Let’s talk about something super important: your sexual health. No matter how you identify yourself, lesbian, bisexual, or a woman who has sex with women (WSW), taking care of your body is a major act of self-love. Understanding the risks and knowing how to protect yourself can help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and keep you feeling your best.
Understanding the Risks of STIs in Women
STIs can affect anyone, no matter who you love or how you connect. For women who have sex with other women, it’s essential to know how these infections spread so you can take steps to stay safe.
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Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: These bacterial infections can spread through vaginal fluids, shared toys, or mutual vulval rubbing. If untreated, they can lead to infertility, so regular testing is key.
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Genital Herpes: This virus spreads through direct skin contact, including oral sex or touching your partner after yourself.
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Genital Warts: Linked to HPV, these can be passed through skin-to-skin contact, like rubbing vulvas together.
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Syphilis: This bacterial infection spreads through close contact during sex and can cause serious complications if not treated.
How Can Queer Women Have Safe Sex?
Safety doesn’t have to kill the vibe. Here’s how you can protect yourself while still having fun:
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Regular Testing: STI testing every three to six months is a must, especially if you have multiple partners. Even if you feel fine, some STIs don’t show symptoms. Make it part of your self-care routine.
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Barrier Protection: Condoms for shared sex toys and dental dams for oral sex are your BFFs. Don’t have a dental dam? No worries—you can cut a condom open and use it as a barrier. These simple steps also help prevent infections like thrush and bacterial vaginosis.
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Cervical Screenings: HPV can be passed between cis women, so getting a cervical screening every three to five years is non-negotiable. If smear tests make you nervous, ask for a smaller speculum or book a longer appointment—it’s your body, so speak up.
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HPV Vaccination: If you missed the HPV vaccine at age 12 or 13, you can still get it for free through the NHS until age 25. It’s worth it for that extra peace of mind.
Tips for Maintaining Vaginal Health
Your vagina is a queen—she knows how to take care of herself. Here’s how you can keep her happy:
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Use gentle, unscented soaps for cleaning the external area.
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Always wipe front to back after using the toilet to avoid infections.
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Skip the douches and harsh products—they can mess with your natural balance.
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If something feels off, don’t ignore it. A quick chat with a healthcare pro can make all the difference.
Our Mission: Body Positivity and LGBTQ+ Support
At Eros Song, we’re all about celebrating YOU. We want every woman to feel empowered, confident, and supported. From embracing body positivity to prioritizing self-care, we believe in creating a world where diversity is celebrated, and the LGBTQ+ community feels seen and valued. You deserve to thrive, and we’re here to cheer you on every step of the way.
