Eye sight
Make sure that you can see the client properly. Use contact lenses or glasses if you have poor eyesight.
Oral hygiene
Don’t brush you teeth one hour before and one hour after you see a client. Small lesions can form in your mouth when you brush, making you more susceptible to bacteria and viruses. Use a mouthwash if you feel you need to clean your mouth, and keep the mouth hydrated by drinking water.
Cover up cuts and tears
Small cuts and tears can increase the risk of infection. Put a Band-Aid on hangnails and cuts and check your genital and anal area daily.
Shaving the genital area: Good hygiene is crucial. Use light and short strokes and shave in the same direction your hair grows. Shaving creams give good lubrication, and there are products especially developed for shaving the genital area. You can also use hair conditioner instead of shaving cream. Hair removal creams are not to be used in the genital area as they are strong and should not com in contact with mucus membranes.
Food and drink
Drink plenty of water and try to eat as varied as possible. Try to eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruit.
Alcohol and drugs
Avoid drinking and taking drugs when you work. If you are on Hiv medication, please check with your doctor before using drugs.
Poppers
Poppers were originally developed as an emergency heart medication. They expand the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the heart. This results in a lowering of the blood pressure and people with a heart condition should be particularly careful with the use of poppers. Long term use can result in physical complications, mainly sores and skin corrosion around the mouth and nose.
Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs
Some people use Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs when they sell sex. It is important to know that these drugs requires a medical prescription and are only to be used after consulting with a doctor. An alternative to erectile dysfunction drugs is a penis ring (cock ring). Make sure that you use one made of rubber that can easily be taken off.
Erection dysfunction drugs (Viagra) and poppers
Avoid mixing Viagra with poppers, ecstasy or cocaine, as it can cause a dramatic lowering of the blood pressure and increase stress on the heart. Using Viagra and poppers in combination can cause cardiac arrest. Practice first aid, and call 113 (emergency service) if your client goes into cardiac arrest!
Body piercings
Ideally, you should remove all body piercings before seeing a client as they can get tugged at or torn off. If your body piercings are part of the service you’re selling, please come to an agreement with the client to avoid bodily harm.
Fetish services
Consider learning basic first aid if you offer fetish services, particularly if you participate in rougher SM-activities.
Sex Toys
If you and/or the client use sex toys, please remember that they can transmit infections. Put condoms on dildos and follow the hygiene instuctions that came with the toy.
Transgendered
Safe sex practices apply to persons of all genders. However, if you are transgendered, you may need information on both male and female health.
It is a misunderstanding that trans women who have undergone genital corrective surgery, can’t be infected with Hiv during vaginal intercourse. You need to use condoms and lubricants during intercourse as a trans woman as well. Lubricants are particularly important, as the new vagina lacks natural lubrication.
Language and negotiation skills
Being able to negotiate and set boundaries with clients is extremely important for working safely. If you don’t know Norwegian, try to learn a few phrases to be able to communicate and negotiate with clients.