If you test positive for any infection, whether sexually transmitted or not, it’s important to see a doctor for advice on treatment. Make sure to complete the full treatment and follow up with tests to confirm the infection has cleared.
If you have symptoms of an infection, see a doctor or visit a nearby testing center for confidential exams or specific tests. It’s important to respect the window period of each infection—the time between exposure and when it can be detected through rapid or laboratory tests.
It’s normal to feel nervous about testing, but most sexually transmitted infections can be treated. If you receive a positive diagnosis, the first step is always to seek help and complete the full treatment, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Starting treatment early improves the prognosis and lowers the risk of complications. This means you’re less likely to experience lasting effects and can return to work sooner.
The symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection can be quite nonspecific. However, when they persist or appear after risky behaviors, they should be taken seriously.
Rapid tests are a practical and efficient way to get an initial idea of whether you might be infected, but visiting a doctor is always recommended.
Here are some genital changes you should watch for, as they may be a sign of infection:
Changes in color or odor of the genital area
Bleeding from the vagina, penis, or anus
Pus in the vagina, penis, or anus
Itching or pain in the vagina, penis, or anus
Burning, stinging, or irritation when urinating
Blood in the urine
Increased urge to urinate
Sores, ulcers, warts, or rashes on the vagina, penis, or anus
Pain during sexual intercourse
Abdominal or lower back pain
Deep genital pain or increased sensitivity
Itching on the body, palms, or soles of the feet
As a sex worker, it’s recommended to get regular tests to monitor your health and ensure that any infection is detected early, even if you don’t have symptoms. The frequency of testing should be up to you!
Although it can be a difficult decision, if possible, let your partners know so they can get tested too.
If you test positive for any infection, whether sexually transmitted or not, the most important thing is to see a doctor for advice on treatment. You should complete the full treatment and repeat tests afterward to make sure the infection is gone.
If it’s impossible for you to stop working, you should consistently use barrier methods such as condoms and latex sheets. This helps prevent you from getting another infection and stops you from passing the infection to others.
If the infection causes severe symptoms that prevent you from working, it’s best to listen to your body and rest as much as possible so you can return to work sooner.
Some infections, like urinary tract infections, can worsen with friction, which may be uncomfortable during and after vaginal sex and prevent you from working until symptoms improve.
If you have a contact-transmitted infection, such as herpes or HPV, try to protect the affected area and always use condoms. If herpes is oral, avoid kissing clients and protect oral sex as well. Wash your hands thoroughly whenever you touch sores or warts.
Chlamydia or gonorrhea are highly contagious. If you decide to continue working, protect vaginal, anal, and oral sex with condoms and latex sheets.
It’s possible to continue working after being infected with HIV, as long as you protect sexual activity, since this virus weakens the immune system and makes it more vulnerable to other infections.
If you have a respiratory infection such as tuberculosis or COVID-19, you should stop working until tests are negative. Your doctor will provide more specific guidance in these cases.
If you have a parasite infection, like lice, it’s recommended to stop working until you are clear of the infection. All workplaces and materials should be disinfected, and treatment should be sought immediately.
If you have a partner, it’s important that they also get tested and treated if infected. Protection should be used during sexual activity throughout treatment to prevent reinfection.