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What Queer Women Who Have Sex with Women Need to Know About STIs
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to surge globally and nationally, with more than one million new infections acquired daily worldwide, according to the World Health Organization . In the United States alone, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis rates have reached record highs, and young people aged 15–24 are disproportionately affected . While public health campaigns often focus on heterosexual and gay male populations, the risks, realities, and prevention strategies specific to queer women—including lesbians, bisexual women, and other women who have sex with women (WSW)—are too often overlooked .
A persistent myth is that women who have sex exclusively with women are at little to no risk for STIs. However, research underscores that while the overall incidence may be lower compared to some other groups, risk is not absent and can be significant, especially when compounded by gaps in sexual health education and barriers to culturally competent care . A large study conducted at an LGBTQ-focused clinic in Los Angeles found that 11% of cisgender women tested positive for any STI over one year, and rates were even higher among transgender women and nonbinary people .
Certain STIs, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus, and trichomoniasis, have been documented to pass between female partners through skin-to-skin contact, shared sex toys, and oral-genital contact . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that sharing sex toys without proper cleaning or condom use can facilitate the spread of infections, and that some STIs—including bacterial vaginosis—may be more common in WSW than previously recognized .
Despite these risks, queer women are less likely to be routinely screened for STIs compared to heterosexual women or gay men . Stigma, lack of provider knowledge, and assumptions about sexual behavior contribute to undertesting and underdiagnosis . According to a CDC review, only about half of women recommended for chlamydia screening in the United States were actually screened, and LGBTQ+ women may be even less likely to access appropriate testing .
Moreover, many queer women report that healthcare providers fail to ask about or understand the diversity of their sexual practices, leading to missed opportunities for prevention and education . The lack of SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) data collection in many health systems further obscures disparities and hinders effective public health response .
Experts recommend several strategies to reduce STI risk for queer women and WSW:
- Regular Screening: Annual STI screening is advised for all sexually active individuals, regardless of sexual orientation. Testing should be based on actual sexual practices, not assumptions about identity .
- Barrier Protection: Use of dental dams, gloves, and condoms on sex toys during oral and penetrative sex lowers the risk of transmission .
- Sex Toy Hygiene: Clean sex toys thoroughly before and after use, and use a new condom if sharing between partners .
- HPV Vaccination: The HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing the most common types of the virus that cause cervical and other cancers. It is recommended for all people up to age 26, and sometimes up to age 45, regardless of gender or sexual orientation .
- Open Communication: Honest dialogue with partners about sexual history, testing, and risk factors can help reduce stigma and encourage safer practices .
Public health leaders and LGBTQ+ advocates urge healthcare providers to create welcoming environments for queer women and gender minorities. This includes using affirming language, asking about sexual behavior without judgment, and staying informed on the unique sexual health needs of LGBTQ+ people .
Advocacy organizations highlight that collecting and reporting SOGI data is critical to understanding and addressing disparities. This enables researchers and policymakers to allocate resources, design targeted prevention programs, and ultimately reduce the burden of STIs in all communities .
As STI rates climb and disparities persist, experts call for a renewed focus on the unique experiences of queer women and gender minorities. Comprehensive, LGBTQ+-inclusive sexual health education, routine screening, and culturally competent care are essential steps toward health equity. Public health organizations, clinicians, and community advocates must work together to ensure that queer women and all LGBTQ+ individuals have access to the information, services, and support they need to protect their sexual health .
