Im sure most of you have done your homework on safe sex, but its a growing issue that doesnt seem to be covered by Lesbian web sites. I know of Lesbians who believe they are not at risk from STD's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
Its important that you have all the facts before you begin sleeping with a new partner.
There are many sexually transmitted diseases, some that are easy to spot and treat, others that you dont know you have and some that once you have them, you will be affected for life.
How do lesbians get HIV?
Had sex with men either by choice or otherwise.
Injected drugs with a used syringe.
Received tainted blood through blood transfusion.
Used semen for self-insemination from an unknown donor.
Had sex with a woman whom falls into any of the above categories
When am i at risk??
Some activitys are more risky that others.. there are lots of myths about how you get STD's too. Here are a list of activitys, at the top are the 'high risk' and the bottom the 'low risk' (This list was produced for protection from HIV, but by protecting your self you are safter from all STD's)
Unprotected anal intercourse.
Unprotected vaginal intercourse
Sharing needles (for drugs or piercings)
Sharing implements that draw blood (whips, knives)
Unprotected oral sex on a menstruating woman.
Unprotected oral sex on a man ending with ejaculation.
Unprotected oral anal contact.
Getting urine or feces in mouth, vagina or anus.
Unprotected fisting or fingering.
Unprotected oral sex on man with out ending in ejaculation.
Unprotected oral sex on a non menstruating woman.
Sharing uncovered sex toys.
Anal intercourse with a condom.
Vaginal intercourse with a condom.
Oral sex on a man using a condom.
Oral sex on a woman using a latex barrier.
Fising or fingering using a latex glove.
Petting, manual- genital contact.
Deep kissing/ French kissing.
Spanking, whipping that does not break the skin.
Bondage and discipline play.
Masturbation either alone or with a partner.
Hugging and touching.
Massage.
Talking dirty, phone or 'cyber' sex and fantasy.
Of course, not only Lesbians can contract STD's, every one who doesnt practice safe sex is at risk.
So... what is safe sex??
The only totally safe way to have sex is masturbation. Every activity after that comes with some sort of risk. But there are ways of lowering the risk, as shown above. With some sort of 'intervention' you can keep the risk of STD's much lower. Using condoms for all activitys including oral sex, penetration or on sex toys you plan to share (Its important that you change the condom on the sex toy when swopping who is using it) If you feel using a condom removes the pleasue then use a water based lubricant like K-Y jelly. Note: Oild based products such as Crisco, Vaseline, baby oil, lotion, whipped cream can destroy latex!!
For oral sex on a woman or oral-anal sex (rimming), use a dental dam (latex square). Alterntively a condom or latex glove cut to produce a flat sheet, or non-microwaveable food wrap. If your planning to finger a woman a latex glove is the best form of prtection. Use all barriers only once and only on one person.
All other forms of contraception DO NOT protect against SDT's. The Diaphram and Cap offer some protection but should not be thought of as 'ok' to use with someone who's sexual past is unknown.
Kissing, touching and hugging are all safe. And getting urine, vaginal fluid, seman on UNbroken skin is also safe.
Other STD's
When protecting your self from HIV you are also prtected against other STD's.
A list of other STD's:
gonorrhea
syphilis
chlamydia
herpes
yeast infections
amoebiasis
hepatitis B
If you think you have an STD or are wanting to find out more information about STD's and how to stay safe its best to see a health profetional. Most areas have 'family planning clinics' that will be able to offer advice, support and information on all of the topics I have covered. Alterntivly you can see you GP if they are some one you feel you can trust.
RESOURCES:
http://www.safersex.org/it.is/
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/safesex.htm
