Women's Health
Cervical Screening
We have to break the myth! It doesn't matter if boys just don't do it for you, but it does matter that if you are between the ages of 24 and 64 then you need to get for regular cervical screening.
Many lesbian and bisexual women have faced homophobia and the assumption they are heterosexual when they go for cervical screening. Times are changing and health services need to make sure they deal with individuals appropriately. If this is a problem for you we would love to hear from you so we can help change those experiences for lesbian and bisexual women in Essex.
There is often an assumption made by lesbian and bisexual women that they don't require screening, this simply isn't true.
For more information on clinics running in North Essex call 01206 286859 or visit www.northeastessex.nhs.uk/screening
We have to break the myth! It doesn't matter if boys just don't do it for you, but it does matter that if you are between the ages of 24 and 64 then you need to get for regular cervical screening.
Many lesbian and bisexual women have faced homophobia and the assumption they are heterosexual when they go for cervical screening. Times are changing and health services need to make sure they deal with individuals appropriately. If this is a problem for you we would love to hear from you so we can help change those experiences for lesbian and bisexual women in Essex.
There is often an assumption made by lesbian and bisexual women that they don't require screening, this simply isn't true.
For more information on clinics running in North Essex call 01206 286859 or visit www.northeastessex.nhs.uk/screening
Safer Sex for Women
What's risky for frisky women?
Lesbian and bisexual women are at low risk of some STI's but there is still some risk in any activity which involved the exchange of bodily fluids (vaginal or menstrual fluid/breast milk).
Oral sex is risky if you or your partner have any cold sores, cuts or abrasions OR you or your partner are having your period. Use a Dental Dam (square of latex, often flavoured) to reduce risk.
Mouth to mouth kissing is safe, but be aware of any cuts, sores or bleeding gums.
Sharing sex toys carries some risk of STI transmission. Make sure things remain clean if sharing, or use with a different condom between partners.
Have fun! But remember to keep your nails short, and beware of rings and jewellery if hands are going anywhere near yours or your partners vagina or anus. This will avoid cuts or breaks to either area.
Please contact your local GUM Clinic for testing if you suspect you may have an STI. Most STI's are simple to treat and easier to treat if detected early.
NHS Direct Offer a female sexual health symptom checker here:
https://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/CheckSymptoms/SATs/femalesexualhealth
Lesbian and bisexual women are at low risk of some STI's but there is still some risk in any activity which involved the exchange of bodily fluids (vaginal or menstrual fluid/breast milk).
Oral sex is risky if you or your partner have any cold sores, cuts or abrasions OR you or your partner are having your period. Use a Dental Dam (square of latex, often flavoured) to reduce risk.
Mouth to mouth kissing is safe, but be aware of any cuts, sores or bleeding gums.
Sharing sex toys carries some risk of STI transmission. Make sure things remain clean if sharing, or use with a different condom between partners.
Have fun! But remember to keep your nails short, and beware of rings and jewellery if hands are going anywhere near yours or your partners vagina or anus. This will avoid cuts or breaks to either area.
Please contact your local GUM Clinic for testing if you suspect you may have an STI. Most STI's are simple to treat and easier to treat if detected early.
NHS Direct Offer a female sexual health symptom checker here:
https://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/CheckSymptoms/SATs/femalesexualhealth
Cigarettes: scissor it sister
Only a third of lesbian and bisexual women have NEVER smoked compared to over half of women in general who have never smoked. More than a quarter of lesbian and bisexual women smoke.
It's time to drop the fag. For your local NHS Stop Smoking Service call 0800 731 2656 or visit:
www. smokefree.nhs.uk
It's time to drop the fag. For your local NHS Stop Smoking Service call 0800 731 2656 or visit:
www. smokefree.nhs.uk
Alcohol and Drugs
Nine in ten lesbian and bisexual women drink and 40% drink three times a week compared to a quarter of women in general. Also lesbian and bisexual women are five times more likely to have taken drugs.
If alcohol and drugs effect yours, your partners or your family's life negatively you can find out what support is available here:
http://www.essexdrugaction.org/Adult.asp?Category=Adult
If alcohol and drugs effect yours, your partners or your family's life negatively you can find out what support is available here:
http://www.essexdrugaction.org/Adult.asp?Category=Adult
Contact Us
If you feel there is some information about health and well-being we can provide you: info@theouthouse.org.uk
