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Safer Sex for Lesbians and Bisexual Women

How to Protect Yourself from STDs and HIV

By Kathy Belge, About.com

by Kathy Belge

Safer sex for lesbians and bisexual women is a way to protect yourself from contracting or transmitting sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS. But what exactly is safer sex? And how can you be sure you’re protected?

First the disclaimer. If you’re sexually active, there is no 100 percent protection against contracting a sexually transmitted infection. But there are some things you can do to make your play safer.

The best way to protect yourself from contracting a sexually transmitted disease is to keep your partner’s body fluids out of your body. These fluids include vaginal fluids, blood, menstrual blood, breast milk, and semen.

Here are some low-risk activities:

  • Masturbation (only touching yourself)
  • Cybersex
  • Nipple and breast stimulation when not lactating
  • Erotic massage
  • Body rubbing
  • Kissing
  • Using a sex toy with a condom (be sure to use a new condom if sharing sex toys)
  • Cunnilingus (oral sex) with a barrier, such as a glove, dental dam or plastic wrap
  • Vaginal or anal contact with a latex glove

    The following activities are Risky:

  • Unprotected cunnilingus, especially when a woman is bleeding
  • Unprotected rimming
  • Sharing sex toys without a condom
  • Sharing needles
  • Unprotected fellatio
  • Unprotected penis/vaginal intercourse
  • Unprotected penis/anal intercourse
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