Lesbian sex: What you need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with MSc, Dr. Trinh Thi Thanh Huyen - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Lesbians should be aware of specific health issues, from sexually transmitted diseases to depression, so they can learn to take better care of themselves.
Women have unique health problems, and women with special sexual orientations, such as lesbians, bisexual women and women who have sex with men, need more attention. specific health issues. While risk factors depend on many aspects, sexual orientation and sexual orientation (including family history and age), understanding specific health problems can help you to take care of your health. Take better care of yourself.

1. Mental health care

Sexually oriented women are particularly at risk for depression and anxiety disorders. The cause comes from alienation, stigma, discrimination of society, rift with lover, abuse and violence. The situation is more severe for women with a specific but undisclosed sexual orientation and for those who lack social support.
If you notice signs of depression, consult your doctor or psychologist. If you are afraid, share it with a lover or someone you trust. Sharing the condition with others is the first step towards successful treatment.

2. Protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases

Some sexually transmitted diseases (such as human papillomavirus (HPV), bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, etc.) can be transmitted through lesbian sex. Oral sex and behaviors related to lesbian sex (such as hand-vaginal, hand-anal contact, sharing sex toys, etc.) transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
Same-sex sex is also a way of transmitting HIV - the virus that causes AIDS. There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS as well as for many sexually transmitted diseases such as HPV or genital herpes. The best way to prevent it is to practice safe sex.
To protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases, you should:
Get yourself and your partner checked: don't have unprotected sex unless you're sure yourself and your partner ( same-sex or heterosexual) who do not have HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Going to the doctor is very important because many people do not know they have the disease, or do not care about their own health. Safe sex: when having oral sex use protection (like a mouthguard). Sex toys should be cleaned with hot soapy water after each use, or should be wrapped with a new condom when used. Gloves should be worn when performing manual sexual activity (hand-vaginal, hand-anal contact). Loyalty: Being faithful to an infected partner is an effective way to avoid STIs. Limit alcohol consumption, do not use stimulants: not being sober can easily lead to unsafe sexual behavior. If you are using an injectable drug, do not share needles. Vaccination: Immunization can help prevent some diseases (such as hepatitis A and B), and women 26 and younger can get the HPV vaccine.

3. Seeking help for substance abuse

Sexually oriented women in particular have higher rates of tobacco addiction as well as alcohol and drug dependence.
If you are in a state of substance abuse, remember to get help. Gender organizations, mental health centers, community centers are available to assist anyone who is having problems and needs help.

4. Violence

Abuse affects everyone in a relationship. Women with a particular sexual orientation often hide their abuse by:
Threats to reveal the victim's unusual sexual orientation to others (lovers, friends, classmates, relatives,...) from the abuser. Fear of being stigmatized and discriminated against. Being abused can lead to anxiety disorders, depression, and hopelessness. If you don't disclose your situation as well as yourself, it will be more difficult to seek help.
The only way out of the spiral of violence is to act as soon as possible. If you are experiencing abuse, tell someone right away, be it a friend, lover, counselor or anyone you can trust.
Also, contacting an abuse hotline is a good solution, and consider a plan to leave your abuser.

5. Make routine health care a priority goal

Women with a particular sexual orientation may find it difficult to seek help from a doctor and find someone trustworthy enough to talk to about their problems.
Consult with a doctor or specialist who can respect, share, understand. Share your sexual orientation with your doctor or professional to learn about routine physicals by age (e.g. blood pressure, cholesterol levels, breast cancer screening, cervical cancer, etc.). .).
If you are not faithful, get screened regularly for sexually transmitted diseases. Consult with your doctor about your problems, to stay healthy and happy.

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Reference source: Mayoclinic