Sex workers, fair sex

Sex work is a profession offering services like many others. Be fair and respectful.

Respect

  • The services and their prices are non-negotiable and must be paid for in advance.
  • Respect what has been mutually agreed.
  • No means no: Accept the specifications of the sex workers.
  • Always use a condom and a lubricant.

If you have any questions, please contact your counselling centres anonymously and free of charge
Counselling centres for sex workers in your area: www.procore-info.ch

Health

Having sex can transmit sexually transmitted diseases. Protect yourself.

  • Always use a condom when having vaginal and anal sex. This way you prevent an infection with HIV.
  • Always use a condom and dental dams when having oral sex. This way you reduce the risk of an infection with syphilis, gonorrhea and other diseases.
  • Get tested regularly for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Information can be found under www.get-tested.ch

The Law

You are breaking the law and committing a criminal offence if you:

  • Insult, threaten, rape or beat someone.
  • Do not pay for the services.
  • Force someone to have sexual intercourse / force someone to engage in a sexual practice.
  • Pay for sex with a minor.

Do you suspect forced labour or human trafficking? Report your suspicions anonymously to www.fiz-info.ch or call 044 436 90 00.

What should I keep in mind when I go to a sex worker?

Follow the safer sex rules and make very clear agreements about protection. It's vital to use condoms and/or dental dams (small, thin latex sheets used for oral sex) for every sexual contact. Condoms offer a very high level of protection against HIV, and will also protect you well against other STIs. However, even if you follow the safer sex rules, you might still become infected with syphilis, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia, etc. That's nothing to be ashamed of, as most STIs respond well to treatment if they are detected in good time.

I visited a prostitute and we had unprotected sex. Now I’m worried that I might be infected. What can I do?

If it was a definite risk situation, then the infection can be prevented by an HIV emergency treatment, the so-called HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (also known as HIV-PEP). In any case the HIV-PEP medication must begin within 48 hours of exposure, the earlier the better. Call a HIV-PEP emergency number in order to find out if a HIV-PEP is applicable in your case. Until investigations have been carried out, a condom must be used to protect your sexual partners from infection.

I had anal sex with a male prostitute and the condom tore. What can I do now?

Anal sex without a condom or with a condom failure carries the highest risk of infection with HIV or another STI. It's therefore important that you go to a Checkpoint in your area as soon as possible, or get in touch with an HIV PEP emergency unit. Treatment must start within 48 hours of exposure, and the earlier the better, to prevent your becoming infected with HIV.

For recommendations based on your personal sexuality, try our Safer Sex Check at lovelife.ch