Sexual Health & Safer Sex Practices

We offer safety, information and support surrounding sexual health, including STI’s and contraception to women who are currently sex working. You can find advice surrounding sexual health and contraception below or for more information please get in touch:

What supplies can I access through Basis?

We offer free sexual heath supplies including a range of EXS and Pasante condoms (in packs of 30), lubricant, dams, gloves, and sponges. We can also supply a range of condoms to purchase as bulk packs (144 condoms). Download our condom pricelist here. You can pick condoms up from the Basis office, or arrange for them to be delivered to your home or place of work.

Condoms help to protect against STI’s and pregnancy. You should always have a condom ready, and only use one condom per job. We advise that you use flavoured for oral, extra safe for anal sex and extra safe or natural for vaginal sex. You can use lubricant with each condom to prevent the condom from bursting, ensure that you use only proper lube and no other product as this could cause the condom to break.

What tests & services can I access through Basis?

Our staff are trained to help with 3 site testing swab (mouth, vagina and rectum) – these test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV)

We are currently in the process of bringing back our nurse led sessions, please keep checking our website for more information regarding further sexual health support. Alternatively, please ring Leeds Sexual Health on 0113 392 0333. 

We suggest that you have a full sexual health screening every three months. We can book appointments for you, and accompany you if you wish. The staff are professional, non-judgmental and experienced in dealing with sexual health matters. The service is completely confidential, and results can be given by phone, text or an unmarked letter.

If you want us to book an appointment for you, the easiest way to do this is either to come to our drop in which is Monday 1:30 – 4 at our offices. A map of which can be found here. Or, call us on our office number 0113 243 0036

How can I access screening, contraception & treatment?

Drop-in:

We are hoping to bring back our drop in-clinic with a designated nurse where we will provide screenings, contraception and some treatments at drop-in. Please check back on this website for more information regarding this.

Easy access to Leeds Sexual Health Clinic:

Dedicated Appointments: There are 2 dedicated appointment slots for sex workers at Leeds Sexual Health every day at 1:30pm and 2:30pm, so you can book into the clinic more easily. Call us on 07710304306 at Basis to book.

redumbrella

Red Umbrella Card: The red umbrella card can be shown at Leeds sexual Health reception (or can you just say ‘red umbrella’). This identifies you as a sex worker discreetly, meaning no tricky questions and you will be fast tracked. Please note that fast track means you will be put next on the list to be seen, but may still have to wait up to 1 hour. You can get a red umbrella card from Basis or download this from the Leeds Sexual Health website. The sexual health clinic is located in the Merrion Centre. More information about opening times can be found on their website.

Outreach Visits:

We can come to your home/place of work or other convenient place. We understand the need for discretion and confidentiality. This option will also allow you to get free supplies, including condoms, lube and sponges, and newsletters with up-to-date info and Ugly Mugs alerts. Full screening options are available on an outreach visit. These are usually on a Wednesday. All you need to do is get in touch on 07710304306 to arrange a visit or to find out about other ways you can accessing testing or advice.

For any questions regarding sexual health, to make an appointment, to get a red umbrella card or find out drop-in times please call or text us on 07710304306.

Pregnancy testing and support if you think you might be pregnant

Basis Sex Work Project maintains a non-judgemental approach and will support you with your decision. If you are happy to become pregnant, we can accompany you to antenatal appointments and support you throughout your pregnancy and birth. However, if you would like to discuss the other options available, we can refer you to the appropriate support and accompany you to any appointments or procedures.