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Blogs > blueyes001979e > My Blog

STDs  

blueyes001979e 44M
3 posts
8/19/2009 5:21 am
STDs

Although we have seen that lesbian and bisexual women are at low risk of getting HIV from sex with another woman, many other sexually transmitted infections - such as herpes or thrush - are just as common for lesbians as for women who have sex with men.

Thrush is an overgrowth of yeast causing vaginal itching and soreness, often with a white discharge. It is possibly passed via sex between women, though oral sex is low risk.
Bacterial Vaginosis/BV or Gardnerella is an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria causing a smelly discharge, which lesbians often experience. There is a possible link with perfumed soaps and bath oils.
Genital Warts are painless bumps on the vulva, in the vagina, on the cervix or round the anus. They can be passed through contact with the wart, for example by touching, rubbing or sharing sex toys. It is unlikely non-genital warts, such as on hands, can be transferred to the genitals.
Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) gives a frothy, itchy vaginal discharge and is passed on by contact with the vagina only, for example by touching or sharing sex toys.
Herpes can cause painful sores on the inside of the vulva/vagina or anus (these are genital herpes) or on the mouth (cold sores). Herpes can be passed on through contact with a sore, for example by touching, fondling or sharing sex toys. Oral sex when a cold sore is present can also transmit the virus. It can be possible to have the herpes virus, be infectious and yet never have had any symptoms.
Crabs/Pubic Lice cling to pubic and other<b> body hair </font></b>causing itching and sometimes blood spots from bites. They are spread through naked body/skin contact.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are rare in lesbians but if they are present may be passed on through sharing sex toys or rubbing vulvas together. Often there are no symptoms, though there may be a discharge. The first sign of both infections may be pain in the pelvic region (pelvic inflammatory disease or PID). There is a risk of infertility for women who have had untreated chlamydia.
Syphilis is very infectious and close skin contact during sex can pass it on.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that in its most infectious forms can easily be passed on in sex - for example by touching or sharing sex toys. There are often no symptoms, though it can cause jaundice (yellow skin) or nausea.
Treatment is available for all the sexually transmitted infections mentioned above, often with antibiotics, and most can be cleared up quite rapidly. It is vital you seek help as soon as you notice any symptoms and that you do not have sexual contact that could pass on any infection until it has been dealt with.

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