8 Sexual Health Tips for Women who Have Sex with Women

 

While all women have certain risks to their overall wellbeing, women who have sex with women face an increased risk of specific health concerns; to do with sexual wellness. Certain sexually transmitted infections — such as human papillomavirus (HPV), bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas — can spread between women, and all forms of sexual contact – not just penetrative sex – can spread such STIs. Here are the Mayo Clinic’s sexual health recommendations for women who have sex with women:

 

1. Get Tested and Have Your Partner Get Tested: The Mayo Clinic warns, ‘Don’t have unprotected sex unless you’re certain you and your partner aren’t infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections — whether you have sex with a man or a woman. Testing is important because many people don’t know they’re infected, and others might not be honest about their health.’

 

2. Use a Condom or Other Protection: ‘During oral sex use a split-open condom, dental dam — a small piece of latex — or plastic wrap,’ the Mayo Clinic instructs. ‘Don’t share sex toys, and keep them safe by protecting them with a condom and cleaning them before and after every use.’

 

3. Be Monogamous: The Mayo Clinic notes, ‘Another reliable way to avoid sexually transmitted infections is to stay in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who isn’t infected.’

 

4. Consider Truvada: According to the Mayo Clinic, ‘In July 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the drug Truvada to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection in those who are at high risk. Truvada is also used as an HIV treatment along with other medications. When used to help prevent HIV infection, Truvada is only appropriate if your doctor is certain you don’t already have an HIV or hepatitis B infection. The drug must also be taken daily, exactly as prescribed. And it should only be used along with other prevention strategies such as condom use every time you have sex. Truvada isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in Truvada, talk with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits and whether it’s right for you.’

 

5. Stay Sharp: ‘Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and don’t use drugs,’ the Mayo Clinic advises. ‘If you’re under the influence, you’re more likely to take sexual risks. If you choose to use injectable drugs, don’t share needles.’

 

6. Get Vaccinated: The Mayo Clinic explains, ‘Vaccinations can protect you from HPV as well as hepatitis A and hepatitis B, serious liver infections that can spread through sexual contact.’

 

7. Remain Vigilant: ‘There’s no cure for HIV/AIDS and many sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV and genital herpes,’ the Mayo Clinic cautions. ‘The best way to stay healthy is to protect yourself.’

 

8. Tackle Depression: ‘Lesbians and bisexual women might be at higher risk of depression and anxiety,’ the Mayo Clinic points out. ‘In addition, youth who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender might have a higher risk of depression and attempted suicide. Contributing factors could include social alienation, discrimination, rejection by loved ones, abuse and violence. The problem might be more severe for lesbians who try to hide their sexual orientation and those who lack social support. Left untreated, depression can lead to risky sexual behaviour and a downward spiral of emotional, behavioural, health, and even legal and financial problems. If you think you might be depressed, talk to your doctor or seek help from a mental health provider. If you’re reluctant to seek treatment, confide in a trusted friend or loved one. Sharing your feelings might be the first step toward getting treatment.’

Categories: Bisexual Women, Lesbians, sexually transmitted infections

Lesbian-Focused Health Tips For a Safe Sex Life

There are certain health risks to all women, but women who have sex with women are at an increased risk of specific health concerns. Your individual risks are shaped around the many factors that go beyond your orientation and practices, such as your family history and age. It’s important to understand the common risks associated with lesbian sex, and the steps you can take to ensure that you’re healthy and safe at all times. People always associate STIs with gay sex, but there are still sexually transmitted diseases to consider within lesbian relationships as well. For example, the HPV virus, bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas can spread between women. Likewise, oral, digital-vaginal or digital-anal contact, or using shared sex toys, can all spread infection. There is also a risk of sexual contact leading to HIV being spread, which is the virus that causes AIDs. There are ways to protect yourself against these infections though, from regular checks to medication.

As with anyone else, getting yourself checked for STIs regularly is very important. You and your partner should be tested, and you should never have unprotected sex with anyone unless you’re certain that you’re both clear of any diseases. Diseases can often be contracted without any symptoms, so being checked at a clinic is the only way to be sure that you’re both clean. Again, as with anyone, protection should be used to limit the spread of STIs. You can use dental dams or a condom that’s been split open during oral sex, and try not to share sex toys. Being monogamous is another reliable way to ensure that you’re both staying free of infections. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration approved a drug named Truvada which is said to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV infections in people who are high risks. It’s also used as an HIV treatment with other medications. You should limit the amount of alcohol you drink and don’t use drugs – these lower your inhibitions and could lead to you making unsafe choices. You should get vaccinated against HPV virus and hepatitis B.

