Lesbian Health Care - Page 269 Vital Women's Problems Section - Page 243 Lesbian Health Care - Page 267 Lesbian Health Care - Page 271

Lesbian sex is anything two women do together in a sexual context and is not dependent upon heterosexual definitions. We must learn to be more open about our sexuality by reading, discussing, going to groups, and in general, becoming at ease with our bodies and their natural expressions.

JoAnn Loulan has written many excellent books, e.g. LESBIAN SEX, and also has cassette tapes out on many subjects relevant to lesbians.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: Lesbians are at much less risk for contacting STD's than heterosexual women. The Kinsey Institute found that the incidence of venereal disease in lesbians was less than one percent. Lesbians can get the same STD's as heterosexual women, but the fact is that most STD's are not easily transmitted from one woman to another. In fact, it is so rare for a lesbian to have syphilis or gonorrhea that sex with a man is immediately considered.

Some STD's require a certain type of sexual activity to be spread, for example, one kind of hepatitis. Hepatitis type A virus lives in feces, so lesbians doing oral-anal sex without precautions may pass the virus during lesbian sex.

Monilia (yeast, candidiasis), trichomonas, and gardnerella are all vaginal infections that can be transmitted by vulva to vulva contact, fingers to vagina, sharing sexual toys without proper cleaning or using barriers, or through sharing towels and washcloths. Usually none of these are spread to the mouth and throat unless the woman has a compromised immune system.

Bladder infections or cystitis are uncommon in lesbians. However, a lesbian can still develop cystitis when her resistance is lowered, when she is fatigued and generally unwell and when she is sexually vigorous. Cystitis should be treated quickly.

Lesbians, like anyone else, can spread Herpes Simplex types 1 and 2. Herpes Simplex 1 is on lips and mouth 95 percent of the time and on genitals five percent of the time. The reverse it true for Herpes Simplex 2. Lesbians should not have sex when the virus is active and should avoid contact with the virus on mucous membranes for at least ten days or until the lesions are completely healed.

Another virus that is spread by vulva contact is venereal warts. They may not show up for one to three months after contact. If you know you may have them, you must be responsible in getting them treated and informing your partner.

Just a quick word about lesbians and AIDS. It is very rare for one woman to transmit the AIDS virus to another woman. Each lesbian needs to inform herself on all aspects of safe sex and make her own decisions in that regard. The one important thing to remember is that we need to keep in mind that lesbians are not homogeneous. We are sex trade workers, married, IV drug users, and many other things that put us at high risk for contracting the AIDS virus. It is imperative to be informed, know your partner and practice safe sex whenever it is remotely indicated.

VIOLENCE: Lesbian battering is a very real entity. A woman does not have to be battered by a man to be considered a battered person. The lesbian community has been loathe to recognize this aspect of our lives, but lately there has been more support for both the battered lesbian and her batterer. To get specific information in your area, try the local lesbian organization if there is one, a rape crisis center or a battered women's shelter. Not all heterosexual institutions will be supportive, but many of them will.

Lesbians also risk violence on the street, especially if they are clearly identified as lesbians. The incidence of "gay bashing" has been on the increase, and many communities have responded with patrolling groups of lesbians and gay men who offer protection to the community. Violence against lesbians does not have to be strictly physical. Verbal harassment is also a violent act against a lesbian.

Parenting Give Us Feedback On This Subject Text Scroll This Chapter Check Out Doctor DeMarco's Recommended Health Products Resources Emotional Aspects

One of the biggest health issues affecting lesbians is our emotional well-being. We all know that emotional health is an integral part of general health. Even if our body functions routinely, we are not considered healthy unless our emotional side is also functioning healthily. It is important that we talk about and increase our awareness of lesbians. It is a contradiction to tell us that it is okay to be a lesbian but not to talk about it. It is not healthy to have to pretend that you are not as you are.

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Lose weight – diet and exercise plans
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