Your sexual health is non-negotiable — regular testing, prevention, and access to care keep you safe and in control.
This page focuses on practical, sex-worker-informed advice. Nothing here replaces seeing a healthcare provider.
- Many STIs (especially chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) are asymptomatic — you can have them and feel fine.
- Early detection = easy treatment + less transmission risk.
- Recommended frequency: Every 3 months if you have multiple partners, or every 6 months minimum.
Get tested for:
- HIV
- Syphilis (RPR/TPPA)
- Gonorrhea & Chlamydia (throat, vaginal/urethral, rectal — all sites if relevant)
- Hepatitis B & C
- Herpes (HSV-1/2) — blood test (IgG) if you want status; note: many people have HSV-1 orally anyway
Optional but useful:
- HPV (if not vaccinated)
- Bacterial vaginosis / yeast (if symptoms)
- Trichomoniasis (often missed in standard panels)
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Barriers: Condoms (internal/external), dental dams, gloves for fingering/hand stuff.
- Stock up on non-latex if allergies (polyurethane, polyisoprene).
- Flavored condoms/dams for oral — avoid numbing ones (they mask issues).
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PrEP (HIV prevention): Daily pill (Truvada/Descovy) or injectable (Apretude every 2 months).
- Free/low-cost in many places via insurance, Gilead Advancing Access, or local clinics.
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PEP (post-exposure): Emergency 28-day course within 72 hours (ideally <24h) after potential exposure.
- ER, urgent care, or sexual health clinic — don’t wait.
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Vaccines (get these if not already immune):
- HPV (Gardasil 9 — up to age 45 in many places)
- Hepatitis A & B (combo Twinrix is common)
- Mpox (Jynneos — still relevant in 2026 for some areas)
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Free / low-cost options (most confidential, many no-insurance needed):
- Planned Parenthood (US) — search “ppfa.org near me”
- Local public health departments / sexual health clinics
- Community health centers (FQHCs in US)
- Apps/telehealth: Nurx, PlushCare, Wisp, HeyDoctor (PrEP + testing kits)
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At-home testing kits (convenient but confirm positives in-person):
- Everlywell, LetsGetChecked, myLAB Box — good for HIV, syphilis, gon/chlam
- HIV self-tests: OraQuick (pharmacy or free from some orgs)
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Region-specific gems:
- You don’t owe full disclosure of your status — but many providers share “I test regularly and use barriers” to set expectations.
- Ask clients: “When were you last tested?” (casual but informative).
- If a client discloses an STI: Pause sessions until treated/cleared, or use extra barriers if you’re comfortable.
This is a community page — add your local clinic recommendations, telehealth experiences, or tips that worked for you.
No medical advice here — always consult a qualified provider.
Last updated: February 2026
💜 Take care of your body — it’s your business