In the event you had intercourse schooling in school earlier than 2003, you possible weren’t instructed something about LGBT+ relationships.
Part 28 forbade ‘the promotion of homosexuality’ in faculties, that means generations of younger individuals weren’t instructed concerning the ins and outs of their very own sexual well being.
And even after the statute was repealed, not all college students have had entry to the various and inclusive intercourse schooling they want.
In my faculty years, I put a condom on a mannequin penis and obtained a short glimpse of a dental dam, however not a lot by the use of clarification on what they had been. Probably the most prevalent STIs had been listed, however not who’s most in danger or how they’re transmitted.
These gaps in steering that prioritise penetration can go away girls who've intercourse with girls at nighttime.
We all know to make use of condoms on penises, however what about defending ourselves throughout oral, for instance?
Whether or not you understand your stuff or are nonetheless attending to grips along with your sexual well being, right here’s what it is best to have been taught (and possibly weren’t) about sexual well being for lesbians and bisexual girls.
Are lesbians prone to STIs?
It’s a preferred false impression that girls who've intercourse with girls don’t get sexually transmitted infections.
Though the speed at which lesbians contract STIs is decrease than many different teams, anybody having unprotected intercourse could be in danger.
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, HPV, syphilis, genital warts, and hepatitis B, A, and C can all be contracted by unprotected oral or guide intercourse.
Herpes could be handed on by pores and skin to pores and skin contact, whereas genital contact can transmit situations like pelvic inflammatory illness, pubic lice, trichomoniasis, and HPV.
Sharing intercourse toys poses a low threat, though totally cleansing between makes use of and/or utilizing condoms on toys ought to mitigate any points.
Because the cervix is extra open throughout menstruation (and since blood can comprise STIs), the probabilities of contracting an STI are greater in case you or your associate are on their interval. Friction – and the microscopic pores and skin tears this creates – can also enhance threat.
Sexual well being merchandise for WLW
Dental dams are the principle product touted for lesbians.
These latex or polyurethane sheets measure round 15cm by 15cm and must be positioned over the vulva earlier than and through oral intercourse. The barrier technique works just like a condom, stopping bodily fluids from mixing.
They’re actually not the sexiest of prophylactics, however Sheer Glyde make flavoured dental dams that provide a sensible really feel for each companions and cease you from tasting plastic all night.
In the event you can’t get your palms on a dental dam in a pinch, take a condom and minimize the tip off. Subsequent, minimize alongside the condom lengthways so it may be rolled out like a sheet.
Alternatively, in case you’re utilizing your palms, attempt latex gloves (or latex-free alternate options). These hold STI transmission to a minimal by decreasing the potential for inner scratches and cuts.
What’s the easiest way for lesbians and bisexual girls to guard their sexual well being?
Other than utilizing barrier safety the place potential, it’s good follow to get common STI checks.
Whereas feminine to feminine sexual transmission of HIV is extraordinarily uncommon, with solely a handful of instances reported during the last 40 years, it's nonetheless very important to practise protected intercourse. Transmission is considered potential between girls by the sharing of intercourse toys and publicity to blood throughout sexual contact.
Assist us increase £10k for Kyiv Satisfaction and a UK LGBT+ charity
To rejoice 50 years of Satisfaction, Metro.co.uk has teamed up with Kyiv Satisfaction to lift cash for his or her necessary work in Ukraine.
Regardless of battle raging round them, Kyiv Satisfaction proceed to assist LGBTQ+ individuals, providing these in want shelter, meals and psychological help.
We shall be splitting the money with a grassroots charity nearer to residence.
You may donate right here
Ladies who're involved about intercourse with somebody who's HIV constructive can take PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to scale back and forestall the sexual transmission of HIV.
Testing repeatedly for Hepatitis B can be suggested for lesbians, bisexual girls or these in WLW relationships, as they're at considerably better threat of contracting the illness. A easy blood check can detect whether or not you’re constructive for Hep B, with antiviral medicine on provide to assist your physique struggle the an infection and curb any potential liver injury.
To guard your self from Hepatitis B, a course of vaccinations administered over a interval of six months, can provide long-term safety in opposition to the virus.
Go to your native GUM clinic between companions and keep watch over any potential signs which will recommend an an infection.
There are additionally just a few suggestions to remember to make sure you have the most secure intercourse potential:
- Wash intercourse toys with antibacterial cleaning soap and water between makes use of.
- Use loads of lube to minimise friction (each vaginally and anally) throughout penetration.
- Wash your palms earlier than and after intercourse.
- Maintain your fingernails quick to minimise the danger of cuts and tears throughout guide intercourse.
- Use condoms on intercourse toys the place potential.
- By no means use the identical dental dam twice.
- Converse to companions about their sexual well being and historical past.
- Keep away from oral intercourse when you've got cuts or sores round your mouth.
The danger for lesbians could also be low. However since no sexual contact is with out threat, it’s higher to be protected than sorry.
Metro.co.uk celebrates 50 years of Satisfaction
This 12 months marks 50 years of Satisfaction, so it appears solely becoming that Metro.co.uk goes above and past in our ongoing LGBTQ+ help, by a wealth of content material that not solely celebrates all issues Satisfaction, but additionally share tales, take time to replicate and raises consciousness for the neighborhood this Satisfaction Month.
And we’ve obtained some nice names on board to assist us, too. From an inventory of well-known visitor editors taking up the positioning for per week that features , , ,,, and , we’ll even have the likes and Drag Race stars and providing their insights.
Throughout Satisfaction Month, which runs from 1 - 30 June, Metro.co.uk can even be supporting Kyiv Satisfaction, a Ukrainian charity pressured to work more durable than ever to guard the rights of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood throughout occasions of battle. To search out out extra about their work, and what you are able to do to help them, click on right here.
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