GITNUXREPORT 2025

Prostitution Health Statistics

Majority of sex workers lack healthcare access, face stigma and high health risks.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Around 89% of sex workers worldwide lack access to regular health services

Statistic 2

Approximately 60% of sex workers experience discrimination in healthcare settings

Statistic 3

Only about 28% of sex workers have access to regular health check-ups

Statistic 4

About 65% of sex workers in some regions are denied health services due to stigma

Statistic 5

In a study, 34% of sex workers reported having been refused treatment for infectious diseases

Statistic 6

In some contexts, only 15% of sex workers receive regular health education, decreasing their ability to protect themselves

Statistic 7

Nearly 65% of sex workers report facing barriers such as legal restrictions and social stigma when seeking healthcare

Statistic 8

Access to mental health services remains limited for sex workers, with less than 20% receiving adequate support

Statistic 9

Many sex workers report experiencing fear of arrest when trying to access health services, hindering care-seeking behavior

Statistic 10

Many sex workers face legal barriers that prevent access to health services, with nearly 76 countries criminalizing aspects of sex work

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Young sex workers under 18 are often excluded from health programs, making them more vulnerable to infections and violence

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Globally, the average age of entry into sex work is approximately 17 years old

Statistic 13

HIV prevalence among sex workers is estimated at 10%, significantly higher than the general population

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In some regions, only about 37% of sex workers report consistent condom use with clients

Statistic 15

Around 58% of sex workers have been diagnosed with at least one STI in the past year

Statistic 16

The prevalence of hepatitis B among sex workers can reach up to 9%, depending on region

Statistic 17

About 75% of sex workers in certain areas have untreated STIs, increasing transmission risks

Statistic 18

Nearly 95% of sex workers report not using protection methods during transactions at some point, increasing health risks

Statistic 19

The rate of condom use with clients is significantly lower among street-based sex workers compared to those working indoors

Statistic 20

The HIV testing rate among sex workers is about 50%, with many unaware of their status

Statistic 21

In many regions, less than 10% of sex workers have access to comprehensive sexual health education, reducing their ability to prevent infections

Statistic 22

The global HIV burden among sex workers accounts for roughly 2.3% of all new HIV infections annually

Statistic 23

In some countries, legal criminalization of sex work correlates with increased HIV transmission rates, due to reduced health access

Statistic 24

Around 15-20% of sex workers report experiencing consistent condom use with clients, indicating significant gaps in protection

Statistic 25

HIV testing among sex workers remains critical, with rates improving but still around 60-70%, leaving gaps in early detection

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Compared to the general population, sex workers are 13 times more likely to acquire HIV, highlighting elevated health risks

Statistic 27

HIV prevalence among transgender sex workers can be substantially higher than among cisgender counterparts, estimated at up to 27%

Statistic 28

Education and outreach programs improve condom use among sex workers, with reported increases of up to 40% in consistent protection

Statistic 29

Peer-led interventions are effective, increasing condom use and health service utilization among sex workers by 30-50%

Statistic 30

Nearly 70% of women involved in prostitution report experiencing psychological trauma

Statistic 31

Nearly 80% of sex workers experience mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, due to work-related stress

Statistic 32

About 20% of sex workers have experienced reproductive health issues, including complications from unsafe abortion

Statistic 33

Nearly 50% of sex workers report using drugs illegally, which increases health risks

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The incidence of suicide among sex workers is estimated at 6 times higher than the general population, according to some studies

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The prevalence of substance use disorder among sex workers is estimated at 18%, complicating health outcomes

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Mental health issues, including depression, are reported by nearly 70% of sex workers, often linked to violence and social exclusion

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Violence and coercion are reported by approximately 73% of sex workers at some point in their careers

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Approximately 40% of female sex workers report reducing condom use due to client pressure

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40% of sex workers report experiencing workplace violence, including physical or sexual assault

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Around 22% of female sex workers experience economic coercion to continue working, impacting health access

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About 83% of sex workers have experienced at least one form of violence in their lifetime, increasing health vulnerabilities

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The median age of entry into sex work varies, but in many regions, it is under 18, raising concerns about exploitation and health vulnerabilities

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The global number of sex workers is estimated at 42 million

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Approximately 1 in 3 sex workers worldwide are under 25 years old

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Unsafe working conditions lead to higher health risks, with over 50% of sex workers reporting work environments that lack basic safety measures

Statistic 46

The stigma around sex work significantly hampers efforts to improve health outcomes, with over 80% of sex workers reporting social exclusion

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Key Highlights

  • Around 89% of sex workers worldwide lack access to regular health services
  • Approximately 60% of sex workers experience discrimination in healthcare settings
  • Nearly 70% of women involved in prostitution report experiencing psychological trauma
  • HIV prevalence among sex workers is estimated at 10%, significantly higher than the general population
  • In some regions, only about 37% of sex workers report consistent condom use with clients
  • Violence and coercion are reported by approximately 73% of sex workers at some point in their careers
  • Around 58% of sex workers have been diagnosed with at least one STI in the past year
  • The global number of sex workers is estimated at 42 million
  • Only about 28% of sex workers have access to regular health check-ups
  • Approximately 40% of female sex workers report reducing condom use due to client pressure
  • About 65% of sex workers in some regions are denied health services due to stigma
  • Nearly 80% of sex workers experience mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, due to work-related stress
  • In a study, 34% of sex workers reported having been refused treatment for infectious diseases

Despite being crucial yet marginalized, sex workers worldwide face staggering health disparities—with nearly 90% lacking regular healthcare access, over 80% experiencing stigma, and HIV rates alarmingly high—all highlighting an urgent need for targeted interventions to protect their well-being.

