Lesbian Health

A few facts

Portia De Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres. Some day marriage equality will once again exist in Ireland too.

•      Women having sex with other women can catch a number of STIs, including HIV/AIDS, genital warts, chlamydia, pubic lice and trichomoniasis, to name but a few.

•      If you’re using sex toys, use a new condom for each partner or between penetration of different orifices. Sex toys should be washed with soap and water between sessions. Find out more about cleaning sex toys.

•      Avoid oral sex if either of you has any cuts or sores in the mouth or on the lips, or use a dental dam. A dental dam is a latex or polyurethane (very thin, soft plastic) square, of about 15cm by 15cm, which you can use to cover the anus or female genitals during oral sex. It acts as a barrier to help prevent sexually transmitted infections passing from one person to another.

•      Some infections can be transmitted by hands, fingers and mutual vulval rubbing. Wash your hands before and after sex.

•      Wear latex gloves and use plenty of water-based lubricant for vaginal and anal fisting.

•     Cervical and other cancers • lesbians can develop cervical cancer and therefore do need regular smear tests.

    •      Some lesbians do use chemical contraceptives (birth control pills). Prescribed to treat severe acne, control and reduce fibroids, prevent Ovarian cancer and other reproductive system associated cancers.
    Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is very common among women who have sex with women. It is  prudent for both partners to receive treatment.
    •      Fertility is very much an important issue for lesbian woman, as much as for any woman, and it’s important to be able to discuss this and other health issues that occur within the reproductive system with your GP.
    •      Some lesbians bear, rear, share responsibilities for and adopt children.
    •      Lesbians do need to practice Safe Sex

    Tips for safer sex between women

•     If you’re using sex toys, use a new condom for each partner or between penetration of different orifices. Sex toys should be washed with soap and water between sessions. Find out more about cleaning sex toys.

•      Avoid oral sex if either of you has any cuts or sores in the mouth or on the lips, or use a dental dam. A dental dam is a latex or polyurethane (very thin, soft plastic) square, of about 15cm by 15cm, which you can use to cover the anus or female genitals during oral sex. It acts as a barrier to help prevent sexually transmitted infections passing from one person to another.

•      Some infections can be transmitted by hands, fingers and mutual vulval rubbing. Wash your hands before and after sex.

•      Wear latex gloves and use plenty of water-based lubricant for vaginal and anal fisting.

     

     

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