Detecting and treating sexually transmitted infections (early)
There are several other sexually transmitted infections apart from HIV. Some of them can have serious consequences, if left untreated. Therefore, you should see a doctor for regular medical exams (e.g. every six months). Make sure to watch out for any physical changes, such as unusual vaginal discharge, itching or burning in the genital area, skin changes or pain.
If you have any symptoms or complaints, please contact your doctor as soon as possible. Starting treatment too late or leaving sexually transmitted infections entirely untreated can lead to chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility or cervical cancer. For diagnosis, a swab, a urine and/or blood test can be carried out. There exists effective treatment for almost all sexually transmitted infections, if they are detected early enough.
In the case of most local health authorities/services (Gesundheitsämter), you can attend a consultation anonymously (i.e. you do not have to give your name) and you can get checked for sexually transmitted infections. If you do not have health insurance coverage, you can also get free-of-charge treatment. To see a general practitioner with their own medical offices, you will have to have health insurance or pay for the medical services out of pocket.
Sex work can carry a particularly high risk of contracting hepatitis A or B. Make sure you are vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. Vaccination usually provides protection for at least ten years.
You can get advice at your local health authority (Gesundheitsamt), or from a medical practice. If you have health insurance coverage, then your health insurance will cover any costs of vaccination. If not, you will have to pay for these out of pocket. The health authorities offer vaccinations free-of-charge for people who do not have health insurance.
You should attend a screening for cervical cancer (“cervical/PAP smear”) once each year. This examination involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix using a swab. After the age of 30, you will also get screenings for breast cancer (manual check-ups of the breast and armpit areas).
If you are pregnant, you should get checked regularly for sexually transmitted infections, approximately every six weeks. Most of these infections can be transmitted to your child during pregnancy or at birth, and could harm your baby’s health. They can also cause premature birth or miscarriage. These risks can be significantly reduced by taking medical precautions.
Are you looking for a doctor near you who you can talk to openly about your work and your life circumstances? There are two projects, “Roter Stöckelschuh” (translating as “Red Stiletto”: www.roterstoeckelschuh.de) and “Gynformation” (www.gynformation.de). On their websites, you can find information on and an overview of medical practitioners who deal with sex workers in a respectful manner on their websites.
