The working practices, regulation and safety of Internet-based sex work in the UK
Sexual Health and Safety
Sexual Health and Safety
Be wary of clients bringing their own condoms. This is entirely your decision, and some clients may have size issues, a latex allergy, a preference for a certain brand but this can also serve as a tactic to use a pre-punctured or ripped condom. Most workers have a wide range of condoms so that they always know they are intact and in-date.
Beware the ‘wrong hole’ trick. Some customers may say they ‘slipped’, ‘got carried away’ or ‘didn’t realise’ in order to push your boundaries but always stay within your safe limits.
Remember removing a condom or deliberately damaging it during sex, without explicitly asking permission from you, is a crime. Some people call this practice ‘stealthing’.
Safe words are essential for many workers, especially in BDSM scenarios (See BDSM section).
Always set your boundaries and stick to them. You can start this process by putting your safer sex boundaries on your website and/or online profile. Depending on where you live (which country) might depend on how much information you are comfortable sharing, taking legal issues into consideration.
If you have a slip with your safer sex routine, don’t beat yourself up but get yourself checked and look again at your safer sex practices. Most workers use condoms for vaginal and anal sex. Many use flavoured condoms for oral.
Many sex workers go to the sexual health clinic regularly for a ‘full screen’ sexual health check-up. It depends on how busy you are. Some visit every three months, some monthly.
Always ask for a ‘full screen’ to make sure you get the correct tests.
You can also go to sexual health services if you have concerns that you may have been exposed to HIV (for access to PEP) or that there is a risk of pregnancy and you want to prevent this by taking Emergency Contraception.
