If you want to make money from sex work, you will need to take good care of yourself, particularly your sexual health.
You may have heard that Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, are on the increase in Victoria. It's true. The Victorian Department of Human Services reports that in the 12 months from 2002 to 2003 there was a 54% increase in gonorrhea, 30% increase in chlamydia, 100% increase in syphilis and 67% increase in HIV/AIDS. These statistics are for the whole of the population.
Whilst it is a well known fact that sex workers are among the best in the community for looking after their sexual health, these infections have the capacity to affect your health, as well as your capacity to earn. The top four things you need to remember about preventing STIs are:
- Condoms and lube - each time ... every time.
- Check ups - every six weeks, need it or not!
- Checking clients - for lumps, bumps, discharges and critters.
- Stay cool, calm and collected - stay in control!