There’s an enduring myth that lesbians – women who have sex with women – don’t have to worry about contracting a sexually transmitted infection or HIV. Even some healthcare providers will tell you this. But it’s important that you understand the risks: any time two people’s bodily fluids come into contact, there’s a chance of infection. That means that even lesbians need to practice safer sex in order to stay STI-free.
The most important thing you need to know about bodily fluids
In any sexual relationship, risk exists when bodily fluids are involved. This goes for lesbians too. So, if you’re wanting to have safer sex, a good place to start is to ensure that none of your partner’s secretions – including vaginal secretions, breast milk or blood (and menstrual blood) – enter your body, and vice versa. They can enter through the mouth, vagina, anus, or any open wounds or cuts on your body.
The riskiest types of lesbian sex
Even though lesbians are at lower risk of contracting HIV than women who have sex with men (as less bodily fluid is exchanged during lesbian sex), the risk still exists. There are also infections like bacterial vaginosis that are more easily passed between women.
Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, are most commonly spread between women through:
- Fingering/fisting
- Oral sex
- Sharing sex toys
- Skin to skin contact
- Exchanging of bodily fluids
11 easy ways for lesbians to have safer sex
- During oral sex, use a dental dam or a condom (cut open) between the mouth and vagina or mouth and anus.
- Use plenty of lubricant during fingering, fisting and/or when playing with sex toys to prevent chafing and injury.
- Put condoms on your sex toys every time you use them, and always clean them thoroughly with soap and water after every use. Try not to share sex toys with different partners.
- Don’t get too rough with your sex toys: causing your partner to bleed can put you at greater risk.
- Don’t go down on a lady who is menstruating without using a proper barrier (or better yet, avoid it).
- Avoid mouth-to-vagina and mouth-to-anus contact if either of you have sores or cuts in or around your mouth.
- Go for regular pap smears from the age of 21. Depending on various factors, you should go every one to three years. Learn more about pap smears, including your risk category, and when and why you should be having them.
- Get tested for HPV to find out if you’re at risk of cervical cancer. If you’re over the age of 30 or if you’ve ever had an abnormal pap smear, chat to your doctor or gynae about getting tested.
- Talk to your doctor, gynae or nurse about any additional tests you should be having based on your age, gender, genetics and other factors. Lesbian women need to have all the same health checks as straight and bisexual women.
- Get tested for STIs regularly, and if you have a new partner, get tested together.
- If you’re unsure of your partner’s HIV or STI status, always use protection and practice safer sex.
Where can lesbians go for confidential advice and testing?
Visit your nearest Marie Stopes centre for a full range of women’s healthcare services, including pap smears, STI and HIV counselling and testing, and women’s wellness check-ups.
Our doctors and nurses are accepting of all people, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, so you can feel at ease when you visit our centres.
Find your nearest Marie Stopes centre or book an appointment online.