Sexual Health @ Work
Check out RhED’s Sexual Health @ Work resource below! This resource is aimed at sex workers providing sexual services.
What are STIs and BBVs?
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections spread from one person to another by close body contact (often sexual) or the exchange of bodily fluids. Blood Born Viruses (BBVs) are viral infections transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, and can sometimes be transmitted through other bodily fluids.
Performing a Client Health Check
Prior to providing sexual services, it’s always worth performing a client health check. Performing a client health check for the first time can feel intimidating! However, with time and information, performing a client health check will feel progressively easier! To get you started, check out our guide on performing a client health check below! Remember, you can always get in touch with us at RhED by phone 1800 458 752 or email on sexworker@sexworker.org.au to learn more about performing a client health check, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have!
What is the Scarlet Alliance RED Book?
The Scarlet Alliance STI Handbook: A Reference Guide for Sex Workers to Sexually Transmissible Infection (also referred to as the Red Book) is a resource on BBVs and STIs that was formerly published in print in 1998 by Scarlet Alliance. This resource is written by sex workers, for sex workers. It contains information specific to sex work. In recognition of the diversity of the sex worker community, including gender diversity, language and terminology is gender neutral. The Red Book is no longer published in print, but is available online here.
Useful External Resources
Check out some of the useful resources below related to STIs, BBVs, and working on your menstrual cycle!
Sexual Health Info: Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
Sexual Health Fact Sheets
Here you can find fact sheets and information on common STIs, BBVs and other common sexual health conditions produced by the Victorian Sexual Health Network and the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre.
Videos
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre also produce a range of sexual health videos on topics such as Safer Sex and Barrier Methods, Consent, PrEP and beyond! Check out their collection of videos here.
Sexual Health Resources
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre have also compiled a range of resources related to sexual health including counselling & support, alcohol & drugs, contraception & pregnancy, STI testing and beyond! Check out their range of resources here.
Using Internal vs External Condoms
Sexual Health Victoria have a resource on using and caring for external versus internal condoms that could be helpful for those workers that use this barrier method in their work. Find out more about external versus internal condoms here. Remember, you can always get in touch with RhED for free safer sex supplies when you need them by phone 1800 458 752 or email on sexworker@sexworker.org.au.
Working while Menstruating
For workers who menstruate (and work during this time) you may use either sponges, cups or tampons depending on the sector you work in. Sponges are common amongst sex workers who have sexual intercourse with their clients, as they can be used whilst having sex. Respect Inc has put together a resource on using sponges here, and the Period Shop outline the differences between using different types of sponges.
Stripping & Working while Menstruating
Tampons, menstrual cups and menstrual sponges can be used if you are on your period at work. If using tampons, either cut or tuck the string (tucking is easier for removing the tampon later on). Be cautious not to push the string too far into your vagina, or it may be difficult to retrieve later on. If a tampon does get stuck, try not to stress–many sex workers have been in this situation. If your tampon feels stuck, here are some things you can try before seeking medical attention. If using a menstrual cup, make sure it is fitted securely. To find out more on using menstrual cups, check out this guide here.
Sexual Health Services and STI Testing
The following are a list of places where you can access sexual health services and STI clinics. Please note that RhED does not endorse the below services, however these places have been assessed by sex workers to be sex worker-allied services. For a full list of sexual health/STI services as well as GP clinics where you can also access sex-worker friendly sexual health services and STI testing, please contact RhED on 1800 458 752 or email on sexworker@sexworker.org.au.
Family Planning Victoria
Action Centre Level 1,
94 Elizabeth St.
Melbourne 3000
T: 9660 4700 | 1800 013 952
Family Planning Victoria
901 Whitehorse Rd
Box Hill 3128
T: 9257 0100 | 1800 013 952
Frankston Hospital
Sexual & Reproductive Health
(Women’s Services)
2 Hastings Road Frankston 3199
T: 1300 665 781
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
580 Swanston Street
Carlton 3053
T: 9347 0244 | 1800 032 017
Royal Woman’s Hospital
132 Grattan Street
Carlton 3053
T: 9344 2000
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Infectious Diseases Services
Grattan Street
Parkville 3052
T: 9342 7000
Thorne Harbour Health:
The Centre Clinic
77 Fitzroy St
St Kilda 3182
T: 9525 5866
Thorne Harbour Health:
EQUINOX Gender Diverse Health Service & PRONTO!
200 Hoddle St
Abbotsford VIC 3067
T: 9416 2889
REGIONAL VICTORIA
Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic
12 Lilburne Street
Lucas Victoria 3350
T: 5838 4500
Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic
3 Seymoure Street
Eaglehawk 3556
T: 5446 8800
165-171 Hargreaves Street
Bendigo 3552
T: 5406 1200
Barwon Reproductive and Sexual Health Clinic
Outpatients Annexe,
Corner Bellerine and Lt Ryrie streets
Geelong 3220
T: 04 6637 6158 (Tuesday 12:00pm – 5:00pm)
Hastings Community Health
Sexual & Reproductive Health
(Women’s Services)
185 High Street Hastings 3915
T: 1300 665 781
Ontario Medical Clinic
196-200 Ontario Ave
Mildura 3500
T: 5023 7311
Rosebud Community Health
Sexual & Reproductive Health
(Women’s Services)
38 Braidwood Ave
Capel Sound 3940
T: 1300 665 781
Albury Sexual Health Service Clinic 72
596 Smollett St
Albury 2640
T: (02) 6058 1831
