Lesbians can pass sexually transmitted infections, including herpes, HIV, HPV, Chlamydia and Hepatitis C to one another. You shouldn't feel intimidated or insecure about bringing up the issue of STD testing.
Whereas it can be hard to ask another person to get tested because it might sound like you don't trust them, the truth is, trust has nothing to do with it. People can carry sexually transmitted diseases without even being aware of it. It makes no difference if they've had hundreds of partners or just one.
I've known lesbians who contracted herpes and HPV who have never slept with men. I met a bisexual woman who contracted HIV the first time she ever had sex.
To ask your partner to get tested says nothing of what you think of her past relationships. It only says that you value yourself and your own health.
You can simply say to her, "Because I value my health, I would like us both to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases before we have sex." Don't just suggest that she get tested. You both should. You can even plan a trip to the STD clinic together. While you're there, you can pick up supplies for safer sex.
And just because your test results come back negative, doesn't mean you're necessarily out of the clear. Some diseases, like HIV, can go undetected for up to six months, so you should practice safer sex for the first six months of your relationship regardless of the test results.
