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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not only affect heterosexual people – lesbian and bisexual women can also become infected and transmit infections. Nevertheless, there is often uncertainty about how high the risk really is and which protective measures are sensible. In this blog you will learn how STIs can be transmitted during same-sex sex between women, which infections are particularly common, and how you can effectively protect yourself.
Table of Contents
- How can lesbian and bisexual women become infected with STIs?
- STIs in lesbian and bisexual women
- What are typical symptoms of STIs in women?
- How can the risk of an STI be reduced?
How can lesbian and bisexual women become infected with STIs?
Many people underestimate the risk of STI transmission during sexual contact between women. But infection is possible even without penetration with a penis – for example through:
- Oral contact (vulva ↔ mouth): Transmission via mucous membranes; also possible with HPV/herpes as well as some bacterial pathogens.
- Hands/fingers: If vaginal fluid has been touched beforehand and subsequently comes into contact with the partner’s mucous membranes; small tears/micro-injuries increase the risk.
- Shared use of sex toys: Especially if shared without a condom/barrier cover, or without cleaning between partners or when switching between vagina ↔ anus.
- Direct skin-to-skin contact in the genital area (vulva-to-vulva): Particularly relevant for HPV and herpes, even if no visible changes are present.
- Contact with blood (including menstrual blood): Blood contact – for example through menstrual blood or small injuries – can transmit HIV and other pathogens; however, the overall risk in sex between women is very low.
Factors that further increase the risk:
The individual risk of infection is not always the same. It increases especially when mucous membranes are irritated, protective barriers are missing, or pathogens can more easily enter the body. Typical factors are:
- Fresh shaving, dry mucous membranes, or strong friction/too little lubricant → more microtears.
- Inflammations, fungal infections, or open areas in the genital region.
- Changing partners or unknown testing status.
- Using the same toy between vagina and anus without new protection (e.g., without a new condom/barrier cover).
STIs in lesbian and bisexual women
Sexually transmitted infections can also occur in sexual contact between women. The following overview shows the most important pathogens, their typical transmission routes in the context of same-sex contacts, as well as possible health consequences if left untreated.
| Infection | Transmission routes | Possible consequences (if untreated) |
|---|---|---|
| HPV | Skin and mucous membrane contact, oral sex | Genital warts, cervical cancer |
| Herpes (HSV) | Skin and mucous membrane contact | Painful blisters, recurrent outbreaks |
| Chlamydia | Vaginal secretions, sex toys | Infertility, fallopian tube inflammation |
| Gonorrhea | Vaginal secretions, oral sex | Pain, discharge, pelvic inflammation |
| Syphilis | Mucous membrane contact, oral sex | Severe organ damage in late stages |
| HIV | Blood, vaginal secretions, menstrual blood | Immune deficiency, AIDS |
Source: CDC, 2021
Although many HPV infections resolve on their own, the risk of secondary diseases depends on the virus type: the high-risk types HPV 16 and 18 are responsible worldwide for about 90% of cases of cervical cancer (CDC, 2024, WHO, 2024). This is why HPV vaccination and regular screening examinations are particularly important.
What are typical symptoms of STIs in women?
Many sexually transmitted infections initially progress without symptoms. This means: a woman can be infected without knowing it and unconsciously transmit the infection. Particularly with chlamydia, symptomless courses are common – according to estimates, up to 70% of infected women notice no complaints (ECDC, 2025). When symptoms do occur, they may include, for example:
- Unusual or foul-smelling discharge
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Itching, redness, or skin changes in the genital area
- Small blisters, sores, or ulcers on the genitals or in the mouth
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2023
When should you have an STI test?
Since many STIs initially cause no complaints, it makes sense to test not only when symptoms appear. The following situations indicate that an STI test is advisable:
- With symptoms such as discharge, itching, pain, or skin changes in the genital area.
- After unprotected sex, even if you feel fine.
- With a new partner or if you have multiple sexual partners.
- After sharing sex toys without a barrier cover or cleaning.
- After contact with blood or menstrual blood, especially in the case of open wounds or mucous membrane contact.
- Before a planned pregnancy, to minimize risks for you and the child.
- Regularly as a precaution – with changing partners, a test every 6–12 months can be useful.
Source: MayoClinic, 2025
How can the risk of an STI be reduced?
Even during sex between women there are ways to significantly reduce the risk of infection. These include:
- Use of dental dams or cut-open condoms during oral sex
- Use of condoms or barrier covers with sex toys
- Cleaning or disinfecting sex toys after each use
- Avoidance of direct contact with menstrual blood or open wounds
- Regular tests for sexually transmitted infections
- Open conversations with sexual partners about one’s own sexual health
In addition, HPV vaccination is recommended, as it protects against certain cancers and other HPV-related diseases.
Source: CDC, 2024
How can a home test from Homed-IQ help?
With an STI home test from Homed-IQ, such as the HPV test, you can check your sexual health – discreetly, quickly, and reliably – from home, without a doctor’s appointment or waiting room. Your sample is analyzed in a certified medical laboratory.
References
HPV and Cancer | Cancer. (2024, September 17). CDC. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/index.html
Human papillomavirus and cancer. (2024, March 5). World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer
Human papillomavirus and cancer. (2024, March 5). World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer
Sex activities and risk. (n.d.). NHS. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/sex-activities-and-risk/
Sexual health for lesbian and bisexual women. (n.d.). NHS. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/sexual-health-for-lesbian-and-bisexual-women/
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved August 14, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases–infections-stds–stis
STD testing: What’s right for you? (2025, July 16). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019
Women Who Have Sex with Women (WSW) and Women Who Have Sex with Women and Men (WSWM). (2021, July 22). CDC. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/wsw.htm
