Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Sexual Health

 

When women exchange bodily fluids, they can contract STIs like herpes, genital warts, and chlamydia.

Any one-on-one contact, such as oral sex or touching yourself and then your partner with the same hand, can put you at risk. If two women are menstruating at the same time, they are at a higher risk.

Women's sex safety tips

Use a new condom for each partner or between penetrations of different body openings if you're using sex toys. Between sessions, sex toys should be washed with soap and water. Learn more about how to clean sex toys.

If either of you has cuts or sores in the mouth or on the lips, avoid oral sex or use a dental dam. A dental dam is a 15cm by 15cm latex or polyurethane (very thin, soft plastic) square used to cover the anus or female genitals during oral sex. It acts as a barrier, preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections from one person to the next.

Hands, fingers, and mutual vulval rubbing can spread some infections. Please wash your hands.

Bisexual women can use these tips to have safer sex with men.

Use a condom if you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a man. Condoms protect against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used correctly. Find out about the best form of contraception for you, in addition to condoms.

You can use emergency contraception if you think you might be at risk of unintended pregnancy (the "morning-after" pill or an IUD).

Some pharmacies, GPs, contraception (family planning) clinics, and sexual health clinics sell the emergency pill. Contraception clinics, some sexual health clinics, and some GPs sell the IUD.

STIs in women's symptoms

Herpes genital

This is caused by a virus that spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as sharing sex toys. It can also cause mouth and nose cold sores.

Blisters and ulcers around the genital area are common symptoms, though some women may experience none at all.

Antiviral tablets can assist in the recovery process.

Warts on the genital area

In the vulval and anal regions, these are fleshy growths. They're itchy, but they're usually not painful.

They're caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which are usually transmitted sexually through skin contact, such as rubbing vulvae together.

Women who have genital warts do not require more frequent smear tests than women who do not. Treatment options include freezing and medicated creams, among others. 

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis can be passed between women during any sexual activity that involves vaginal fluid exchange.

A frothy discharge, pain when peeing, vulval soreness, and an unpleasant vaginal odor are some of the symptoms. Some women have no symptoms at all. Antibiotics are used to treat it.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two sexually transmitted diseases.

Bacteria can infect the cervix, rectum, throat, and urethra, resulting in STIs. There may be a discharge, but no symptoms are usually present.

The bacteria can cause an infection in the fallopian tubes and infertility if the conditions are not treated.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are transmitted between women via shared sex toys, hands, and rubbing vulvae together. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that results in a non-painful ulcer in the genital area. It will go away on its own, but you may notice other symptoms. A rash on the body and swollen glands are two examples of these symptoms.

Syphilis can lead to serious nerve and organ damage later in life if it is not treated.

Syphilis is highly infectious in its early stages and can be spread through sexual contact. Antibiotic injections or pills are used to treat the condition.

Maintaining the health of your vagina

There's no need to wash your vaginal area because it cleans itself (douching). Excessive use of perfumed soaps, bubble baths, and shower gels can cause vaginal soreness and vulval irritation.

Always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom (from the vagina to anus).

Protect your mental health.

Women from sexual minorities are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Social alienation, discrimination, rejection by loved ones, abuse, and violence are all contributing factors. Sexual minority women who are not "out" to others and who lack social support may face a more serious problem.

If you believe you are depressed, speak with your doctor or seek treatment from a mental health professional. If you're hesitant to seek help, confide in a close friend or family member. Sharing your emotions could be the first step toward receiving help.

Take precautions to avoid sexually transmitted infections.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis are examples of sexually transmitted infections that can spread between women. Infections can also be spread through oral sex and sexual behavior involving digital-vaginal or digital-anal contact, particularly with shared penetrative sex toys.

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can also be contracted through female sexual contact. HIV/AIDS and many sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV and genital herpes, have no cure. Safer sex is the most effective way to stay healthy.

To avoid sexually transmitted infections, take the following precautions:

Test yourself and have your partner tested as well. Whether you're having sex with a man or a woman, don't engage in unprotected sex unless you're sure you and your partner aren't infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Testing is necessary because many people are unaware that they are infected, and others may not be forthcoming with information about their health.

Use a safer method of sex. Use a small piece of latex (dental dam) or a latex barrier during oral sex. Between uses, wash sex toys in hot soapy water or cover them with a fresh condom. Consider wearing a latex glove during digital vaginal or anal penetration.

Monogamy is a virtue. Staying in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship is another effective way to avoid sexually transmitted infections.

Seek help if you are suffering from a substance abuse problem.

Women from sexual minorities have higher rates of tobacco use, as well as alcohol and drug addiction.

Remember that help is available if you are struggling with a substance abuse problem. Substance abuse treatment is frequently provided by local lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health, mental health, or community centers. Referrals from organizations like GLMA are also possible.

Recognize the signs of domestic violence.

Anyone in a close relationship can be affected by domestic violence. Due to the following factors, sexual minority women may be more likely to remain silent about this type of violence:

Threats from the batterer to "out" you by telling your sexual orientation to friends, loved ones, coworkers, or community members

Discrimination fears

You may feel hopeless, depressed, and anxious if you stay in an abusive relationship. If you don't want to reveal your same-sex relationship or sexual identity, you may be less likely to seek help after an assault.

Still, the only way to break the cycle of domestic violence is to act — and the sooner the better. If you're a victim of domestic violence, tell someone about it, whether it's a friend, loved one, health care provider, or other close contacts.

Consider calling a domestic violence hotline and planning an escape strategy from your abuser.

When should you consult a doctor about your sexual health?

If you have any of the above symptoms or are concerned that you may have an STI, consult your doctor or go to an STI clinic.

Getting tested on a regular basis is a good way to ensure a healthy sex life. NHS services are provided free of charge.