Sexual health between women
Written by Julien Lenaz, lead developer of cruush.
Infections can pass between women
The CDC says sexually active women can get infections from current and past partners, both male and female. HPV can pass through skin-to-skin contact, and herpes, trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis can pass between female partners.
Why it gets missed
Women who have sex with women are sometimes told they do not need testing or protection. That is wrong. How often you are tested depends on your activities and partners, and a clinician can help you decide.
Ways to lower the risk
- Use gloves for finger sex.
- Use a new condom on sex toys that you share, or wash them well between partners.
- Use a latex or plastic barrier, also called a dental dam, for oral sex.
- Talk with partners about testing before you have sex.
See a clinician
A doctor or sexual health clinic can talk to you about screening, vaccines and prevention in a way that fits you. You can tell them who you have sex with, and a good clinician will not judge.