Objective:

To explore the perceived barriers to sexual health self-care of a 57-year-old cisgender woman in sex worker situation.

Methods:

A biographical account of a qualitative, constructivist and phenomenological nature was addressed.

Results:

From the systematic and content analysis, the following themes emerged: sex work as a life alternative; stigma and discrimination due to occupational identity; the lack of preventive, humanized and inclusive health care; the necessary self-esteem to care for oneself; informal psychology as a method of screening the client; professional knowledge in protective and care practices; gaps and difficulties in the use of the male condom; and the need for a public policy with a gender and inclusive perspective.

Conclusions:

The narrative reflects the need to address the barriers to sexual health self-care, through participatory and inclusive methodologies that promote the cooperation of preventive health policies, strategies, and interventions consistent with the needs of female sex workers.