Women have sex with women

Try out PMC Labs and tell us what you think. Learn More. The term "women who have sex with women" describes sexual behaviour while lesbian is a term that describes sexual identity. However, sexual identity does not necessarily predict sexual behaviour—most lesbians have a history of sexual intercourse with men.

Having sex for the first time can be a little nerve-racking, no matter who you are or who you want to have sex with. For example, they could identify as bisexual , pansexual, queer, or even heterosexual. It also includes other people who have vaginas, people with penises, and people with intersex genitalia. Heterosexual couples, for example, may have oral, manual, or penetrative sex. It all depends on the couple and what they like to do.

Patient information : See related handout on health care for women who have sex with women , written by the authors of this article. Despite recent shifts in societal attitudes toward same-sex relationships, women who have sex with women face a variety of barriers to optimal health, including a history of negatively perceived interactions in clinical settings that lead them to delay or avoid health care. Women who have sex with women may be at disproportionate risk of obesity, tobacco use, substance use, mental health issues, intimate partner violence, sexually transmitted infections, and some cancers. Disparities can exist throughout the lifetime. Lesbian and bisexual adolescents are vulnerable to bullying, family rejection, and risky sexual behavior that may lead to sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancy.

Women who have sex with women generally have the same sexual health and reproductive health needs as any other woman. However, there are some specific bits of information that may be helpful for you if you are sexually active. If you have oral sex when you or your partner have cold sores, cuts on the skin around the vagina, anus or mouth, or are having your period then you might be at risk of viral infections such as herpes or hepatitis. A dam is a square of latex, often flavoured, which is placed over your skin for performing oral sex. Alternatively you can cut open a condom and place it over your skin.