Health Checks
A ‘health check’ is a visual and tactile examination that some sex workers, including myself, conduct to assess the client's genital area for any visible signs or symptoms of STI or other health concerns. If you’re unsure of what to expect - this page is for you!
While I provide information and discuss topics related to sexual health, I am not a medical professional and do not offer medical advice or diagnosis.
During a ‘health check’ on a client, I carefully observe and may gently manipulate the genital region, including pulling back the foreskin, to check for abnormalities, unusual discharge, or skin irritations that might indicate potential health issues.
Typically, the health check is performed before the client takes a shower. However sometimes we do this after the shower, for example sometimes when I’m working in an establishment/parlour I’ll do it afterwards as their rules and timing may have an impact. If during the health check the sex worker identifies any signs of concern, such as lesions, bumps, rashes, or broken skin, we may ask you additional questions to better understand the situation. Depending on the findings, we may choose to modify or end the service.
It's important to note that while broken skin itself is not a sign of an STI, it does present a higher risk of transmitting STI or BBV due to the exposure of mucous membranes.
I am not a medical professional, and I cannot diagnose any health conditions. So, just because I identify something that concerns me during the health check does not mean you actually have the condition. The health check is primarily a risk mitigation exercise.
Being both queer and a sex worker, I'm experienced at conducting health checks on all people. I've crafted this guide to demystify the health check process, hopefully making you feel more at ease with the process. Recognising the lack of detailed information available, especially for those with vulvas and/or neo genitals, I aim to provide clarity and confidence with this little guide.
Penises and Vulvas.
Penises and Vulvas.
What does a health check look like on someone with a penis?
During a health check on someone with a penis, I visually inspect the genitals for any noticeable signs of STIs or BBVs from a standing position. This involves examining the skin for any lesions, sores and bumps. I also gently pull back the foreskin, and squeeze the penis slightly to check for any redness, swelling, signs of infection, odour and unusual discharge.
If you have phimosis (a condition where the foreskin is too tight and can’t be pulled down with ease), I can’t perform a proper health check - which could limit the services I offer. Additionally, if the skin has broken areas (which, while not an STI symptom, can increase transmission risks), this may also affect what services can be performed.
What does a health check look like on someone with a vulva?
Conducting a health check on someone with a vulva, I’m looking for similar visual signs as a health check on someone with a penis. I will ask you to lay down, with your legs spread slightly apart. I will examine the external genitalia for any redness, swelling, lesions, bumps, odour or unusual discharge. I may slightly part the labia to check the inside of the vulva.
If I notice any concerns during the check, like irritation or signs of infection, I may ask further questions or suggest alternative activities to ensure our time together remains safe and enjoyable.
Conducting a health check on someone with neo-genitals is exactly the same process as someone who hasn’t undergone gender affirming surgery.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term ‘neo-genitals’, it refers to surgically constructed or modified genitalia, typically created during gender-affirming surgeries for trans folk.
While the specific steps in a health check may vary depending on whether you have a neo-vulva or penis, the overarching goal remains the same: to visually inspect the area for any signs of irritation, inflammation, bumps and lumps.
Sometimes with neo-genitals, there may be irritation or inflammation depending on the type of skin graft - which may have nothing to do with STIs. I'm mindful of this and encourage open dialogue if you’re worried. Through my experience with neo-genitals, I've learned that everyone is unique, exactly like people without surgery. As a side note, I'm very conscious of a high risk of tears for neo-genitals - so I’m very used to applying plenty of lube and communicating with you the whole time during the service.