna swim in the pool, you gotta expect to share the pool with whomever is in there already.[/QUOTE]

+1..................

One thing about transmission of HIV via BB oral, covered or not: Like many other transmission vectors, this is one that is "possible in theory". What the research says, however, is that it is not seen in practice. Given that BB and/or covered oral among the civilian and massagerati populations is very common, it should show up in the research if it happens in practice.

When they say it is "possible in theory", what they mean is that if there's blood and if it isn't killed by saliva and if it finds its way through a sore in your mouth, and if and if and if, then you could catch HIV. That's all true. It just doesn't seem to happen in practice.

For comparison, if you ride your bike without a helmet, you can crash and die. Compared to catching HIV from BB oral sex, dying from riding a bike without a helmet is a much more frequent occurrence. There are recorded instances of that happening. There don't seem to be credible recorded instances of people catching HIV from oral sex except where there are very obvious wounds. Needless to say, all mongers should avoid such situations.

In the sf redbook site, I read a comment from one brother who said he "inspects" the vagina before licking, by putting in his finger and testing for smoothness. Non-smooth = don't DATY. I've not done anything similar myself, but it was food for thought.

Note: I'm not a doctor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express (with a take-out girl) last night :)

Gherkin

Back when C. Everett Koop was the surgeon general, I watched an interview where he said realistically, the only truly risky way to become infected with AIDS from sexual activity is for a woman to receive an infected male ejaculation vaginally. He really dismissed almost every other scenario as being extremely unlikely... such as BBFS for the male, BB oral sex for either gender, etc. He did say that anal sex could be risky if conditions were met, such as both parties having open sores or abrasions and mixing blood.

But, the moral majority used it as a scare tactic to preach abstinence, which is why a "blanket" policy regarding any sexual act was promoted as risky. They made sure to say that covered sex was not AIDS-proof. Abstinance was touted as the only way to not catch AIDS (perhaps technically true, but it was over-preached).

Remember when Joycelyn Elders was s.g.? She came out and said that masturbation should be considered a form of a safe sex alternative. She was pressured to resign (or fired) by the conservative legislature for not towing the moral majority line of abstinence. Shows you how fucked up our government can be when health vs. politics meet.

Some mongers mentioned bringing their own condoms and supplies, "the good kind". I've had rubbers break on me long time ago (not with a provider), now I only use condoms when I monger. But the provider brings the condom and I assume they are good.

What is the best brand of Condom to use that won't break under the pressure?

Just wanted to mentioned that you also are at risk for NGU (Non-Gonococcal Urethritis), an infection of the urethra caused by germs other than gonorrhea:

* Chlamydia trachomatis (most common)
* Ureaplasma urealyticum
* Haemophilus vaginaliso
* Mycoplasma genitalium

and others. Usually treated with a single 1g dose of azithromycin.

Actually happened to me once after going BBFS with provider at CHM.
Other than that I've been lucky, but almost always use cover,

To limit chances of catching something, I usually use Listerine, obviously for oral rinse after daty but also on the penis. Not really sure if it helps.

Finally remember that the diamondhead center provides free testing and treatment for STDs. I get tested once a year.

Stay safe!

[QUOTE=Cleanman]What is the best brand of Condom to use that won't break under the pressure?[/QUOTE]And what about the lube and how it interacts with the condom. I've smelled baby oil in the bottles next to the "bed" and wondered about it weakening the condom. Almost all AMP girls I've seen (or can 'remember' seeing) pulled out thier own personal lube from their purse/makeup bag that they keep the condoms and cash in.

Would a AMP provider allow you to bring the good kind of lube too?

[QUOTE=Member#3973]Just wanted to mentioned that you also are at risk for NGU (Non-Gonococcal Urethritis), an infection of the urethra caused by germs other than gonorrhea:

* Chlamydia trachomatis (most common)
* Ureaplasma urealyticum
* Haemophilus vaginaliso
* Mycoplasma genitalium

and others. Usually treated with a single 1g dose of azithromycin.

Actually happened to me once after going BBFS with provider at CHM.
Other than that I've been lucky, but almost always use cover,

To limit chances of catching something, I usually use Listerine, obviously for oral rinse after daty but also on the penis. Not really sure if it helps.

Finally remember that the diamondhead center provides free testing and treatment for STDs. I get tested once a year.

Stay safe![/QUOTE]Listerine is the strongest antiseptic over the counter. I've heard of it for awhile now. After sex wether covered or not, wash up and wipe after with listerine. May burn a little but at least safe. Tell her it helps her breathe. LOL. Just joking on that.

