Resumo

FIGUEIREDO, Regina  e  PEIXOTO, Marcelo. Sex professionals and vulnerability. BIS, Bol. Inst. Saúde (Impr.) [online]. 2010, vol.12, n.2, pp. 196-201. ISSN 1518-1812.

ABSTRACT This article seeks to reflect on the problem of male and female prostitution, considering this phenomenon as socio-economic and gender exploitation. It points out the effects on the health of sex workers, covering the vulnerability to which they are subject in Sexual and Reproductive Health, such as the exposure to unplanned pregnancy and STDs/Aids, and in Mental Health, including physical and psychological violence and the use of both legal and illegal drugs. It makes suggestions regarding proposals for health care attention for sex workers and refers to the importance of advances in the field of law in general as important ways for the reduction of these vulnerabilities, apart from exposing the importance of organizing these groups and attending to their demands.

Palavras-chave : STD/AIDS; male prostitution; vulnerability.