You work hard. Long hours. Late nights. Constantly on your feet. You manage clients, set boundaries, handle stress, and keep yourself safe-all while trying to stay healthy. No one tells you how to take care of your body and mind when your job doesn’t fit the 9-to-5 mold. But here’s the truth: health tips for sex workers aren’t optional. They’re survival tools.
Why Health Matters More Than You Think
Being a sex worker doesn’t mean you’re any less deserving of good health. But the reality? Many health services don’t cater to you. Clinics might judge. Doctors might assume. Insurance might not cover what you need. That’s why you have to be your own advocate.
Think about it: if you’re seeing multiple clients a week, your body is under constant physical and emotional strain. STIs don’t care about your income or your dignity. Mental burnout doesn’t wait for weekends. Sleep deprivation doesn’t ask permission. You’re not just doing a job-you’re managing a high-risk, high-reward lifestyle. And that means your health strategy needs to be just as sharp.
Key Health Tips for Sex Workers
- Get tested for STIs every 3 months-no exceptions
- Always use condoms and dental dams, even with regular clients
- Keep a clean, well-ventilated workspace with easy access to hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
- Drink water before, during, and after every session
- Take at least one full day off per week-no excuses
- Know your rights and have a safety plan for every meeting
- Connect with other sex workers for peer support
- Track your mood and energy levels-mental health is physical health too
These aren’t suggestions. These are non-negotiables. And they’re backed by real data. A 2023 study from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that sex workers who tested regularly and used protection consistently had a 78% lower rate of new STIs compared to those who didn’t.
STI Prevention: It’s Not Just About Condoms
You’ve heard it before: use condoms. But what if you’re not sure which ones work best? Or what if your client insists on going bareback? Let’s cut through the noise.
Latex condoms are the gold standard. If you or your client has a latex allergy, use polyurethane or polyisoprene. Avoid lambskin-they don’t block viruses like HIV or herpes. Always check the expiration date. A condom that’s two years old? It’s not safer. It’s riskier.
And don’t forget dental dams for oral sex. They’re cheap. You can make them from condoms if you’re in a pinch. Use water-based lube. Oil-based lube breaks down latex. And never reuse a condom-even if you washed it.
Here’s a real tip: keep a small kit in your bag. Condoms, lube, dental dam, alcohol wipes, and a disposable glove. You never know when you’ll need it. I’ve seen sex workers in Manchester turn a taxi ride into a safe space by pulling out their kit before the client even sat down.
Mental Health: The Silent Risk
Physical health gets attention. Mental health? Often ignored until it’s broken.
Depression, anxiety, PTSD-these aren’t rare among sex workers. The stigma, the isolation, the fear of being caught, the pressure to perform-it all piles up. And if you’re not sleeping, eating well, or talking to someone who gets it, the weight gets heavier.
There’s no shame in therapy. But therapy can be expensive. So start with free options. The National Sex Worker Organisation UK offers peer-led support groups in Manchester, Leeds, and London. No judgment. No forms. Just people who’ve been there.
Try this: every Sunday night, write down three things that went well that week. Even if it’s just “I drank enough water” or “I said no to a client who made me uncomfortable.” Small wins matter. They rebuild your sense of control.
Where to Get Tested and Treated
You don’t need to go to a hospital. You don’t need to face a judgmental receptionist. There are clinics that specialize in sex worker health.
In Manchester, Claremont Clinic offers free, confidential STI testing with no ID required. They have female and non-binary staff. You can walk in on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 6pm. No appointment needed. They also give out free condoms and lube.
Other options:
- Terrence Higgins Trust - Offers home testing kits you can order online
- Sexual Health Manchester - Free rapid HIV tests in community centres
- St George’s Clinic (London) - Has dedicated sex worker hours on Fridays
Don’t wait until you feel sick. If you’re having sex, you need testing. Every 3 months. Even if you’re using protection. Because protection isn’t 100%. But testing? That’s your safety net.
Physical Health: Beyond STIs
Sex work is physically demanding. Standing for hours. Repeating the same movements. Carrying bags, lugging supplies, rushing between appointments. Your body pays the price.
