Lesbians and Safer Sex? Really?
At the Lesbian Health Initiative’s (LHI) recent Rainbow Health Fair, I conducted a workshop on lesbian safer sex. Those of us who presented, as well as those of us who attended the event, had a great time. We chatted with friends and had a few laughs, but more importantly, we made it possible for women in our community gain access to mammograms, Well Woman exams, and lesbian-focused health information. (For that, I salute LHI and the work they do for women in Houston!)
My presentation was well-received but I will readily admit lesbian safer sex is mostly fantasy. I’ve been an out lesbian for over 30 years and I’ve never been asked to use a glove or dental dam, nor have I asked another woman to employ one. I’ve polled many other lesbians and same holds true for them. Fact of the matter is – lesbians just don’t engage in safer sex practices.
It’s true lesbians tend to have lower rates of sexually transmitted diseases than their straight sisters, however, that doesn’t mean lesbian sex is safe sex. There are good reasons for women who have sex with women to utilize barrier methods to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections. One of the best reasons is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
HPV refers to a family of viruses that is made up of over 60 different types. Some strains of HPV cause common warts, others cause genital warts, and still others don’t cause visible symptoms but can lead to anal and/or cervical cancer. And you need to know that over 90% of the cases of cervical cancer in women are caused by HPV!
HPV is transmitted through skin to skin contact. Very simple, very easy. It’s important that lesbians know HPV can be (and is) transmitted from woman to woman. HPV can be transmitted by sharing a dildo but penetration is not required for a woman to become infected with HPV. Oral sex and even digital (finger) stimulation can do the trick!
The only 100% effective strategy for avoiding HPV infection is complete and total abstinence. Since that is not a practical or even desirable alternative for most of us, lesbians can utilize safer sex methods to reduce their likelihood of becoming infected with HPV.
It is suggested that women wear gloves or finger cots when digitally stimulating their partner. They should also cover their dildo with a condom and change the condom before each use. Finally, dental dams or even Saran Wrap can be used to make oral-vaginal or oral-anal contact less risky.
Another way some of us might protect ourselves is vaccination. The Gardisil vaccine offers some protection against the HPV strains that can lead to cervical cancer, so please talk with your doctor about getting it.
Probably the most important thing lesbians can do to stay healthy in a world of HPV is to get routine gynecological exams. For many women, diagnosis with HPV comes following an abnormal Pap smear result. So, please see your gynecologist regularly and get comfortable with the phrase, “Scoot down to the end of the table and let your legs fall loosely to the side.”
Be safe, my sisters, so you can stay healthy. I’m sending you wishes for long and happy lives…
Cheers!
Kelly
