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Okay, I don’t know about you, but in my health class growing up, we pretty much skipped over how lesbians can have healthy sex. While we spent a few weeks how to put on a condom on a banana, we spent probably about one day talking about how lesbians can practice safe sex, and that includes…wearing gloves?
Even though you can exchange STDs and STIs during lesbian sex (contrary to popular myths), how to have sex safely just isn’t talked about that much in our community.
Luckily, the transmission of STDs through sex between two women are generally less likely because there aren’t as many fluids exchanged.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s no risk. And, lesbians seem to be more of a risk at skin-to-skin contact STIs, like herpes or HPV.
So, how do we protect ourselves? Read on to find out!
Dildos, Dental Dams, Oh My
A great way to help curb the spread of STDs is through Dental Dams (yes, I also wish they had a less creepy name). These mighty shields protect you when you receive oral sex, and they are incredibly effective aganinst the spread of STDs.
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For staying safe during penetration, the key is to use different sex toys for different partners. Then, simply boil them after use in order to sanitize them safely. And, even though it sounds bizarre, gloves really are a great tool to protect yourself from STDs.
Another tip? Having sex on your period greatly increases your risk of contracting an STD, so if you’re having sex with a new partner, you may want to pause the fun until you’re off your period.
Prep and Pep
Good news! If you’re intimate with someone who has HIV, there’s a lot you and your partner can do to prevent the spread of HIV: prep and pep. When both are used, these powerful medications will reduce your chance of contracting HIV by more than 90%.
Get Tested Often
The best way to prevent the spread in our community is to know your own status on STDs. It’s important to get tested regularly so you can warn new partners if you do indeed have an STD.
If you have an STD, it’s so important you disclose that to your partners. While you don’t need to disclose your STD on the first date, says sex therapist Diane Gleim says, you do need to disclose before you have sex.
Make sure to get tested often, and be open about your concerns about contracting an STD. If you ask your partner to get tested before you’re intimate and they react negatively, you may want to walk away. Anyone who has a strong, healthy view on sex and communication should have no problem getting tested regularly.
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