Stretch daily. Even five minutes. Roll your shoulders. Stretch your calves. Do a quick hip opener before bed. If you’re doing a lot of physical labour, consider seeing a physiotherapist who understands occupational strain. Some clinics offer sliding scale fees.
And sleep? Non-negotiable. If you’re working nights, try to keep a consistent sleep schedule. Use blackout curtains. White noise machines. Avoid screens an hour before bed. Your body needs recovery time. It’s not lazy-it’s smart.
Building a Support Network
You’re not alone. But isolation makes everything harder.
Find other sex workers. Online forums. Local meetups. WhatsApp groups. You don’t have to share your face or your name. Just connect. Ask: “Where’s the best place to get a quick meal after a shift?” “What’s your go-to STI clinic?” “How do you handle clients who push boundaries?”
Peer support isn’t therapy. But it’s healing. When someone says, “I’ve been there too,” it changes everything.
Organisations like SWARM (Sex Workers’ Action and Rights Movement) run weekly drop-ins in Manchester. They offer free meals, legal advice, and harm reduction supplies. You can just show up. No questions asked.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Not every client respects boundaries. Not every encounter goes smoothly. If you’re assaulted, threatened, or robbed:
- Get to a safe place immediately
- Call a trusted friend or colleague
- Don’t shower or change clothes if you want to report it
- Contact the National Ugly Mugs scheme-they work with police to track dangerous clients
- Seek medical care even if you feel fine-some injuries don’t show up right away
You have rights. Even if you’re undocumented. Even if you’re afraid. The police have protocols for sex workers. You don’t have to face this alone.
Comparison: Health Resources for Sex Workers vs. General Public
| Resource | General Public | Sex Workers |
|---|---|---|
| STI Testing | GP referral often needed | Walk-in clinics available, no ID required |
| Condom Access | Pharmacies or NHS | Free from clinics and peer networks |
| Mental Health Support | Waiting lists of months | Peer-led groups with immediate access |
| Legal Protection | Standard police response | Specialised schemes like Ugly Mugs |
| Free Meals / Supplies | Only through charities | Regular drop-ins at sex worker hubs |
Yes, the system is uneven. But sex workers have built their own safety net-and it often works better than the official one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get free condoms and lube without showing ID?
Yes. Clinics like Claremont in Manchester and Terrence Higgins Trust across the UK give out free condoms and water-based lube with no questions asked. You don’t need to prove who you are. Just walk in.
What if I’m undocumented? Can I still get healthcare?
Absolutely. In the UK, STI testing and treatment are free for everyone, regardless of immigration status. You can’t be reported for seeking health care. Clinics that serve sex workers are trained to protect your privacy.
How often should I get tested if I see clients every week?
Every three months is the standard. But if you’ve had a condom break, a client refused protection, or you’re feeling unwell, get tested right away. Don’t wait. Early detection saves your health-and your income.
Are there any apps or tools to help track my health?
Yes. The app “SafeSex” lets you log testing dates, client notes (anonymously), and reminders for lube and condom checks. It’s designed by sex workers, for sex workers. No tracking. No ads. Just practical tools.
What if I feel too tired to take care of myself?
That’s when you need your support network the most. Reach out to a peer. Ask for help. Sometimes, just saying “I’m done” out loud is the first step to healing. You don’t have to do it all alone. There are people who will sit with you, bring you food, or just listen.
Final Thought: You Deserve to Be Healthy
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being smart. You don’t need to be a hero. You don’t need to say yes to everyone. You don’t need to push through pain.
Every time you use a condom, every time you get tested, every time you say no-you’re not just protecting yourself. You’re claiming your right to live without fear.
Health isn’t a luxury. It’s your foundation. And you’ve already proven you can build something strong. Now, take care of the person who’s doing the building.
Manoj Kumar
November 30, 2025 AT 14:35Every 3 months? That’s excessive-and statistically dubious. Where’s your peer-reviewed meta-analysis on that frequency? Most STI guidelines recommend 6-month intervals for low-risk populations, and ‘sex work’ isn’t a monolith. You’re conflating exposure with necessity. Also: ‘non-negotiables’? That’s just fear-mongering dressed as advice.