 

Lesbians and bisexual women are, reportedly, at higher risk of anxiety and depression. This is particularly the case in young people who identify as gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual. The contributing factors may include anything from social alienation or rejection from loved ones, to abuse or violence. This may also be more of a risk in lesbians who try to hide their orientation and sexual behaviour. The best way to combat this is to confide in a friend and share your feelings, to help you feel less alone and stressed by the situation. If you don’t feel like there is anyone you can turn to, you may benefit from counselling sessions where you can speak to someone trained in these matters. Likewise, lesbians and bisexual women may face unique risk factors for substance abuse, such as stress, the impact of sexism and discrimination, trauma from bullying and violence, or relying on bars and clubs for socialising and peer support. There are a number of groups and services available to help lesbians and gay people come to terms with their sexuality, and to deal with the impact it has on their mental, emotional and physical health in certain circumstances. The most important thing to do is to be vigilant of your health and ensure that you practice safe sex whoever you’re sleeping with.

Categories: Bisexual Women, health, hpv virus, Lesbians, risk, safe sex, Sex, Sex Toys, sexually transmitted, Women

Gay Men and Women: Are You Skipping Vital Screenings?

According to a wealth of research, gay men and lesbians are less likely to protect their wellness with routine screening tests than heterosexuals. Whether you’re gay or straight, illnesses can affect your wellbeing, so why aren’t you having screening or testing done to check your risk? And we’re not just talking about sexual health here, but other health concerns like cancer. Gay men and women often fear discrimination, or simply don’t think they’re at risk, and so they don’t get tested but the screening process may save your life. It’s vital that certain conditions are detected early, and some, such as breast cancer, may actually be more common in gay people.

 

For Women Only:

 

• Cervical cancer screening: If you have sex with other women, you should have cervical smears every three to five years. Early detection of cervical abnormalities is vital to prevent cervical cancer, which is currently diagnosed in around 2,800 women each year. There’s an urban myth floating around that lesbians can’t get cervical cancer, but in reality your risk is just thought to be lower than straight women. You can still develop cervical cancer, but according to charity Stonewall, 15% of lesbians and bisexual women have never had a cervical smear test compared with 7% of women in general. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme encourages every 25- to 49-year-old woman to have a screening every three years, and women aged 50-64 are invited every five years. Your GP gives the programme your details and sends you a reminder letter when your test is due, so it’s vital to register with a local surgery.

 

• Breast cancer screening: Stonewall’s survey of more than 6,000 women found that lesbians are more prone to breast cancer than straight women. This may be linked to other factors that lesbians are more prone to, such as being overweight, drinking more alcohol and being less likely to have children. Compared to one in 20 of women in general, more than one in 12 lesbian and bisexual women aged between 50 and 79 had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and yet lesbians and bisexual women are less likely to attend routine breast screening tests. As the NHS Breast Screening Programme automatically invites 50- to 70-year-old women for screening every three years, and encourages the over 70s to make their own screening appointment every three years, there’s no reason not to get tested.

 

For Men Only:

 

• HIV Testing: As a gay man, you’re more at risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea, than straight men. This is certainly the case with HIV, as gay men in the UK are the most commonly affected group even though it can affect anyone’s wellbeing. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) notes over a quarter (27%) of people with HIV don’t know they have it, and the number of people with HIV continues to rise. The most common way to spread HIV is through penetrative sex, and so prevention using a condom is key. However, if you do have unprotected sex or think you might be at risk of HIV, your nearest genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic can give you a free, confidential and anonymous sexual health check.

 

For Men and Women:

 

• General health checks: You’re eligible for NHS bowel cancer screening from the age of 60 and for a blood pressure check every five years or so from the age of 40, although you should be screened more often if you have high blood pressure.

 

• Chlamydia screening: As one of the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK, chlamydia can affect men and women, gay or straight, and often doesn’t present any symptoms. You can get a free chlamydia test if you’re under the age of 25, but screening is important at any age as chlamydia can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Categories: Bisexual Women, blood pressure, breast cancer, breast screening, cancer screening, cervical cancer, gay men, Lesbians, Screening and Testing, screening programme, women aged

What Health Issues Do Lesbian and Bisexual Women Face?

All women have certain risks that specifically affect their wellbeing, but certain issues are particularly a cause for concern among women who have sex with women. This is not just a case of sexual health risks – although that plays a part in your wellness – but lesbian and bisexual women face an increased risk of physical and mental health problems too.

 

1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Some STIs can spread between women, particularly through oral sex, sexual behaviour involving digital-vaginal or digital-anal contact, and shared penetrative sex toys. Through these means, you’re at an increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV), bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas and HIV, so it’s important to do everything you can to protect yourself from these STIs. Make sure you get tested regularly, and that whomever you have sex with has also been tested. During oral sex, use a split-open condom, dental dam (a small piece of latex) or plastic wrap. Finally, don’t share sex toys, protect them with a condom and make sure you clean them before and after every use.

 

2. Depression: Lesbians and bisexual women might be at higher risk of depression and anxiety, especially young people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. This could be due to a number of factors, including social alienation, discrimination, rejection by loved ones, abuse and violence. The fear of these negative reactions causes some women to try and hide their orientation or to forgo social support, but this makes depression all the more likely for these women. Depression, when left untreated, can add to your risk of unsafe sexual behaviour, as well as a downward spiral of emotional, behavioural, health, legal and financial problems. Therefore, it’s vital that you confide in a trusted loved one, and seek help from a doctor or mental health provider.

