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Lesbian sexual health
Safer sex between women.
When it comes to sexual health, most people are aware of safer sex and the need to use condoms during male to female or male to male sex. However, lesbian sexual health is often overlooked and many people assume that lesbian sex is risk free. Unfortunately though, it still carries sexual health risks.
What STIs can be passed from females to females?
All STIs can be passed on during female to female sexual contact.
Some of the most common STIs that affect lesbians are:
- Herpes. Herpes is a virus that causes blisters around the vulva and vagina. Since it is a virus, it never leaves the body and a person may need to take medication regularly to prevent frequent outbreaks. Generally however, the outbreaks lessen over time. It is contagious, even when a person is not having an outbreak.
- Bacterial vaginosis. Nobody knows why, but this infection is more common in lesbian and bisexual women than it is in other groups. When a woman has BV, it means that there is too much bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria in the vagina. The main symptom of BV is a bad vaginal odour. It can be treated with antibiotics.
- Trichomoniasis. This is an STI that is caused by a small parasite. It can be spread by sexual contact and contact with damp towels. It can cause genital soreness and itching, as well as urinary tract symptoms. It can be treated with antibiotics.
- Chlamydia. This STI is caused by bacteria. If left untreated, it can cause infertility and gynaecological problems such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Unfortunately, it causes very mild symptoms, while doing serious damage to areas such as the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. So it's important to be tested for it regularly and to practice safer sex. It can be treated with antibiotics.
- HPV. This is a type of virus that is sexually transmitted and may cause changes in the cervix that may eventually lead to cervical cancer. There are over 150 strains of the HPV virus and not all are related to cervical cancer. However, many types can raise your risk of other cancers. The HPV virus is contagious even if a person doesn’t have any symptoms.
- Genital warts. These are warts that develop in the genital region. They are caused by the HPV virus. Treatment is with ointment from your doctor.
STIs that are less common in lesbians, but that still occur sometimes:
- Gonorrhea. This STD is fairly common, but it is less likely to affect lesbians. It is caused by bacteria and can cause bladder pain, bleeding between periods and vaginal discharge.
- Syphilis. Syphilis is a bacterial STI. When a person is infected with syphilis they will develop a small painless ulcer (usually in their genital region). This will be followed by a rash and perhaps swollen glands. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious organ and nerve damage. It is very contagious, but seems to be rare among lesbians.
- HIV/AIDS. This is a virus that can be spread through semen, blood, vaginal fluids and breast milk. However, it is very rare for women to transmit it to other women. There have been a few cases reported in medical journals, but not many.
How can STIs be transmitted?
They can be transmitted through:
- The sharing of sex toys.
- Skin to skin contact.
- Genital to genital contact.
- Mouth to genital contact.
- Through menstrual (period) blood.
- Through vaginal discharge.
Why wasn’t I aware of any of this?
- Many doctors are simply not aware of these issues and assume that lesbians do not need to be tested for STIs.
- Some lesbians do not feel comfortable discussing their relationships or their sexuality with doctors, so docs never get a chance to inform their patients of the risks.
What steps should I take to protect myself?
- Be aware that though STIs can be transmitted at any time, you are more vulnerable to acquiring one when you are having your period, even more so if you are both having your periods at the same time.
- STIs can be transmitted via oral sex and mutual masturbation, as well as genital to genital contact and through the use of sex toys.
- Protect your general health. Some researchers have theorised that strengthening the immune system makes you less likely to contract an STI.
- Get regular smear tests. These can detect pre-cancerous changes on the cervix.
- Find a doctor that you feel comfortable with. You may be able to get a recommendation from other LGBT persons. If you feel comfortable with your doc, you are more likely to go to him/her for general health care, as well as for screening tools such as smear tests.
- If you are bisexual rather than lesbian, make sure to use a condom when having sex with men.
- Get tested for STIs before starting a new relationship. You may find the thought of this embarrassing or intimidating, but it’s worth it.
- Always use condoms on sex toys.
- Use dental dams for oral sex. You can get these online.
