Yes, it is possible for lesbian and bisexual females to get STIs. In fact, some evidence suggests they may be at greater risk of certain STIs. These may include STIs such as HPV, herpes, and trichomoniasis.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) refer to infections that people predominantly spread through unprotected sexual contact. This means that many of these infections can transmit through skin-to-skin contact or through vaginal fluids.

People of any gender or sexual orientation can get and transmit STIs. As such, females who participate in sexual activities with females are at risk of contracting many different types of STIs.

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Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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Yes, females who have sex with females should test for STIs. These infections can affect anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.

In fact, some evidence indicates that women who have sex with women (WSW) may be at a higher risk for STIs. This may be due to certain risk factors, such as not using barrier protection during sexual activities.

Lesbians and bisexual females can get the same STIs as heterosexual females.

STIs can spread between females through skin-to-skin contact, mucus membrane contact, vaginal fluids, and menstrual blood. As such, it is advisable for lesbian and bisexual females to undergo regular screening and testing for STIs.

It is possible for many different types of STIs to be transmitted between females. The risk and type of STI will vary depending on the type of sexual activity a person engages in.

For example, lesbians can transmit STIs through direct skin-to-skin contact, or through vaginal fluid. These can includeTrusted Source:

Additionally, although bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not an STI, it is still possible for a female to pass BV to another female during sex. Having BV can also increase the risk of STIs, as it makes the vagina less acidic, which reduces the natural defenses against infections.

STIs can be transmitted between females during the following sexual practices:

  • Oral-vaginal contact: Putting the mouth on the vulva or vagina can transmit STIs such as herpes, syphilis, or gonorrhea. Using protective barrier methods, such as dental dams or plastic wrap, can help reduce the risk.
  • Oral-anal contact: Contact between the mouth and anus can pass syphilis and herpes. It is also possible to transmit other infections, such as hepatitis A and gut infections. Using plastic wrap or dental dams can help reduce the risk.
  • Digital-vaginal contact: Placing fingers inside the vagina can spread herpes, HPV, trichomonas, chlamydia, and gonorrhea if there is exposure to vaginal fluid from a person with an infection. Using gloves can help reduce the risk.
  • Genital-genital and genital-body contact: This type of contact can transmit HPV, herpes, and pubic lice. Wearing clothes and avoiding contact if herpes sores are present can help reduce the risks.
  • Insertive sex: Sharing sex toys, such as dildos, to perform penetrative sex in the vagina or anus can spread trichomonas, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HPV. As such it is not advisable to share toys. A person can also reduce the risk by putting external condoms on the toys.
  • Piercing and sadomasochistic activities: These activities can transmit HIV and other conditions, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, if there is exposure to blood of a person with an infection. To reduce risk, a person can use clean needles and avoid activities that involve sharing blood.
  • Menstrual blood: It is also possible to acquire an infection through menstrual blood. For example, a person can transmit HIV or some forms of hepatitis through period blood.

Yes, it is still advisable for lesbian and bisexual females to have pap smears. This is because they are still at risk of acquiring HPV, which causesTrusted Source almost all cervical cancers.

To help prevent cervical cancer, a person should undergo regular screening. The American Cancer Society (ACS)Trusted Source advises that cervical cancer testing should begin at age 25. Those between the ages of 25 to 65 should test for HPV every 3 to 5 years. Additionally, they should also receive an HPV vaccine.

In some cases, STIs may not cause noticeable symptoms in females. However, when they do, these can include:

Other symptoms may include:

Read on to learn more about the symptoms of STIs in females.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source notes that WSW and women who have sex with women and men (WSWM) may be at an increased risk for STIs due to certain risk behaviors.

This can include not using barrier protection with female partners. For example, it is advisable to use gloves during digital-genital sex, external condomsTrusted Source with sex toys, and dental damsTrusted Source for oral-genital sex.

Furthermore, if people do use sex toys, it is important to clean them thoroughly and properly after sexual activity. This will vary depending on the material of the sex toy, but will often involve cleaning them with warm water and antibacterial soap.

The safest way to prevent STIs is to abstain from sexual activity. For WSW who wish to be sexually active, it is advisable to use barrier protection methods, not share sex toys, and clean them thoroughly after use.

Evidence suggestsTrusted Source that lesbians may face health inequities, as well as disparate treatment, from healthcare providers when seeking treatment for STIs.

This stigmatization and barriers to healthcare can have a negative impact on health. For example, research highlights that lesbians and females with only female sexual partners with HPV may be at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer due to a lower prevalence of screening.

Therefore, if a person experiences any symptoms suggesting an STI, it is advisable that they contact a doctor or visit an STI clinic.

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STIs are infections that people can spread through sexual contact. People of any gender or sexual orientation, including lesbians, can get and transmit STIs.

Some evidence suggests that lesbians and bisexual females may be at greater risk of certain STIs due to behaviors such as not using barrier protection. Examples of STIs they can contract and transmit include HPV, herpes, trichomonas, syphilis, and gonorrhea.

Due to the potential risk of HPV, it is advisable that lesbians still undergo screening for cervical cancer. Additionally, it is also advisable that they undergo regular testing for other STIs.

To help prevent STIs, it is advisable to practice safer sex. This can include using barrier protection, such as dental dams, and thoroughly clean sex toys.