Lesbian and bisexual women's resources

Safer Sex

STIs are usually less common among women who have sex with women*. 

*Here women refers to individuals with vaginas or internal genitals, including trans men and non-binary individuals.

The chances of getting an STI depends on the kind of sex you’re having and whether or not you are using protection.

• You can protect yourself and your partners by using condoms with sex toys that you share 
• If you have sex with male partners, use condoms or other kinds of protection 
• Dental dams are good for STI protection with oral sex

STI testing

In addition to regular STI testing, it is recommended that all sexually active women have regular Pap tests every three years. Talk to your health care provider about what tests are right for you.

Resources

There are a number of websites with information for lesbian and bisexual women. If you cannot find answers to your questions here or elsewhere, ask us online.

QMUNITY – BC’s queer resource centre
Generation Q – Queer support and discussion group for youth (ages 13-18) in Nanaimo
AVERT.org – Lesbian, bisexual women and safe sex
HPV Info – Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
BC Cancer Agency – Cervical cancer screening
You should know – For women in perimenopause and beyond
Women Lovin': A queer women's sexual health guide – Pocket guide published by the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT)