Ive been with my gf for ages now and its been completely exclusive as far as I know. Over the past few weeks Ive had something flare up down below. I admit that I dont know much about stds and even thought lesbians were virtually safe from them, but i showed it to a very close housemate lol and they said it looked like gonnorrhea. I just know it by name and dunno what it looks like, so Ill go to the doctors to confirm and treat it, but it gives me the problem of where I caught it from... I dont really understand how serious stds are for lesbians and how contagious, so it all seems a bit freaky. The only person Ive been with sexually for the last 8 months is my girlfriend so would that mean shes cheated on me? or can you catch something like this by non sexual things?
First thing to do is go see a dr about it, it could just be something as simple as BV (bacterial vaginosis) or thrush, which isn't an std and can be easily treated. They can also appear out of nowhere. I'd be wary about the diagnosis by your housemate as gonnorrhea symptoms generally are strong smelling discharges and burning when peeing, not really anything you can see from taking a quick look. Definately speak to a dr. It's best to find out what it is first before jumping to a conclusion that you've been cheated on.
STDs unfortunately are passed on by sexual acts, there are a few such as crabs (sharing clothing/towels etc), hepatitis & HIV (needles mainly) which can be passed on without having sex. Everyone is at risk of picking up an STD, lesbians may be in the lower risk category, but safe sex such as using dental dams for oral sex & using condoms over sex toys shouldn't be overlooked. Similarly brushing your teeth before oral sex, long nails and sex involving periods are also risky.
http://www.avert.org/ This site can give you an idea of risky practices, STDs and how to protect yourself.
If it does come back that you have got an STD and your girlfriend is the only person you have slept with then I'd have words with her. Other than that at the top of the welfare threads theres a massive list of sexual health clinics, GUM clinics and places to contact if you think you've got an STD. Definatley seek advice/consultation with a medical professional though.
Hope it all works out for you and that its nothing serious.
__________________
Nic // LGBT Society Events Officer 05/06 // LGBT Assembly Chair 05/06 - NUS LGBT Society of the year 2006(winners) //
LUU honarary life member - Awarded 2006 // LGBT Assembly Mentor 2006 -Onwards.
Contact me at nicturner_85@hotmail.com
While I agree with Nic that it may be something other than an STD, it's really important that you get yourself checked out. Here's some contact information for Leeds' GUM clinic (which is also called the Centre for Sexual Health):
Sunnybank Wing, Great George Street, Leeds. LS1 3EX
Appointments are necessary. You can ring at any time during the day to make an appointment.
If you have symptoms and think that you need to be seen urgently you can contact the Health Advisors at the clinic, you will probably need to leave a message and they will call you back.
Clinic Times Monday 8:45 - 12:00 and 13:45 - 16:30 Tuesday 8:45 - 12:00 and 13:45 - 16:30 Wednesday 8:45 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 16:30 Thursday 8:30 - 12:00 and 13:45 - 19:00 Friday 8:45 - 12:00 and 13:45 - 16:30
Appointments: 0113 392 6724 or 0113 392 6725 Health Advisors: 0113 392 6057
Other information about places you can go to get yourself checked can be found on the thread in this and every other welfare board entitled 'important'.
As for your girlfriend, if it turns out you have an STD you've a very solid reason for bringing it up with her, not least because anyone you're having sex with ought to know so that you can both take the necessary precautions to avoid the STD spreading. If it turns out you do have an STD, I definitely recommend having a word with her - aside from the hurt her cheating may cause you, she needs to be made aware that safe sex is important, especially if you have more than one partner.
Although women who have sex with women are in the lowest risk group for STDs, there are several that we can still pick up, including herpes (watch out for coldsores around the mouth and genitals). As such, it's well worth thinking about getting yourself and any sexual partner(s) you have tested at the beginning of a committed sexual relationship, and using dental dams and condoms during sexual practice to ensure maximum safety whilst having sex with people whose sexual health has not been verified (i.e. one night stands).
Good luck, and do let us know if you need any more help. All the best.
