Your sexuality and sex
When it comes to your sexuality and sex, these are some important things to consider:
- You have the right to change your mind at any point during sex
- You don’t need to have a certain type of sex, just because you identify as lesbian, bisexual or another sexual orientation
- You should never be pushed into doing something you’re uncomfortable with
Sex toys and objects
It is important to use toys and objects safely, to avoid infections or injury. Here are some quick tips:
- Use a new condom on a toy between each partner or body opening
- Wash toys between each use, each partner or body opening (if not using condoms on them)
- Only use sex toys designed for their purpose
See our making sex safer page, for more information about safer anal/vaginal/oral sex and sex toy use.
Can sexually transmitted infections (STIs) be passed on between women?
Yes. You can still get sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from sexual activity between women. Oral sex and sharing sex toys are two of the more common ways women who have sex with women can get an STI, but some STIs can be passed on through intimate skin-to-skin contact and mutual masturbation too. It’s worth getting checked out regularly, see how often below.
What are common STI symptoms?
Some signs you may have an STI include:
- an unusual discharge from the vagina or anus
- pain when peeing
- lumps or skin growths around the genitals or anus
- a rash
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- itchy genitals or anus
- blisters and sores around your genitals or anus
- warts around your genitals or anus
If you have some of these symptoms, it doesn’t always mean you have an STI. It’s worth visiting your GP or nearest sexual health clinic if you’re worried.
To find your nearest sexual health clinic visit www.openclinic.org.uk/clinics
But don’t forget, many STIs have no symptoms at all so the only way to know for sure is to get tested. If you have no symptoms and are aged 16+, you can order an STI testing kit online.
Visiting a sexual health clinic
When you visit one of our sexual health clinics, we may ask you questions about the type of sex you have had, and about your sexual partners. This is so we can make sure we are providing the right testing options for you. All the information you provide is confidential.
To test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea we will most likely ask you for swab sample. Depending on the type(s) of sex you’ve had, you may be able to do this yourself. For other tests such as HIV and syphilis a blood test is taken.
We can help support you to attend the clinic if you’re worried; contact us to discuss this by emailing SexualHealthComms@mpft.nhs.uk.
Condoms and dams
If you’re sharing sex toys, condoms are a quick and easy way to cover sex toys. By putting a new one on when using the toy on a new partner, you greatly decrease the chance of infections spreading.
Dams (sometimes known as dental dams) are a latex sheet that can be used for oral sex on a vagina or anus (rimming) to protect against STIs. Remember to only use one side of the barrier; don’t flip it around and use the other side.
Water-based lube is safe to use with condoms and all sex toys. Oil-based lubes can erode the latex in condoms, making them more likely to break. Silicone-based lube is safe to use with condoms, but, can break down the rubber in some sex toys over time.
You can get free condoms, dams and water-based lube, with a C-Card.
Do I need a smear test?
Yes. It’s important for women and people with a cervix to attend cervical screening (smear test) when they are invited. It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
Even if you have only had sex with other women (or have never had sex at all), you can still develop abnormal cells. If these are left untreated, they may lead to cervical cancer.
Read more about smear tests, including how often you should be getting one, on the www.nhs.uk/cervicalscreening. We do not offer routine smear tests, these are done through your GP.
Sexual Assault
If you have been sexually assaulted and would like support, your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre can help.
Find links to your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre on our website.