A couple of things to understand about professional sex workers:

First, they are professionals. They understand that people need something from them that they don’t get in the world. Their job is to find a way to provide that, within reason. Many are quite good at it. You’d be surprised.

Second, there’s a reason it’s known as the world’s oldest profession. I remember an old joke about a guy ranting about the moral sin of masturbation, and someone saying, “Let he among you with a free hand cast the first stone!” Seriously, it’s an industry that’s survived wars, famine, depressions, and everything in between. It’s always had plenty of customers in the worst of times. There’s no shame.

Finally, you want to identify whether you’re asking about a sex act or making love. Physically, they’re very similar, but emotionally they couldn’t be more different. If all you want to feel is the act, go to a decent escort or buy a flesh-light. If you want the emotional attachment, that takes some work. The good news is if you find it, the awkwardness of the sex act won’t matter. It will be overshadowed by your feelings for one another.

$100 is asking for syphilis. Go to the high-end escorts. You can even find review sites where clients discuss the cleanliness of the environment, etc. The pros are open with their doctors about their profession and take the necessary precautions and advice to be safe. I’d say USA $500 per hour and above should net you someone who’s both safe and an expert at making you comfortable rather than nervous.

Source: have briefly dated two different people in the profession.