O‘ahu HIV/STD Testing Site

(Free, Anonymous, or Confidential by medical record)

Diamond Head Health Center
STD/HIV Clinic
3627 Kilauea Ave. Room 305
Honolulu, HI 96816
Ph: (808) 733-9280

Walk-In, First Come-First Serve basis

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Wednesday 1:00pm – 6:00pm

I called DHHC to find out how it works, they say it is compleatly anonymous but need to show a picture id, so not so anonymous. They said they don't give the test results to anyone but the person tested as it is confidential. She was also very encourging for me to come down to test. She said no one will know. When i asked what happens if test is positive does the dept of health get involved (like I read on earlier post) she said no, i said, so i can take my test results and go see any doctor of my choice after testing for treatment, she paused a moment and said, i would need to talk to a health nurse about that...so maybe big brother only watches you if test is positive?

I can not find the same type of anonymous std test services in Honolulu that brother Gherkin mentioned, i did see it on line but only in mainland cities just not here yet. Other type anonymous std testing service labs exist too (look on internet search std testing), but again none in Hawaii. There are also std home test kits availiable on line. Prices run from about $50.00 to $400.00 depending on type of test and number of tests ordered.

Anyone heard of anonymous std testing services in Honolulu? Some lab company (like DLS) should start one here.

I ended up using tstd because I couldn't find anything here on the island. Interestingly, when I phoned tstd, they said they "temporarily" didn't have anyone to send me to locally, but expected to do so "at some point in the future". So may be worth another call since a few months have passed.

Gherkin

[QUOTE=Cleanman]I can not find the same type of anonymous std test services in Honolulu that brother Gherkin mentioned, i did see it on line but only in mainland cities just not here yet. Other type anonymous std testing service labs exist too (look on internet search std testing), but again none in Hawaii. There are also std home test kits availiable on line. Prices run from about $50.00 to $400.00 depending on type of test and number of tests ordered.

Anyone heard of anonymous std testing services in Honolulu? Some lab company (like DLS) should start one here.[/QUOTE]

Went down there once a long time ago (paranoid ex.) All I know is you get tested (that Q-tip is going where!??!?) and you call into an automated phone system (giving a pass code) to get your results when they're ready. I forget whether I showed ID or not it's been years so maybe things changed.

[QUOTE=Cleanman]O‘ahu HIV/STD Testing Site

(Free, Anonymous, or Confidential by medical record)

Diamond Head Health Center
STD/HIV Clinic
3627 Kilauea Ave. Room 305
Honolulu, HI 96816
Ph: (808) 733-9280

Walk-In, First Come-First Serve basis

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Wednesday 1:00pm – 6:00pm

I called DHHC to find out how it works, they say it is compleatly anonymous but need to show a picture id, so not so anonymous. They said they don't give the test results to anyone but the person tested as it is confidential. She was also very encourging for me to come down to test. She said no one will know. When i asked what happens if test is positive does the dept of health get involved (like I read on earlier post) she said no, i said, so i can take my test results and go see any doctor of my choice after testing for treatment, she paused a moment and said, i would need to talk to a health nurse about that...so maybe big brother only watches you if test is positive?

I can not find the same type of anonymous std test services in Honolulu that brother Gherkin mentioned, i did see it on line but only in mainland cities just not here yet. Other type anonymous std testing service labs exist too (look on internet search std testing), but again none in Hawaii. There are also std home test kits availiable on line. Prices run from about $50.00 to $400.00 depending on type of test and number of tests ordered.

Anyone heard of anonymous std testing services in Honolulu? Some lab company (like DLS) should start one here.[/QUOTE]

Good one Gherkin, I'll call tStd and post the results of what they tell me.

Cleanman

[QUOTE=Gherkin]I ended up using tstd because I couldn't find anything here on the island. Interestingly, when I phoned tstd, they said they "temporarily" didn't have anyone to send me to locally, but expected to do so "at some point in the future". So may be worth another call since a few months have passed.

Gherkin[/QUOTE]

The test is free and so is treatment. It is not anonymous since you have to provide an ID, but it is confidential.
You can call to get the results of the HIV test and for the gonorrhea/chlamydia tests. If you are infected, you are expected to go back, but I have been lucky sofar except for the NGU, which they treated during my initial visit.

At least some of our tax dollars are used wisely :-)

I get tested there every year, and yes, that Q-tip probe is very painful.

A few posts farther down in this thread debate causes of STDs. The chart in the following URL (from the San Francisco Clinic) seems to lay it down pretty well.

