Would you pay for sex?

In our snap survey for October 2006, 30% of respondents had paid for sex (plus 2% who weren't sure.) However, more men would be prepared to pay in the future if necessary. Only 46% definitely ruled it out.

There were many fascinating comments — particularly from the minority of men who do pay for sex.

• I have pretty regular massages (Male) which often end up with what is euphemistically referred to as "relief"
• In the sense of paying for the services of a sex worker, no. However, I have bought a lot of gear for lovers in a non quid pro quo manner...or was it? A great deal of my enjoyment of sex comes from the "dance" of dating, romance and seduction. I've had great sex with a stranger after less than an hour of preamble, but I suspect that the introduction of a cash transaction would have muddied the magic. For me, sexual satisfaction is highest when there is mutual desire. My reading confirms that there are women who enter the sex trade because they like sex a lot (and a lot of sex). However, I have also learned that many women become sex workers purely for the money and that many dislike the work and the clients. Even without the risks of disease transmission, the cost is too high.
• It was the only way I was going to get it!
• Does paying for theatre tickets, cab fares, dinner, and cab fares home, plus giving up the rest of my life count as paying? Joke - no never have other than as above.
• It seemed to be the best way to get what I wanted
• Living in Thailand it is comparatively easy to obtain sex but there is a price to pay, usually 1000 baht. Although prostitution is illegal in Thailand there is a relaxed attitude. And being an older person is no barrier to finding a regular partner.
• No commitment. Know what you're getting. No pretence.
• When in RAF went to Beirut where the former French brothel system (Regular medical inspections of 'ladies' and licences) operated. Very good service. While in the 'waiting room' area, two U.N. soldiers in uniform used the services.
• I would only have sex in a loving relationship.
• I have only had, and still have one sexual partner - my wife
• I have erection problems and thought that going with somebody 'experienced' would prove to myself that it wasn't just my partner?
• I would but I've never had the bottle. The disease bit is also off putting.
• Only once when I was 17! Masturbation is a lot safer and just as much fun!
• Consider it a normal bodily function (one pays for it one way or another!!)
• Wanted to satisfy urges that I wasn't getting satisfied at home. I have a much larger sexual appetite than my wife - she never instigates sex and we end up making love about twice a month at most. I love my wife and would never have a relationship/affair with another woman - I just need to satisfy that physical urge.
• I find it a turn on to pay someone to perform exactly what I want sexually
• It is an easily understood method which has no "strings" on either side.
• As an older man, I can foresee a time when good sex might be hard to find for free. My wife is post- menopausal and our sex life is changing (not worsening, but definitely altering to a less frequent and less lubricious pattern). After she had an affair with her high school sweetheart during her mid-life crisis, I engaged in some revenge affairs (albeit secret) and discovered an unexpected reservoir of health benefits to consensual sex with younger lovers. Rightly or wrongly, I attribute much of the therapeutic benefit to the plentiful vaginal fluids of the younger women. Even in my mid-50s, there seem to be no shortage of horny women in their 20s and 30s who want to try sleeping with a "father figure". I don't often sleep with other women, but can imagine a day when I might want to do so and a financial incentive would be required. I've heard that sex workers service some old folks homes. Sounds like a good idea to me.
• It would lower my self-esteem and my view of the person with whom I was having sex.
• I have decided that it wasn't worth putting my life on the line(in more ways than one) for a little enjoyment!
• first time wasn't very good, a waste of money, girl wasn't really interested which is fair enough but it does kind of put me off doing it again, felt like a factory line very systematic kinda come in do this, do that , finished leave , then she does the next.
• Stag do`s and nights out, why bother with spending the whole night trying to pull rude aggressive chav birds who are steaming on WKD blue, u pay the same money as you would to take a girl out and if you have not got a girlfriend you are not disrespecting your partner.
• Only if strict rules and licencing applied, as formerly in France and Italy.
• You can't put a price on people's feelings.
• it didn't help I was 'ripped off'!!!!
• I could imagine if without a partner on my own
• I haven't had sex with my wife for 12 years. She has no sex drive. I would pay for it yes
• I do not have a girlfriend / wife and I would just like to enjoy life to the fullest