Article

Practicing safe sex important for both lesbians and heterosexual women

Debra (Burt) Ames, CNM
July 1, 2024
Practicing safe sex important for both lesbians and heterosexual women

While all women face certain health risks just by being women, those who have same-sex partners may mistakenly believe they are at less risk than heterosexual women. In honor of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, we discuss these conditions and how you can reduce your risks.Understanding your personal health risks is important. For example, depression is more prevalent in women than men, but women who are lesbians or bisexuals can be at a higher risk of depression and anxiety. That’s why it’s important for your health care providers to have a complete picture of your health and lifestyle.Women who have sex with women are less likely to get vaginitis but are still at risk for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, HIV, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis (a parasite infection).
Checkups and screenings
Just like with heterosexual sex, if you are a woman who has sex with other women, you should practice safe sex and have regular checkups and screenings to reduce your risks, especially if you are not in a monogamous relationship in which both partners have been tested for STDs.Some infections may not have symptoms, but can still be passed along, which underscores the need for regular testing. Having the appropriate vaccinations is also important, such as those for HPV, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.It can be a challenge for lesbian and bi-sexual women to find a provider with whom they feel comfortable. But it’s key to find a provider with whom you can be honest about your health concerns so you can make routine health care a priority. Annual checkups paired with the appropriate testing, as well as seeking care at the onset of concerns or symptoms, will go a long way in terms of reducing your health risks.If you are looking for a women’s health provider who takes the time to get to know patients and enjoys providing a personal level of care, call us for an appointment today.

Related posts

Looking for more women's health insights?

Help When Menopause Symptoms Heat Up
Help When Menopause Symptoms Heat Up

The weather heats up here in New England at this time of year, but if you’re a woman going through the transition toward menopause, that might not be the only thing making you sweat. Fortunately, there are things you can do to find some relief without medication when perimenopause symptoms heat up.

Read More
Icon
Vagina Monologues: What Your Vagina Might Be Telling You
Vagina Monologues: What Your Vagina Might Be Telling You

In "The Vagina Monologues," a popular play written by Eve Ensler, she asks, “If your vagina could talk, what would it say, in two words?” It’s probably for the best that this much-maligned body part can’t actually speak, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t communicate. Below we talk about what your vagina might be telling you.

Read More
Icon
 The ABCs (Plus Folic Acid, Iron and More) in Prenatal Vitamins
The ABCs (Plus Folic Acid, Iron and More) in Prenatal Vitamins

A nutritious diet is always recommended for optimal health, but it’s even more important when you’re pregnant. For many women, however, it’s not always possible or easy to get enough of what you and your growing baby need from food alone. In this blog, we discuss the essential role prenatal vitamins, including folic acid, iron and more, play in a healthy pregnancy.

Read More
Icon