Sexual health and sex work

Conversations about sex work often come with assumptions.

One of the most common is that intimate companions (sex workers) take a casual approach to sexual health. In reality, many modern sex workers place a strong emphasis on sexual wellbeing, communication, boundaries, and informed consent. It’s a non-negotiable where I work.

Intimate companions rely on trust, professionalism, and reputation. Looking after the personal health and wellbeing of clients and ourselves is not simply good practice – it is essential.

More broadly, sexual health is something all sexually active adults should think about, regardless of whether they are single, partnered, dating, or engaging with intimate companions.

Good sexual health can include:

• Regular sexual health check-ups

• Honest conversations about sexual history and risk

• Understanding consent and boundaries

• Practising safer sex

• Seeking accurate information rather than relying on assumptions

• Approaching sexuality with curiosity, responsibility, and respect

Another common myth is that sexual wellness is only about preventing illness.

In reality, sexual wellbeing also includes pleasure, communication, body confidence, intimacy, self-awareness, and feeling comfortable discussing our desires and boundaries.

For many people, these conversations can feel difficult.

One of the things I appreciate about working in this space is that it often encourages people to communicate more openly, ask better questions, and think more intentionally about their intimate lives.

Sexual health is not simply the absence of disease.

It's part of living a connected, informed, and fulfilling life.

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