 

3. Substance abuse: There are unique risk factors involved in lesbians and bisexual women experiencing substance abuse. You might rely on drugs or alcohol due to the stress of passing as a heterosexual or coming out, sexism, discrimination, relying on bars or clubs for socialising and peer support and the trauma of bullying, violence, abuse or self-abuse. Contact your local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health, mental health or community centres for substance abuse treatment or get a referral from organisations like the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association.

 

4. Domestic violence: As domestic violence is traditionally depicted as a man abusing a woman, women in a relationship with other women don’t think it can happen to them. However, domestic violence can affect anyone in an intimate relationship, so you need to watch out for the warning signs. If your partner threatens to tell others about your sexual orientation or gender identity, tells you that authorities won’t help a homosexual, bisexual or transgendered person, tells you that leaving the relationship means you’re admitting that homosexual relationships are deviant or tells you that domestic violence can’t occur in homosexual relationships or that women can’t be violent, this indicates abuse and you should tell someone – be it a friend, loved one, health care provider or other close contact. You might also consider calling a domestic violence hotline and creating a plan to leave your abuser.

 

5. Routine healthcare: Many women who have sex with women find it difficult to discuss their needs and concerns with a doctor, or to find a doctor knowledgeable about lesbian health issues. However, you need to choose a doctor who encourages you to discuss sexual issues in an easy environment, so make sure you identify yourself as lesbian or bisexual when picking your GP, and ask about routine screenings recommended for women in your age group.

Categories: Bisexual Women, domestic violence, gay bisexual, health concerns, homosexual relationships, lesbian gay, Lesbians, Mental Health, oral sex, sexual behaviour, substance abuse

How to Spot the Signs of Common STIs among Gay Women

As a lesbian or bisexual woman, you may not be so concerned about your sexual health with regards to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), however, according to Ruth Hunt at the charity Stonewall, gay and bisexual female wellness is not immune from STIs, and yet you can be complacent about getting tested for them. Moreover, as a lesbian or bisexual woman, you may have been told you don’t need to be tested for STIs, which is a severe threat to your wellbeing.

 

Hunt explains, ‘Women can catch STIs such as herpes, genital warts and chlamydia when exchanging bodily fluids. Any one-on-one contact, such as oral sex or using the same hand when touching yourself and then your partner, can put you at risk. Two women that are both menstruating are at a higher risk, too.’ Sex toys can spread infections unless you use a new condom for each partner or between penetration of different orifices. You should also wash sex toys with soap and water between sessions. If either of you has any cuts or sores in the mouth or on the lips, use a dental dam or avoid oral sex altogether. Remember to wash your hands before and after sex, and wear latex gloves and use plenty of water-based lubricant for vaginal and anal fisting. It’s vital you follow these tips, or you could be at risk for one of the following STIs:

 

1. Thrush: This STI is caused by an overgrowth of yeast called candida, and can cause symptoms such as vulval and vaginal itching, pain and soreness on penetration, burning when you pass urine and a thick, white discharge. You can transmit thrush through sexual touching and sex toys, but you can treat it with medicated cream, pessaries and tablets from the chemist. However, if your symptoms persist you should consult your doctor.

 

2. Genital herpes: Vaginal, anal or oral sex can spread this virus, as well as sex toys and cold sores on the mouth and nose. You may experience painful blisters and ulcers around your genital area, but some women have no symptoms. You can help the healing process along and shorten the length of the episode by taking anti-viral tablets.

 

3. Genital warts: These usually painless fleshy growths can appear in the vulval and anal region, and may be a bit itchy. Certain strains of human papilloma virus (HPV) cause genital warts, which you spread sexually through skin contact, such as rubbing vulvas together. Luckily, there are a variety of treatment options, including freezing and medicated creams.

 

4. Trichomonas vaginalis (TV): You can pass TV to another female partner through any sexual activity that involves the exchange of vaginal fluid. Although some women don’t have any symptoms of TV, you may experience a frothy discharge, discomfort when passing urine, vulval soreness, and/or an unpleasant vaginal odour. The treatment for TV is antibiotics.

 

5. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea: Both of these STIs are caused by bacteria that infect your cervix, rectum, throat and urethra. Usually there are no symptoms by you might find discharge. These conditions are important to get tested for on a regular basis, because if they go untreated you could develop an infection in your fallopian tubes, which may lead to infertility. You need to exercise caution when using sex toys, hands and rubbing vulvas together, as this is how chlamydia and gonorrhoea spread. Treatment is with antibiotics.

 

6. Syphilis: This bacterial infection causes a painless ulcer, usually in the genital area, but it will disappear on its own. However, other symptoms, such as a rash and swollen glands, may appear in its place. Syphilis is extremely infectious in the early stages and can be passed on by close skin contact during sex, so early detection and treatment with antibiotics is key. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious nerve and body organ damage later in life.

Categories: bisexual woman, Bisexual Women, genital warts, Lesbians, oral sex, rubbing vulvas, Sex Toys, STIs