[url]http://sfcityclinic.org/stdbasics/stdchart.asp[/url]

The recent messages of a forum member who said he was infected with both genital herpes and HPV (which caused genital warts) present an interesting question. Both genital herpes and HPV can potentially be transmitted to a sexual partner even if a condom is used and even during times when there are [b]no visible symptoms[/b]. Thus, I'm sure that we would all agree that a provider infected with genital herpes and/or HPV should inform a customer that she is infected, so that the customer can decide whether or not to take the risk.

However, what are the views of the forum membership on whether a customer has a duty to inform a provider that he's infected with genital herpes and/or HPV, even when there are no visible symptoms, so that the provider can decide whether or not to take the risk? Of course, doing so may make it much more difficult for the customer to find a provider willing to service him. On the other hand, it could seem hypocritical to maintain that a provider should have a duty to warn a customer, but a customer doesn't have a duty to warn a provider. What say you?

[QUOTE=Kapalua]The recent messages of a forum member who said he was infected with both genital herpes and HPV (which caused genital warts) present an interesting question. Both genital herpes and HPV can potentially be transmitted to a sexual partner even if a condom is used and even during times when there are [b]no visible symptoms[/b]. Thus, I'm sure that we would all agree that a provider infected with genital herpes and/or HPV should inform a customer that she is infected, so that the customer can decide whether or not to take the risk.

However, what are the views of the forum membership on whether a customer has a duty to inform a provider that he's infected with genital herpes and/or HPV, even when there are no visible symptoms, so that the provider can decide whether or not to take the risk? Of course, doing so may make it much more difficult for the customer to find a provider willing to service him. On the other hand, it could seem hypocritical to maintain that a provider should have a duty to warn a customer, but a customer doesn't have a duty to warn a provider. What say you?[/QUOTE]I very much agree, but in the past I would have thought other wise.

[QUOTE=Exposed]I very much agree, but in the past I would have thought other wise.[/QUOTE]Problem is if everyone finds out no one or less customers, and once they got it they don't care they can't get it again. they already got it for life!

My attitude toward this is that when visiting a provider, a hobbyist must assume that neither she nor her previous customers will disclose whatever diseases she may currently carry.

Fortunately, as is the case with virtually all common diseases, STDs are either not that dangerous or else easy to avoid catching. This is why we can do what we do without ruining our health, and why providers generally are in good health too (at least massage/escort providers are -- I don't know anything about street providers).

Most of us will never catch anything. A few of us will become infected with curable bacterial infections (and if we have spouses, we'd better take steps to ensure we don't). Some will catch incurable but gentle or treatable viral infections (Herpes, HPV, etc.). Extremely occasionally, largely through carelessness or negligence, one of us will catch something dangerous such as HIV. There's no excuse for catching anything that you can be vaccinated against such as Hepatitis A/B, but some will neglect that and will catch it.

Your quote mentioned HSV (Herpes) and HPV (Warts). My understanding is that the vast majority of those who have these viral diseases don't know they have it, and either have no symptoms or have symptoms that they never manage to associate with any sort of disease. For example, many people with HSV just have an occasional pimple or "cold sore" (even if it's oral HSV-2). This is so "normal" in our society that many never even consider that they are sick.

I'm not sure this really answers the question, but here's something to think about. Almost all of we Americans (about 50% by age 2 and more than 90% by age 50) are infected with the Herpes Simplex I Virus (HSV-1), often called "oral Herpes". 90% of those infected cannot identify their own symptoms, and so are unaware that they have it. It is not considered an STD because it is passed by normal social contact such as kissing a child goodnight, as well as by sexual contact. If you're reading this post, you probably have it, and have probably had it since you were a child, before sex. In my own case, my STD testing included all the usual suspects, and also a test for HSV-1 and HSV-2. I have HSV-1 (as the vast majority of Americans do), but nothing else.

Let me answer the question like this. I don't report my HSV-1 infection to any providers I kiss, because it seems silly to do so. I also don't report it to my wife (no idea if she has it), kids (they likely got it from some relative or other), or friends at parties who I greet with a peck on the cheek.

For HSV-2 (which I don't have), I would likely not report it, for the following reason. In tests of mismatched couples (one has HSV-2, the other doesn't) who have regular sex (but not during an outbreak), transmission over the course of 1 year occurs in about 4% of the cases. However, if transmission hasn't occurred in the first couple of years, that percentage rapidly decreases -- the body builds up some sort of immunity. After about 5 years, it's unlikely to be received. So, those of us who have been doing this for more than a few years and yet haven't caught it are unlikely to catch it at all. Similarly, any provider who doesn't already have it is unlikely to get it unless she's very new to sex. About 22% of Adult Americans have HSV-2, and I believe the percentage of providers who have it is quite a bit higher. I believe anyone with HSV-2 who is having an outbreak should not engage in sex, whether customer or provider. I *always* check a provider for signs of HSV-2, and avoid contact if I find any. I also avoid those with cold sores, since HSV-2 can be transmitted orally if there is an open wound (incredibly rare to transmit HSV-2 orally if there is no open wound).

