Lesbian Sexual Health Checklist: The Best 9-Step Guide for Safer Intimacy

Lesbian sexual health checklist is more than just a buzzword—it’s a vital tool for protecting the well-being of women who have sex with women (WSW). Too often, lesbian and queer women are left out of mainstream sexual health education, which creates confusion, spreads misinformation, and increases preventable risks. That’s why having a clear, evidence-based guide is so important. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything from STI risks and safer sex practices to emotional wellness and consent—all tailored specifically for lesbian relationships. Plus, we’ll answer frequently asked questions, recommend essential tools, and help you take full control of your sexual health journey.

Understanding Lesbian Sexual Health

What Is Lesbian Sexual Health?

Lesbian sexual health refers to the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of women who engage in sexual activity with other women. It includes not only protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and regular screenings, but also mental wellness, safe practices with sex toys, communication habits, and access to affirming healthcare.

This aspect of health is often underrepresented in traditional medical resources. Most sexual education focuses heavily on heterosexual interactions, overlooking how risks, dynamics, and prevention strategies may differ for lesbians. However, women who have sex with women still need regular sexual health maintenance, as transmission of infections through skin-to-skin contact, vaginal fluids, and shared objects is entirely possible.

A robust lesbian sexual health checklist ensures that every part of a woman’s experience—her safety, confidence, and comfort—is prioritized and protected.

Why It Deserves Special Attention

Unlike heterosexual women, lesbians face challenges that often go unnoticed in mainstream care. Many WSW report feeling misunderstood by providers or assume that they’re not at risk of STIs, leading to fewer checkups and screenings.

Consider this:

• According to the CDC, lesbians may be less likely to get regular Pap tests due to misinformation about risk.
• Some women use barrier methods inconsistently or not at all, assuming their STI exposure is minimal.
• Emotional intimacy and shared trauma experiences in lesbian relationships may also influence sexual well-being.

This is why it’s critical to recognize lesbian sexual health as distinct and deserving of specialized care, not just as an extension of general women’s health.

Key Risks and Common Misconceptions in Lesbian Sexual Health

What Diseases Are Lesbians More Prone To?

Although lesbians are often perceived as “low risk” when it comes to STIs, the reality is far more nuanced. Certain diseases and health conditions are more likely to affect women who have sex with women due to specific behavioral, social, and healthcare access factors.

Here are some common conditions lesbians may be more prone to:

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): One of the most common vaginal infections among women, BV can spread through sexual activity. Women who have sex with women are at higher risk, especially with the sharing of sex toys or direct genital contact.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even without penetration. Studies show that many lesbians contract HPV even if they’ve never had male partners.
• Trichomoniasis: Though less frequently discussed, trich can still be transmitted between women through fluid exchange or shared objects.
• Hepatitis B & C: These viruses can be passed via blood and bodily fluids. Sharing razors or engaging in sexual activities during menstruation can increase the risk.
• Herpes and Genital Warts: These are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact and can spread even when no symptoms are visible.
• Mental Health Disorders: Due to minority stress, discrimination, and lack of tailored care, lesbians report higher rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD compared to their heterosexual peers.

The bottom line: assuming low risk leads to neglect. A comprehensive lesbian sexual health checklist should include regular screenings for these conditions—regardless of perceived exposure.

Debunking Myths About Lesbian STD Transmission

Let’s bust some of the most dangerous myths that hurt women’s sexual health:

A major reason for these myths is lack of inclusion in medical research and sex education. Many women are not taught proper prevention strategies because their relationships aren’t considered “high-risk” in public health materials.
Don’t miss our overview of STIs often overlooked in queer communities to stay informed.

Remember: Taking risks seriously is not fear-mongering—it’s health empowerment.

