Reducing Risk: Health Screening and Best Practices for Escort Work

Working as an escort doesn’t mean you have to accept unnecessary risk. Every day, people in this line of work make choices that keep them safe, healthy, and in control. The key isn’t avoiding the work-it’s doing it smarter. Health screening, clear boundaries, and routine safety habits aren’t optional. They’re the foundation of sustainable, low-risk work.

Why regular health screening matters

Getting tested for STIs isn’t just about protecting clients. It’s about protecting yourself. Many escorts in the UK get tested every two to four weeks, depending on how often they see clients. Some clinics offer free, confidential testing specifically for sex workers. In Manchester, the Clare House Sexual Health Clinic has a dedicated drop-in service for sex workers that doesn’t require ID or an appointment.

Regular testing catches infections early. Chlamydia and gonorrhea often show no symptoms, but left untreated, they can cause long-term damage. HIV and syphilis are also easier to treat when found early. A 2024 study by the UK Health Security Agency found that sex workers who tested monthly had 73% fewer new infections than those who waited until symptoms appeared.

Don’t wait for a client to ask. Make testing part of your routine, like changing your sheets or washing your hands. Keep a log of your last test date, the clinic you used, and the results. If you’re using a service like Clare House or Sh24, ask for a printed or digital copy of your results. Store it securely.

What to test for-and how often

Not all tests are the same. A basic STI panel should include:

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea (urine and throat swab)
• HIV (blood test)
• Syphilis (blood test)
• Herpes (only if you have symptoms or a known exposure)
• Hepatitis B and C (blood tests)

For escorts who do unprotected oral sex, a throat swab is essential. For those who do anal work, a rectal swab should be added. If you’re using condoms consistently, you can test every four weeks. If you’re not, test every two weeks. Some people test before and after every new client. That’s not overkill-it’s standard practice among those who’ve been doing this for years without incident.

Don’t skip testing because you feel fine. Most STIs don’t hurt. That’s why they spread.

Condoms aren’t optional-they’re non-negotiable

Condoms reduce transmission risk by over 95% for most STIs when used correctly. That’s not a guess. It’s backed by data from the World Health Organization and Public Health England.

But condoms only work if they’re used every time. No exceptions. Not even for a “trusted” client. Not even if they say they’ve been tested. You can’t see an STI. You can’t smell one. You can’t feel one until it’s too late.

Keep condoms in your bag, your car, your bedside drawer. Use water-based lube-never oil-based. Oil breaks down latex. If a client refuses a condom, end the session. Walk out. No apology needed. Your body is not a bargaining chip.

Some escorts use internal condoms (female condoms) for anal work. They’re more expensive but offer better coverage. If you’re doing anal, consider them. They’re less likely to slip and give you more control.

Screening clients before you meet

Screening isn’t just about health-it’s about safety. Before you agree to meet anyone:

• Ask for a clear photo of their face (not just a body shot or profile picture)
• Check their profile on AdultWork or other platforms. Look for reviews, how long they’ve been active, and whether they’ve been reported
• Ask for their full name and verify it with a quick Google search
• Use a screening call. Talk for at least 10 minutes. Listen for inconsistencies, pressure, or aggressive language
• Never give your home address. Always meet in a public place first, or use a booked room

Some escorts use a simple script: “I need to confirm you’ve been tested in the last 30 days. Can you send me a copy of your results?” Most respectful clients will understand. If they get angry, that’s your red flag.

Setting boundaries that stick

Boundaries aren’t just about what you will or won’t do. They’re about how you enforce them.

Write down your limits. Not in your head. On paper. Or in a notes app. Include:

• Services you offer (and those you don’t)
• Payment terms (cash only? upfront? no exceptions)
• Time limits (e.g., 90 minutes max)
• No drugs, no alcohol, no group sessions

Read them aloud before every session. Say it like you mean it. If a client pushes, say: “I’m sorry, but that’s not something I do. I can’t make an exception.” Then walk away. No explanation needed.

Use a safety app. Escort Safety and SafeZone let you send your location to a trusted contact. Set a timer. If you don’t check in, they get an alert and call the police. Many escorts in the UK use this daily. It’s not paranoia. It’s insurance.

What to do if something goes wrong

Even with all the right practices, things can still go sideways. Here’s what to do:

• If you’re assaulted: Call 999. You don’t need to prove anything. Just say you were attacked. The police have a specialist unit for sex workers.
• If you think you were exposed to an STI: Get tested immediately. Start PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV within 72 hours. Go to A&E or a sexual health clinic. They won’t judge you.
• If a client threatens you: Block them. Report them on AdultWork. Share their details with other escorts in private groups. You’re not snitching-you’re protecting others.
• If you feel unsafe after a session: Talk to someone. Don’t bottle it up. Groups like SWARM and UKSW offer free counselling for sex workers.

There’s no shame in needing help. The strongest people are the ones who ask for it.

Building a support network

You don’t have to do this alone. Many escorts form small peer groups. They check in on each other. Share client warnings. Swap clinic recommendations. Some meet weekly over Zoom. Others text a code word if they’re in trouble.

Find your people. It could be someone you met on AdultWork, a peer from a local support group, or a friend who knows your work. Keep their number saved as “Emergency Contact.” Make sure they know what to do if you don’t reply for 24 hours.

Support isn’t weakness. It’s survival.

Final reminder: Your health is your business

This work is not about being brave. It’s about being smart. The people who last longest aren’t the ones who take the most risks. They’re the ones who stick to their rules. Who test regularly. Who say no without guilt. Who know their worth isn’t tied to a client’s demands.

You’re not just doing a job. You’re managing your health, your safety, and your future. Every test you take, every condom you use, every boundary you set-it adds up. Over time, those small choices become your shield.

There’s no magic formula. Just consistency. And that’s enough.