Sexual Health Safety for Sex Workers
Sexual Health safety for sex workers
Sexual safety for sex works is a priority the government needs to take care of. Ensuring that sex workers get the education they need in a non judgemental and compassionate way is crucial to harm reduction and inviting in safety , along with offering free contraceptives barrier methods and mental health supports
Research on the best birth control options
There are various birth control options you can opt for. This starts from pills, injections, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices. These are options that protect you from unplanned pregnancies.
However, contraceptive only reduce your chances of unplanned pregnancies. If clients ask for a no barriered method, you can always use non latex condoms as they conduct heat much more easily, or an internal condom.
Knowing your HIV or STI status
knowing your status is beneficial to wellness. Testing positive is not what it once was, we have evolved medically so that if you test positive you can go onto antiviral medication, reducing the viral to minimal, which will leave you feeling healthy and well, making your status more of that of chronic illness and not a death sentence. Most STIs can be treated with antibiotics and or on going anti viral medication, in cases such as HPV (Genital Warts)/ Hepatitis B we also have vaccinations.
If you do end up exchanging sexual bodily fluids with a client and you feel that you may have contracted an STI, please visit your nearest STI clinic, Healthcare practioner, medical centre, birth control centre or walk in clinic. However I would recommend visiting a sexual health Testing clinic or location every 3 months, for a general check up and once out of service than at least once a year, even in a long term relationship, it is wise to get tested yearly.
Cleaning your sex toys
You can also contract STI from sex toys you use.
This removes any bacteria that might be on them. Always remember silicon toys should be cleaned properly and stored in a cool, dry place. You can use condoms on the sex toy to reduce transmission and increase your sexual health safety.
Conclusion
All in all, communication is key; you need to discuss with your client the things you can and can't do. This ensures both of you are safe. Sex work is work and as such treating it like a business is useful when uncertain about having conversations around health and safety, boundaries and consent. You can also go for sexual health checks whenever you feel the need to rather than waiting for something to feel off.