{"id":5387,"date":"2024-09-04T10:28:36","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T09:28:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=5387"},"modified":"2024-09-17T09:38:28","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T08:38:28","slug":"how-sex-workers-can-elevate-their-relationship-with-sexual-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/how-sex-workers-can-elevate-their-relationship-with-sexual-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How sex workers can elevate their relationship with sexual health"},"content":{"rendered":"

World Sexual Health Day (4th of September) is a day you shouldn\u2019t ignore. It\u2019s a day to be loud and proud about sexual health <\/a>and a time to advocate for sex worker rights. This year\u2019s theme is positive relationships and sexual health.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019re exploring how sex workers can have a more positive relationship with the concept of sexual health, as many still feel shame when visiting the clinic or when talking about sexual health services.<\/p>\n

Keep reading to learn the sexual health basics every sex worker should know and how it\u2019ll benefit the relationship you have with yourself.<\/em><\/p>\n

Celebrating World Sexual Health Day & your relationship with sexual health<\/h2>\n

World Sexual Health Day (WSHD)<\/a> is an international celebration that\u2019s all about raising awareness, breaking taboos, and making sexual health services more accessible across the world.<\/p>\n

Sexual well-being is a right for everyone. However, it\u2019s especially important for sex workers – and WSHD is a great chance to celebrate modern innovations in sexual health while educating your audience and fellow sex workers.<\/p>\n

Too often, we brush sexual health conversations off. Rather than talking about testing or contraception, we keep these topics silent and book clinic visits and birth control appointments in the dark.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s time to change this! Sexual health is a central aspect of sex work, and sharing accurate information is essential for sex workers. Not only will it reduce the stigma around sexual health, but it\u2019ll help educate clients and make work safer for professionals.<\/p>\n

So, when September 4th rolls around, take a moment to connect with others and talk about sexual health. You could also watch an informative video, share a few social media posts, or even read some of the official WSHD resources<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Doctor<\/p>\n

The basics of sexual health for UK sex workers<\/h2>\n

Knowing how to take care of your sexual health will uplift the way you feel, how you approach work, and your overall relationship with yourself.<\/p>\n

Below, we\u2019ve broken sexual health for sex workers into five key areas. Start with these and keep researching!<\/p>\n

Regular STI testing<\/span><\/h3>\n

STI testing is critical for a sex worker. You should be testing at least every six weeks to ensure you catch anything early. Remember, some STIs are symptomless. Even if you don\u2019t notice any changes, you should keep testing regularly.<\/p>\n

Similarly, while condoms prevent STIs, they\u2019re not always 100% effective. Taking regular tests might seem frustrating, but it\u2019s a necessary step to protect your health and the health of your clients<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Accessing sexual health services<\/span><\/h3>\n

A popular service for London-based sex workers is the SHL.UK<\/a> kit. You can register and order discreet STI testing kits for your home. Orders are usually sent within the same day, and the organisation is partnered with the NHS.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re outside of London, you can still access free STI tests. Check out our previous guide to UK healthcare for sex workers article<\/a> to find the right services for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contraception<\/span><\/h3>\n

Contraception is another vital pillar of sexual health, as it prevents unwanted pregnancies<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Alongside protecting yourself from STIs, it\u2019s important to choose a contraceptive method that works for you (if applicable). This protects you physically and also mentally since it can reduce the stress and anxiety<\/a> of getting pregnant when you\u2019re not ready.<\/p>\n

Methods of contraception include:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n