Access to Healthcare and Services

  • Around 89% of sex workers worldwide lack access to regular health services
  • Approximately 60% of sex workers experience discrimination in healthcare settings
  • Only about 28% of sex workers have access to regular health check-ups
  • About 65% of sex workers in some regions are denied health services due to stigma
  • In a study, 34% of sex workers reported having been refused treatment for infectious diseases
  • In some contexts, only 15% of sex workers receive regular health education, decreasing their ability to protect themselves
  • Nearly 65% of sex workers report facing barriers such as legal restrictions and social stigma when seeking healthcare
  • Access to mental health services remains limited for sex workers, with less than 20% receiving adequate support
  • Many sex workers report experiencing fear of arrest when trying to access health services, hindering care-seeking behavior
  • Many sex workers face legal barriers that prevent access to health services, with nearly 76 countries criminalizing aspects of sex work
  • Young sex workers under 18 are often excluded from health programs, making them more vulnerable to infections and violence

Access to Healthcare and Services Interpretation

Despite constituting a vital yet marginalized workforce, over 89% of sex workers worldwide remain health service refugees, facing discrimination, criminalization, and stigma that effectively turn their pursuit of care into a perilous journey rather than a right.

Demographics

  • Globally, the average age of entry into sex work is approximately 17 years old

Demographics Interpretation

The global statistic that the average age of entry into sex work is around 17 underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and support measures aimed at protecting vulnerable youth from a booming and often invisible industry.

HIV and STI Prevalence and Prevention

  • HIV prevalence among sex workers is estimated at 10%, significantly higher than the general population
  • In some regions, only about 37% of sex workers report consistent condom use with clients
  • Around 58% of sex workers have been diagnosed with at least one STI in the past year
  • The prevalence of hepatitis B among sex workers can reach up to 9%, depending on region
  • About 75% of sex workers in certain areas have untreated STIs, increasing transmission risks
  • Nearly 95% of sex workers report not using protection methods during transactions at some point, increasing health risks
  • The rate of condom use with clients is significantly lower among street-based sex workers compared to those working indoors
  • The HIV testing rate among sex workers is about 50%, with many unaware of their status
  • In many regions, less than 10% of sex workers have access to comprehensive sexual health education, reducing their ability to prevent infections
  • The global HIV burden among sex workers accounts for roughly 2.3% of all new HIV infections annually
  • In some countries, legal criminalization of sex work correlates with increased HIV transmission rates, due to reduced health access
  • Around 15-20% of sex workers report experiencing consistent condom use with clients, indicating significant gaps in protection
  • HIV testing among sex workers remains critical, with rates improving but still around 60-70%, leaving gaps in early detection
  • Compared to the general population, sex workers are 13 times more likely to acquire HIV, highlighting elevated health risks
  • HIV prevalence among transgender sex workers can be substantially higher than among cisgender counterparts, estimated at up to 27%
  • Education and outreach programs improve condom use among sex workers, with reported increases of up to 40% in consistent protection
  • Peer-led interventions are effective, increasing condom use and health service utilization among sex workers by 30-50%

HIV and STI Prevalence and Prevention Interpretation

With half of sex workers unaware of their HIV status and only modest improvements from outreach efforts, it’s clear that without targeted education, accessible testing, and decriminalization, the health risks confronting this vulnerable population remain alarmingly elevated—making safe sex not just smart, but essential.

Health and Mental Well-being

  • Nearly 70% of women involved in prostitution report experiencing psychological trauma
  • Nearly 80% of sex workers experience mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, due to work-related stress
  • About 20% of sex workers have experienced reproductive health issues, including complications from unsafe abortion
  • Nearly 50% of sex workers report using drugs illegally, which increases health risks
  • The incidence of suicide among sex workers is estimated at 6 times higher than the general population, according to some studies
  • The prevalence of substance use disorder among sex workers is estimated at 18%, complicating health outcomes
  • Mental health issues, including depression, are reported by nearly 70% of sex workers, often linked to violence and social exclusion

Health and Mental Well-being Interpretation

Despite the glamourized facade, the grim reality reveals that nearly 80% of sex workers grapple with mental health struggles, substance abuse, and reproductive complications—highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive health and social support rather than stigmatization.

Violence, Coercion, and Legal Barriers

  • Violence and coercion are reported by approximately 73% of sex workers at some point in their careers
  • Approximately 40% of female sex workers report reducing condom use due to client pressure
  • 40% of sex workers report experiencing workplace violence, including physical or sexual assault
  • Around 22% of female sex workers experience economic coercion to continue working, impacting health access
  • About 83% of sex workers have experienced at least one form of violence in their lifetime, increasing health vulnerabilities
  • The median age of entry into sex work varies, but in many regions, it is under 18, raising concerns about exploitation and health vulnerabilities

Violence, Coercion, and Legal Barriers Interpretation

These alarming statistics reveal that the intersection of violence, coercion, and early entry into sex work not only jeopardizes the health and safety of workers but also underscores the urgent need for comprehensive protections and support systems to address exploitation and empower those in the industry.

Work Conditions, Demographics, and Behavior

  • The global number of sex workers is estimated at 42 million
  • Approximately 1 in 3 sex workers worldwide are under 25 years old
  • Unsafe working conditions lead to higher health risks, with over 50% of sex workers reporting work environments that lack basic safety measures
  • The stigma around sex work significantly hampers efforts to improve health outcomes, with over 80% of sex workers reporting social exclusion

Work Conditions, Demographics, and Behavior Interpretation

With 42 million globally and one in three under 25, the staggering stats reveal that young, vulnerable, and stigmatized sex workers face perilous health risks in unsafe environments—highlighting the urgent need to dismantle stigma and prioritize safety for this unseen workforce.