Today, I was more relieved than normal when I got the text saying all my results were negative from my latest STI screen. On both escort and punter fora recently there has been more discussion than usual about STIs, in particular oral gonorrhoea.

It is a dilemma for me. I have a biomedical background so am fully aware of the risks. With regard to giving oral, however, I never take cum in my mouth or swallow (even in my private life), I don’t see more than 5-6 clients in a week, if that, don’t give oral to all of them, and go for regular screens. So far – touchwood – I’ve been fine giving oral without: I find giving oral with a condom really quite revolting.

But, it does surprise me that men who visit escorts, especially if they regularly see different ones, don’t go for tests themselves. Escorts always get the blame, but one infected punter could affect a lot of women – civilian and professional. Moreover these days it can all be done anonymously, in a day, by post etc. etc. There’s really no excuse not to get yourself checked out, at least once or twice a year.

Most things can be dealt with, but not everything is treatable. So please, take responsibility and get to your nearest GUM clinic.