title: Promoting sexual health in women who have sex with women.
abstract: This article aims to illustrate how women who have sex with women are at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), despite perceptions that this group is at low risk. Data on the prevalence of STIs among these women are lacking and they may not be aware of the risk of contracting STIs. The article outlines the types of sexual practice that may put women who have sex with women at risk and describes methods to reduce the spread of STIs. Greater provision of safer sex information is advocated. Suggestions to improve practice are recommended, including ways to encourage uptake of sexual health services and the need to take a thorough sexual history.
authors.affiliation: Genitourinary medicine department, Boston Health Clinic, Lincolnshire. victoria.ripley@lpct.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ripley
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D019529:Sexuality; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology