Sexual Health
For Women
If you're looking to meet other women....
The local gay scene is all very women friendly, so check out the sections on 'where to go' for a guide to the good places. The Lord Campbell in Aldershot is probably the most women friendly venue in the area, and women tend to be in the majority there.
Thinking about avoiding infections....?
Women who have sex with women have one of the lowest risks of getting HIV, but there are other infections to be thinking about. Check out the guide to sexually transmitted infections in the Fact File.
There are also some infections which tend to only affect women:
Thrush is an overgrowth of yeast causing vaginal itching and soreness, often with a white discharge. It is treated with long tablets called pesaries which are inserted into the vagina and a cream.
Trichomonas vaginalis (trich or TV) is a parasite which causes infection in the vagina causing a frothy itchy discharge. It is only passed on by contact with the vagina (e.g. by sharing sex toys). Treatment is by a course of antibiotics.
Bacterial vaginosis is a very common vaginal infection. It occurs when the bacteria that normally exist in the vagina multiply rapidly, which causes a smelly discharge. It may be linked to scented bathoils or soap. Treatment is with antibiotic tablets or a cream.
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder which is very common in women. It may causes a burning feeling when you pee, there may be blood in the urine or it may be cloudy. It may also cause a feeling of needing to pee more often, or a dull ache in the lower abdomen. Although it is important to see a doctor there are a lot of things you can do at home. For example drinking a pint of liquid if you recognise the symptoms then another half pint every 20 minutes will help flush the germs out, and dilute the urine making it less painful to pee. Cranberry juice may be particularly helpful. A hot water bottle may help to reduce the discomfort.
Staying healthy
Cervical screening
All women aged 20-64 should be invited for screening every 3 to 5 years. This will involve a doctor or nurse inserting a speculum to keep the vagina open then wiping a wooden spatula across the cervix to collect a few cells. there may be some discomfort, but early detection will help to prevent 80-90% of cancers.
Being breast aware
Knowing how your breasts feel and checking them regularly will help you recognise early any lumps, abnormalities or changes. Remember that normal breasts will feel different at different points in the monthly cycle. If you do notice any changes you should contact your GP immediately.
Sharing sex toys
Using sex toys on each other (or more than one partner) can spread infections. You may want to use a different condom every time.
Barriers
When having oral sex you may want to think about using a dental dam to help prevent infection spreading from the mouth to vagina (or anus) or vice versa. Small squares of pleasantly flavoured latex are available in pre-wrapped envelopes from the Project. One tip is to remember to tick the side you were licking in case you drop it!
So what DO women want? You might be interested in some of the findings of one of the first large scale research projects for and about women who have sex with women. Called 'First Service' it describes the results of two studies, one of nearly 500 women and the other of over 1900.
When asked what they were dissatisfied about in their sex lives, the top three reasons women gave were:
'not having any sex'
'wanting more sex' and
'I'd like more sex with my current partner'
However don't let that make you feel pressurised into sex that you are not completely happy with. You always have the right to say 'no', without an explanation, and don't feel you have to stay around to reason it out with someone who is being unreasonable.
See also: Homophobic Crime Links: Pink Parents