Lesbian Safer Sex
Whether a sexual practice is safe or not depends upon the likelihood of body fluids coming into contact with one another (including blood, vaginal fluids, and semen). This is the same for sexual relationships between partners of any gender. Some of the female-specific precautions that can be taken, particularly necessary when your partners sexual history is unknown or unconfirmed to you, are indicated here.
Female to female transmission
of Syphilis, Gonhorrea, Chlamydia, Herpes and Crabs are as likely as any other
gender pairing. As such lesbian couples should also be aware of the need to
protect and seek advice immediately if anything abnormal occurs. With the
structures of the reproductive systems as they are, women are more likely
to suffer serious consequences of untreated STDs, including fallopian tube
damage, uterine dysfunction and sterility brought about by secondary and tertiary
infections.
| Activity | Risk | Comments |
| Kissing | Low | Low risk if no mouth cuts or ulcers |
| Tribadism & Massage | Low | Risk minimal if no contact with body fluids |
| Sex Toys | Low | Avoid sharing |
| Masturbation | Low | Providing no contact with body fluids |
| Cunnilingus (oral sex) | Moderate |
Use a dental dam or other barrier device. Avoid during menstruation |
| Fisting | High | Use a barrier device. |
| Rimming | High | Use a dental dam |
| Bondage | Moderate - High | Avoid contact with body fluid and blood through cuts. The heavier the bondage the higher the risk |
Female – Female HIV Transmission
Whilst often thought
of as a virus only spread during heterosexual or male homosexual penetrative
sex, this is not the case. Cases of HIV transmission amongst monogamous female
relationships have been reported. Just as the virus can be spread from male
to female prior to ejaculation, the vaginal fluids can theoretically harbour
the HIV virus. As such, dental dams or other barrier devices should be used.
The blood provides the greatest risk of HIV transmission (along with Hepatitis
B & C), and as such any activities that may result in contact with blood
are best avoided. Barrier devices (dental dams or Microwavable Cling Film,
when practicing oral sex, gloves during fisting etc) are the best approach
to minimising the risk.
Sourced and written by: Matt J Booker RMT
