As a woman who has sex with women (WSW), you may not always identify yourself as a lesbian, or bisexual.

Many WSW had their first sexual experience with a man, have had multiple experiences with men, or still have sex with men. HIV transmission is a risk between women through fingering/fisting, oral sex and sharing sex toys.

The risk is lower than sex involving a man because less bodily fluids are exchanged between women.

Access regular sexual health check ups for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV testing. 

• Sex is safer when none of your partner’s bodily fluids (vaginal secretions, breast milk or blood - including menstruation) enter your body.
• Ensure your partner’s fluids do not enter your vagina, mouth or any cuts. 
• Wash your hands before and after sex.
• Use plenty of lube for fingering or fisting, especially for the anus.
• Use latex gloves, especially if you have a cut or sore on your hands. 
• Avoid oral sex if you or your partner have cuts or sores in or around the mouth, or if the receiving partner is menstruating.
• Use a dental dam, or a condom cut open between the vagina/anus and mouth to prevent STI or HIV transmission. 
• Wash sex toys before and after use and between partners.
• Use a new condom every time sex toys are shared.
• Use sex toys carefully to prevent drawing blood.
• You have the right to:
  
  
  • refuse sex
  • have sex with women
  • practice safer sex.