I know of other brothers who use the "finger test" (FIV) to test for smoothness before plunging in, checking for warts. I don't know how reliable this is though. By the way, HPV is also responsible for finger/foot warts, though slightly different varieties. So it's fairly common. Females can be vaccinated against it these days, I believe. For men, the warts are treatable, as are other kinds of warts.

So in summary, I don't think there's much reporting of HSV or HPV going on, and I don't expect to be told anything about them by a provider. I do check for HSV myself, and though that's not foolproof, it seems like enough safety to me. I don't think that managed HSV-2 needs to be disclosed, and I don't expect that it would be disclosed even if it did need to be.

I do think that any serious disease such as HIV should be disclosed. However, I also don't expect that it will be, and I take actions to render HIV a non-threat to me (my rule is: condom while FS, no anal at all).

Thanks for the great question. As usual, I've provided a long, wordy answer :(

Gherkin




[QUOTE=Kapalua]The recent messages of a forum member who said he was infected with both genital herpes and HPV (which caused genital warts) present an interesting question. Both genital herpes and HPV can potentially be transmitted to a sexual partner even if a condom is used and even during times when there are [b]no visible symptoms[/b]. Thus, I'm sure that we would all agree that a provider infected with genital herpes and/or HPV should inform a customer that she is infected, so that the customer can decide whether or not to take the risk.

However, what are the views of the forum membership on whether a customer has a duty to inform a provider that he's infected with genital herpes and/or HPV, even when there are no visible symptoms, so that the provider can decide whether or not to take the risk? Of course, doing so may make it much more difficult for the customer to find a provider willing to service him. On the other hand, it could seem hypocritical to maintain that a provider should have a duty to warn a customer, but a customer doesn't have a duty to warn a provider. What say you?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE] I take actions to render HIV a non-threat to me (my rule is: condom while FS, no anal at all).

Thanks for the great question. As usual, I've provided a long, wordy answer :(

Gherkin[/QUOTE]More great information as usual Gherkin.

Thanks

[QUOTE=Member#3973]The test is free and so is treatment. It is not anonymous since you have to provide an ID, but it is confidential.

You can call to get the results of the HIV test and for the gonorrhea/chlamydia tests. If you are infected, you are expected to go back, but I have been lucky sofar except for the NGU, which they treated during my initial visit.

At least some of our tax dollars are used wisely :-)

I get tested there every year, and yes, that Q-tip probe is very painful.[/QUOTE]Like any doctor or clinic visit ID is always required. But yes HIV testing is confidential and is considered protected records. Not just anyone can get there hands on these as long as the facilty is following the HIPA law. If I remember right the only way for someone to obtaing these protected records are through court orders.

Very good statement Member#3973

[QUOTE=Member#3973]The test is free and so is treatment. It is not anonymous since you have to provide an ID, but it is confidential.

You can call to get the results of the HIV test and for the gonorrhea/chlamydia tests. If you are infected, you are expected to go back, but I have been lucky sofar except for the NGU, which they treated during my initial visit.

At least some of our tax dollars are used wisely :-)

I get tested there every year, and yes, that Q-tip probe is very painful.[/QUOTE]I agree that Q-tip is nuts man. And they jam it in there like what feels like 3 inches deep or so, but in reality its just past the tip....ugh.

Does anyone know of anywhere in Hawaii that offers the more modern methods of STD testing? Peeing in the cup and swab to the cheek, etc?

[QUOTE=Woweee]I agree that Q-tip is nuts man.[/QUOTE]

I'll never take that test again.

Never.

With all that has been said/debated/posted here on this board and all other safe mongering practices assumed (what ever that means to you):

Would you lessen your odds to 0, or very near 0 for this discussion, chance of contracting an STD if you keep to only having sex with a small hand full (1-9) of young (mid 20's) AMP and escort providers (less time in business, less chances of contracting std)?

Would you lessen your odds to 0 chance of contracting an STD if you only had sex with younger higher priced ($$$$. and up) escorts (they cost more thus they have less customers per day, more customers with higher incomes, therefore lessen their chances of contracting std)?

[QUOTE=Cleanman]

Would you lessen your odds to 0, or very near 0 for this discussion, chance of contracting an STD if you keep to only having sex with a small hand full (1-9) of young (mid 20's) AMP and escort providers (less time in business, less chances of contracting std)?

