CAN I GET HERPES IN THE MOUTH LESBIAN STD QUESTIONS

Q:
I have been sexually active with a woman who has herpes type2. My question is since she has no breakouts, whats the odds that I can get it from genitals to mouth??


A:
Actually, most transmission of HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus type-2) from one person's genitals to another person's genitals occurs during times when the infected person has no symptoms. This is because the virus is shed from the genitals even when ulcers or sores are not present (unfortunately). So, while the odds of transmitting it in a given sexual encounter are usually low, over time, they increase. As far as transmitting HSV-2 to the mouth, this can occur, but it doesn't seem to happen very often in adults, at least in a way that ends up in symptoms in the mouth or throat.

LESBIAN STD QUESTIONS

Q:
Recently I had oral sex preformed on me and another woman at the same time, by a man. Is it possible to spread any std's this way? He penetrated her, but not me, but gave both of us oral sex and inserted his fingers into her and then into me. Should I be worried?


A:
Several STD's can be transmitted through oral sex alone (from an infected person's mouth to the recipient's genital area), including herpes (type 1, in particular) and gonorrhea (primarily for the person who performs oral sex on a penis). Moreover, if the male partner in your threesome transmitted vaginal fluid from your female partner to you, any infection she had in her vaginal fluid (including trichomonas, chlamydia, gonorrhea) could conceivably be transmitted into your vagina as well.

Health information for lesbian and bisexual women

Your health and safety are extremely important. Lesbian and bisexual women are as diverse as the entire community. Like the general population, lesbian and bisexual women vary in terms of age, income, cultural background, affiliation with the lesbian community, and education. Also like the general population, lesbian and bisexual women are varied in their physical activity levels, sexual behaviors, diet, health history, genetics and other factors that affect overall health.

The following general health recommendations for lesbian and bisexual women (and all women) help promote health and prevent disease:

Not smoking and avoiding smoky places.
Eating a healthy and varied diet that is low in fat and high in fiber.
Drinking only in moderation.
Regular health exams and screening for STDs.
Regular Pap tests and STD exams.
Regular breast exams and mammograms after age 40
Tetanus immunization booster every 10 years.
30 minutes of aerobic activity 3-4 times per week.

Some lesbian and bisexual women also have particular health concerns, such as increased risk of hate crimes and breast cancer.

Are lesbian and bisexual women at greater risk for breast cancer?


Being a lesbian does not increase your risk for breast cancer, but having one or more of the risk factors below might. A lesbian or bisexual woman without these risk factors is at no greater risk than a heterosexual woman.

Lesbians are less likely to seek routine health care because of the discomfort of coming out to health care providers and less access to health insurance. With fewer doctor visits, lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to have mammograms and professional breast exams. Studies also show that lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to perform breast self-exam regularly. For these reasons, lesbians and bisexual women may be less likely to have cancers detected at earlier, more treatable, stages.


Lesbians are less likely to give birth by age 30 if at all, which increases risk.


Some studies indicate that lesbians may use alcohol more and have higher body weight, both of which may increase a woman's risk for breast cancer.