Building a Lesbian Sexual Health Checklist

Physical Health Considerations

When crafting a lesbian sexual health checklist, physical wellness is a crucial pillar. While there’s no one-size-fits-all guide, certain key practices apply universally for women who engage in sex with other women. Here’s what you should include:

1. Routine STI Screenings
   Even if you’re in a monogamous relationship, regular STI tests are essential. Some infections, like chlamydia or HPV, can remain undetected for years. Aim for at least one screening annually—or more frequently if you have multiple partners.
2. Pap Smears and HPV Testing
   Don’t skip your Pap test just because you don’t have sex with men. Lesbians still face cervical cancer risks and need regular screenings starting at age 21, as per CDC guidelines.
3. Breast Exams
   Monthly self-checks and annual clinical breast exams are vital. If breast binding is part of your lifestyle, be sure to communicate that to your provider.
4. Safe Use of Sex Toys
   Clean toys before and after each use. Use condoms on toys, especially if sharing them between partners. Silicone toys are easier to sanitize, making them a safer choice.
5. Barrier Protection Tools
   Include dental dams and nitrile gloves in your sexual health toolkit. These barriers reduce STI transmission through oral-genital and manual-genital contact.
6. Menstrual Hygiene in Sex
   If engaging during menstruation, use added protection. Blood can carry infections, making it easier to transmit viruses like Hepatitis B or HIV.
7. Lubricants and Allergies
   Choose water-based lubricants to avoid irritation. Watch out for latex allergies if using gloves or condoms.

Need a reliable toolkit? Check out our list of recommended safer sex supplies for lesbian couples (#).

Emotional and Mental Health Factors

Sexual health is more than STIs—it’s also about emotional safety and mental well-being. Here’s what every lesbian should include in her checklist:

1. Emotional Readiness and Comfort
   Are you and your partner emotionally on the same page? Consensual, pressure-free intimacy is key to healthy sexual experiences.
2. Healthy Communication
   Open discussion about desires, boundaries, and health history helps prevent misunderstandings. Schedule regular check-ins to keep things clear.
3. Stress and Sexual Function
   Anxiety and depression can affect libido, arousal, and enjoyment. Seek LGBTQ+ affirming therapy or support groups if needed.
4. Consent as an Ongoing Process
   It’s not a one-time conversation. Reconfirm boundaries often and respect any changes without judgment.
5. Safety from Abuse or Coercion
   Queer relationships can also experience emotional or sexual abuse. Know the red flags and resources available for survivors.
6. Mental Health Screenings
   Include periodic screenings for anxiety, depression, or PTSD—especially if you’ve experienced trauma related to identity or relationships.

Discover more tips in our mental wellness checklist for queer women.

By balancing physical health routines with mental and emotional self-care, your lesbian sexual health checklist becomes a comprehensive support system, not just a list of tasks.

The 5 P’s of Sexual Health Explained

Overview of the 5 Ps Framework

Healthcare professionals often use the 5 P’s of sexual health to guide discussions and assessments during patient visits. These five areas provide a structured way to evaluate risks, needs, and safety practices across all sexual orientations. Here’s what they stand for:

1. Partners
2. Practices
3. Protection from STIs
4. Past history of STIs
5. Prevention of pregnancy (though often modified for lesbian-specific checklists)

This framework helps individuals and healthcare providers talk openly about sexual behavior while addressing potential health concerns in a non-judgmental and thorough way.

Applying the 5 Ps to Lesbian Relationships

Let’s take a closer look at how the 5 Ps apply specifically to women who have sex with women, and how to make them part of your lesbian sexual health checklist:

1. Partners

• How many sexual partners have you had in the past 12 months?
• Are your partners cisgender, transgender, or nonbinary?
• Do any partners also have sex with men or others?

Open dialogue about partners’ genders, sexual orientation, and risk behaviors is essential for accurate risk assessment.

2. Practices

• What kind of sexual contact do you have—oral, digital, vaginal, anal, or use of sex toys?
• Do you and your partner use protection with toys or during oral sex?

Understanding specific sexual practices allows you to tailor protection strategies effectively. For example, women who share sex toys should include toy cleaning and barrier usage in their checklist.

3. Protection from STIs

• Do you use dental dams or gloves regularly?
• Are you vaccinated for HPV and Hepatitis B?

Protection includes consistent use of barriers and vaccinations. Many STIs can spread even in the absence of penetration, so don’t skip this.

4. Past history of STIs

• Have you or your partners ever tested positive for an STI?
• When was your last sexual health screening?

Include routine testing intervals and history reviews in your checklist to catch and treat infections early.

5. Pregnancy Prevention

• While not always relevant, some lesbians may still engage in sex with people who produce sperm or consider fertility treatments.

