Sexual Health for Lesbian & Bisexual Women

There is no such thing as safe sex – unless you choose to never have sex with anyone ever, of course. If you enjoy hot frolics with one or more partners, you need to consider safer sex.

Have you heard that old rumour about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) not passing from woman to woman? Sorry, but it’s just not true.

Your peach can most definitely catch a variety of unpleasant infections from your fruity squeeze.

The risk of HIV transmission during woman + woman sex is low compared to other couple combos (Gal & Guy or Guy & Guy), but Bacterial Vaginosis,genital herpes, and thrush are just as common for lesbians as for women who have sex with men.

Can Lesbians Get STI's?

Any sexy activities that involve an exchange of bodily fluids can transmit infection, simple as that. Oral sex (cunnilingus or rimming) is not only massively pleasurable but also a potentially risky business. By covering the vagina and neighbouring areas with a dental dam, you are on much safer ground. Dental dams are essential if you want to go down on your woman during her period, for example, as infected blood is highly contagious.

Vaginal & anal finger play and fisting are risky, so latex gloves are a must-have. Latex gloves are excellent for keeping sores covered and body fluids off the skin. Keep your nails trimmed to avoid breaking the latex or scratching delicate genital skin.

Always opt for a water-based lubricant, as anything oil-based is unsuitable for use with latex. Vaseline and baby oil are absolute no-no’s as they'll break down the latex barrier plus cause unpleasant vaginal itching.

If you want to share your toys, remember to always cover them with condoms and change to fresh ones each time you swap toys around between partners. You can even get latex-free condoms – perfect for those with latex allergies.

A certain level of personal hygiene may be a given, but did you know that brushing your teeth immediately before sex can encourage bleeding? Check that your mouthwash is free of salicylates (aspirin), as this can make your gums bleed. Instead, just pop a mint, and you’re good to go!

A recent survey revealed that lesbians do get STI's but are often not tested.

Sexually transmitted infections can affect anyone, regardless of gender, orientation, or how many people you've slept with. It’s essential to book an appointment at your local GUM (Genitourinary Medicine) clinic as soon as possible if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Thick, smelly, or frothy vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning during sex or when you pee
• Sores, blisters, or unusual bumps around your genitals
• Spotting or bleeding between periods

And if you do test positive for an STI, you’re not alone. It’s crucial (and legally required) to let any recent sexual partners know so they can get tested, too. That conversation might feel awkward (mortifying!), but sharing this info is a caring and responsible act. Catching an STI doesn’t mean you’re “dirty” or “reckless.” It just means you're human.

Do Lesbians Need Smear Tests?

Short answer? Yes, absolutely.

There’s a persistent and outdated myth floating around that lesbian and bisexual women don’t need cervical screening. Some health professionals still wrongly assume that if you’re not having penis-in-vagina sex, you’re not at risk of cervical cancer. That’s not just unhelpful, it’s dangerous.

Cervical cancer is most commonly caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is passed through skin-to-skin contact during sex. That includes sex between women. Sharing toys, oral sex, and fingers - these can all transmit HPV. So yes, lesbians (and bi women, pan women, queer women, trans men and non-binary folks with a cervix) do need regular smear tests.

If a healthcare provider brushes off your concerns or tells you a smear isn’t necessary because of your sexuality, know this: they’re wrong. You’re well within your rights to push back, ask for a second opinion, or switch to a different GP who respects and understands your needs.

Routine cervical screening is one of the most effective ways to catch cell changes early and prevent cervical cancer. It doesn’t matter how often you have sex, how many partners you’ve had, or whether your relationships have only ever involved women. If you have a cervix and you’re sexually active (even if it was just once or twice), screening is still important.

At Sh!, we’re all about empowering women and femmes of every identity to take charge of their sexual health. So if your smear test invitation lands in your inbox or letterbox, don't ignore it. Book it, attend it, and pat yourself on the back afterwards.

Stay Safe & Sexy

Now, don’t let all this STI chat put you off your sexy-time adventures — pleasure and safety go hand-in-hand (sometimes literally!). Just be sure to stock up on dams, gloves, and good quality lube, and treat every vagina - including your own - with the care, curiosity, and respect it deserves.

Read our sexual wellbeing advice here.