Women's health
Here are some health issues that affect gay and bisexual women. Below we have outlined the most common ones, along with the relevant organisations.
Cervical Screening
We have to break the myth! It doesn't matter if boys just don't do it for you, but it does matter if you are between the ages of 24 and 64 and don't get regular cervical screening!
Many lesbian and bisexual women have faced homophobia/biphobia and the assumption they are heterosexual when they go for cervical screening. Times are changing and health services need to make sure they deal with individuals appropriately. If this is a problem for you, we would love to hear from you so we can help change those experiences for lesbian and bisexual women in Essex.
Moreover, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England offers free tests to all women aged between 25 and 64 who are registered with their GP. For more information regarding this, consult the NHS website.
We have to break the myth! It doesn't matter if boys just don't do it for you, but it does matter if you are between the ages of 24 and 64 and don't get regular cervical screening!
Many lesbian and bisexual women have faced homophobia/biphobia and the assumption they are heterosexual when they go for cervical screening. Times are changing and health services need to make sure they deal with individuals appropriately. If this is a problem for you, we would love to hear from you so we can help change those experiences for lesbian and bisexual women in Essex.
Moreover, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England offers free tests to all women aged between 25 and 64 who are registered with their GP. For more information regarding this, consult the NHS website.
Safer Sex for Women
What's risky for frisky women?
Lesbian and bisexual women are at low risk of some STIs but there is still some risk in any activity which involves the exchange of bodily fluids (vaginal or menstrual fluid; breast milk).
Oral sex is risky if you or your partner have any cold sores, cuts or abrasions OR you or your partner are having your period. Use a Dental Dam (square of latex, often flavoured) to reduce risk.
Mouth to mouth kissing is safe, but be aware of any cuts, sores or bleeding gums.
Sharing sex toys carries some risk of STI transmission. Make sure things remain clean if sharing, or use with a different condom between partners.
Have fun! But remember to keep your nails short, and beware of rings and jewellery if hands are going anywhere near yours or your partners vagina or anus. This will avoid cuts or breaks to either area.
Please contact your local GUM Clinic for testing if you suspect you may have an STI. Most STIs are simple to treat and easier to treat if detected early. NHS Direct offer a female sexual health symptom checker here.
Lesbian and bisexual women are at low risk of some STIs but there is still some risk in any activity which involves the exchange of bodily fluids (vaginal or menstrual fluid; breast milk).
Oral sex is risky if you or your partner have any cold sores, cuts or abrasions OR you or your partner are having your period. Use a Dental Dam (square of latex, often flavoured) to reduce risk.
Mouth to mouth kissing is safe, but be aware of any cuts, sores or bleeding gums.
Sharing sex toys carries some risk of STI transmission. Make sure things remain clean if sharing, or use with a different condom between partners.
Have fun! But remember to keep your nails short, and beware of rings and jewellery if hands are going anywhere near yours or your partners vagina or anus. This will avoid cuts or breaks to either area.
Please contact your local GUM Clinic for testing if you suspect you may have an STI. Most STIs are simple to treat and easier to treat if detected early. NHS Direct offer a female sexual health symptom checker here.
Smoking
Only a third of lesbian and bisexual women have NEVER smoked compared to over half of women in general who have never smoked. More than a quarter of lesbian and bisexual women smoke.
It's time to drop it. For your local NHS Stop Smoking Service call 0800 731 2656 or visit their website.
It's time to drop it. For your local NHS Stop Smoking Service call 0800 731 2656 or visit their website.
Alcohol and Drugs
Nine in ten lesbian and bisexual women drink and 40% drink three times a week compared to a quarter of women in general. Lesbian and bisexual women are also five times more likely to have taken drugs.
If alcohol and drugs affect yours, your partner's or your family's life negatively you can find out what support is available here.
If alcohol and drugs affect yours, your partner's or your family's life negatively you can find out what support is available here.