Sexual Health For Lesbian Women

A recent survey carried out by Stonewall has shown that sexual health is a very real issue for lesbian women. The survey, carried out in gay capital Brighton, has indicated that lesbian women are 20% less likely to have a smear test than women in the wider population.

One of the biggest barriers is that of our relationship with our GP's. The importance of making your GP aware of your sexuality cannot be underestimated although this in itself can in rare cases, be a minefield. A GP that is only interested in your health will not care about your sexuality. So, if you experience a change in attitude once you inform your GP, find a new one. Everyone, no matter what their orientation, is entitled to the same quality of NHS care.

It should hopefully be clear that all sexual orientations can be exposed to Sexually Transmitted Infections. According to NHS figures, there were over 790,000 reported cases of STI's in 2004 alone. Many more cases go unreported, and year on year, reported cases of STI's are typically rising by 3% annually. Some STI's can cause serious complications if left untreated so dealing with the issue promptly cannot be emphasised enough. Although the risk of of contracting HIV from sex with another woman is generally lower than heterosexual relationships, many other STI's are just as common for lesbians as for women who have sex with men.

Prevention is of course better than cure and there are methods of protection available to women in lesbian relationships. Use condoms on sex toys, and change the condom when they are to used on the other partner. Also seriously consider the use of a dental dam for oral sex. Bar far the biggest risk with unprotected oral sex is the herpes virus.

For more information on Sexually Transmitted Infections visit NHS Direct.

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