The Hot Spot: Protecting Yourself From Sexually Transmitted Infections

Escort and Escort Rankings' writer RedHotRio offers her thoughts on her experience of getting access to Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) tests on the NHS as its vital for both escorts and their clients to stay safe.

Today I wanted to talk about health perks that are available to sex workers on the NHS as part of the NHS SAFE Project. Until recently, I was unaware of these, but I have now saved myself money, which is always good at time when the cost of living is rising. It has given myself more peace of mind and added protection from STIs too, and in turn I am protecting my clients. They, too, should regularly check themselves and it didn't cost the Earth to do so. 

Preventing STIs

Previously, I was paying privately for the drug Prep, which prevents HIV. On the whole, I was

paying around £63 for a course of 30 tablets. I am now able to get this free of charge from my sexual health clinic. Sex workers are considered high-risk, and so we are entitled to and should be given priority to receiving this drug. Had I not asked I wouldn't have known, which is a bit annoying, since it is not openly advertised, when it really should be, especially to high-risk groups. 

Prep does not prevent against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), so it's still essential to practice safe sex as usual. By taking it, you have extra security in case a condom breaks. You take one tablet a day forever, or as long as you are in a high-risk group and the longer you take it, the better the protection you will have. I've been taking it for a while now and have had no side effects.

Another thing, we are entitled to is the Hep B vaccine. Luckily for me, the girls in my clinic are ace and put me on a course. You are given 3 jabs, a month apart, then a booster one year later. I didn't have any side effects from this either, though it feels a bit cold when injected and the site of the injection was a bit tender the day after. I am now fully protected against Hepatitis B, and it didn't cost me to buy a vaccine course, which now stands at £147 if you were to go private.

Get tested!

I get tested once a month, and I'd urge you all to do the same to look after your sexual health. As escorts and sex workers we are playing with fire in our job. As much as we can dress up nicely, have hot sex and be wined and dined, our sexual health should always be paramount. More to the point, it's essential to look after each other. That includes the health of the clients, who afford us a nice lifestyle.

Accidents can happen, but at least if you are tested regularly, you can be treated straight away. I'm given free condoms when I visit the clinic, but I do go through a lot! I have thus sourced a good site with reasonably priced bulk buys. www.condomoutlet.co.uk has some great deals.

The best ones I have used that have both given good feeling and proven strong are Pasante

regular, Pasante ribs and dots and Durex Skyn. Hopefully, this has given you some food for thought. Until next time, practice safe sex and be amazing by taking care of yourselves!

Love Rio XOXO

You can check out my ER profile here

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