Would you lessen your odds to 0 chance of contracting an STD if you only had sex with younger higher priced ($$$$. and up) escorts (they cost more thus they have less customers per day, more customers with higher incomes, therefore lessen their chances of contracting std)?[/QUOTE]

Hard to tell. The best way to avoid exposure is to always use condoms and avoid providers that give BBFS. BBBJ is not risk free either, so to limit the odd further only accept CBJ. If, in addition the provider is young, educated and expensive, you have probably limiedt your risk as much as possible

Small number of women doesn't help. Each time you mix your fluids with hers (or in the case of Herpes, just having your thin-skinned areas touch hers), you expose yourself to risk.

So, can you expose yourself to "less infected than average" women by limiting the number of women? Not as long as those women are seeing customers by the thousands per year.

Can you help yourself by choosing young women over old ones? It is true that the longer you (or she) keeps up risky behaviors, the more likely you (or her) is likely to be infected with something that doesn't go away, such as HIV or Herpes. So, in that respect, younger is better than older. However, bearing in mind that many professional women see more than 1000 men per year, and many offer BB (whether they do to you or not, they do to some others), I don't think that age is a hugely important factor.

I believe you can lower your risk in the following ways.

See pro women less often - obviously this lowers your infection risk. If you abstain, it goes to zero.

See only women who appear to take care of themselves - don't see drug addicts, women who can't even keep their apartment/room tidy, women who don't seem to eat properly or make themselves look pretty. Why? Because these things are signs that they may not take care of themselves. However, if you only see nice healthy-looking clean women, they (and therefore you) may still be infected with something. I believe that women who try to take care of themselves are more likely to get STD tests, but those who don't will skip them. Getting the tests is important because in many cases its the only way to find out you have something, and get yourself on a course of antibiotics or anti-retrovirals.

I believe it still comes down to this: Herpes is something you'll either catch or not, and if you do covered/uncovered FS, there's really not much you can do to prevent it. If you only do BJ/HJ, your chances of catching it are extremely low. If you do DATY, you may catch HSV2 orally, but it will almost certainly never bother you again after the first outbreak. You'll also be protected genitally after that happens, once a few weeks have passed.

HIV is easy to avoid by using a condom and avoiding anal sex. Some say it's easy to avoid even when doing BBFS, but I'm not sure enough to try it.

Hepatitis is preventable, so get the vaccines.

Anything bacterial that is a common STD can be cured with easy antibiotics, and almost certainly can be prevented by pre-taking zithromax (but if you monger so frequently that the antibiotics are perpetually in your system, that doesn't sound good either). This is good for the "once a month" people who don't want to risk infecting a spouse. Also good for occasional trips to Thailand, Philippines, and so on.

Also good to remember that we all occasionally catch viruses and bacterial infections from other people (not sexually), such as coughs and colds. Somehow, we all survive.

Gherkin



[QUOTE=Cleanman]Would you lessen your odds to 0, or very near 0 for this discussion, chance of contracting an STD if you keep to only having sex with a small hand full (1-9) of young (mid 20's) AMP and escort providers (less time in business, less chances of contracting std)?[/QUOTE]

Another way of summing this up is:

HJ is safer than shaking hands with someone

Kissing might get you a non-STD, and even deep kissing is almost universally regarded as safe. Small chance of bacterial STD, which are easily cured.

BBBJ is extremely safe, but if deep throated, you might catch a bacterial infection, which will be easily treated.

BBFS may catch you Herpes, HIV (but not conclusive), bacterial infections (easily treated)

CFS may catch you Herpes

BBAnal may catch you just about anything

Covered Anal is like CFS, but condoms break more often during anal, I'm told.

To me, there's a big line in between oral and FS/Anal. If sticking to oral/hand sex, just take steps to protect against bacterial infection, and you should be fine. If not, then use a condom, and stop if she's not well lubed. You may catch Herpes if you FS, covered or not. You won't catch Herpes from BBBJ.

Gherkin, but I'm not a doctor, so these are just my opinions after researching this pretty thoroughly on the internet.


[QUOTE=Member#3973]Hard to tell. The best way to avoid exposure is to always use condoms and avoid providers that give BBFS. BBBJ is not risk free either, so to limit the odd further only accept CBJ. If, in addition the provider is young, educated and expensive, you have probably limiedt your risk as much as possible[/QUOTE]

Life foundation does anonymous testing for HIV, free. Did not ask for ID.

[url]http://www.lifefoundation.org/aboutus_directions.asp[/url]

The swab in the mouth test.

Not sure if they do other tests.