For most lesbian relationships, pregnancy prevention isn’t a focus. However, it may still apply for bisexual women or those pursuing pregnancy through assisted reproduction.

Looking for inspiration? Try our free printable sexual health checklist template for queer women to help apply the 5 Ps in your everyday life.

By integrating the 5 Ps, your lesbian sexual health checklist becomes more strategic, reducing missed areas of concern and promoting long-term well-being.

Safer Sex Practices and Protection Methods for Lesbians

Barrier Methods: Dental Dams, Gloves, Condoms

Contrary to popular belief, barrier methods aren’t just for heterosexual couples. For lesbians, they play a crucial role in reducing the risk of STIs like herpes, HPV, gonorrhea, and more. Here’s how to integrate them into your lesbian sexual health checklist:

Pro Tip: Always use a new barrier for each sexual act or when switching between partners or body areas.

Don’t miss our detailed guide to lesbian barrier methods and where to buy them to stay well-prepared.

Cleaning and Sex Toy Safety

Sex toys can be powerful tools for intimacy, but they also pose health risks if not handled properly. Every lesbian sexual health checklist should include the following sex toy hygiene steps:

1. Clean Before and After Every Use
   Use fragrance-free, antibacterial soap or a specialized toy cleaner. Silicone toys are easier to disinfect than jelly or latex types.
2. Don’t Share Without Protection
   Always use a fresh condom on shared toys. Even if you’re in a monogamous relationship, toys can carry bacteria that disrupt vaginal flora.
3. Avoid Porous Materials
   Jelly and rubber-based toys can harbor bacteria, even after cleaning. Opt for non-porous silicone, glass, or metal toys.
4. Use Compatible Lubes
   Water-based lube is best for silicone toys, while silicone-based lubes work great for metal or glass.
5. Dry and Store Safely
   Let toys air-dry completely before storing them in a breathable pouch—not plastic bags that trap moisture and germs.
6. Inspect for Damage
   If a toy develops cracks or discoloration, it’s time to replace it. Damaged surfaces increase the risk of infection.

By following these best practices, you reduce the risk of infections like BV, yeast infections, and HPV. Plus, it helps keep intimacy safe and stress-free.

Check out our list of safe lesbian-friendly sex toy materials for product recommendations and tips.

STI and STD Screenings for Lesbians

What Screenings Are Recommended

Just because a woman is in a same-sex relationship doesn’t mean she’s immune to STIs. In fact, STI screening is a non-negotiable part of any thorough lesbian sexual health checklist.

Here are the most important STI tests lesbians should consider, even if they’ve never had sex with men:

Note: Ask for swab testing of the oral, vaginal, and rectal areas if you engage in those types of contact—standard urine or blood tests may not be sufficient.

Want an easy reference? Download our printable STI testing checklist for queer women for your next doctor visit.

How Often Should You Get Tested?

Testing frequency depends on your lifestyle, relationship structure, and health history. Here’s a general guide:

• Every 6 months if you have multiple partners or use shared sex toys.
• Annually if in a monogamous relationship with no new risk factors.
• Immediately if you experience symptoms (unusual discharge, pain, sores).
• Before a new sexual relationship begins.

Always be open with your healthcare provider about the types of sex you have. This ensures they recommend the correct tests.

Discover great ideas like our sex-positive healthcare prep checklist for making appointments less stressful and more affirming.

Communication and Consent in Lesbian Sexual Health

How to Talk to Your Partner About Health

Open, honest conversations are a core component of any effective lesbian sexual health checklist. Yet many women find it awkward or intimidating to bring up sexual history, boundaries, or STI screenings. The key? Normalize it.

Here’s how to get the conversation started:

1. Pick the Right Time
   Avoid talking about sensitive topics during or just before sex. Choose a relaxed moment when both partners feel comfortable and unrushed.
2. Use “I” Statements
   Say things like, “I care about us and want to make sure we’re both healthy,” instead of “Have you ever been tested?”
3. Make It a Two-Way Exchange
   Ask your partner about their testing history and share your own. Transparency builds trust.
4. Frame It as Self-Care
   Reassure your partner that these conversations are about mutual safety and respect, not accusations or mistrust.
5. Ask, Don’t Assume
   Don’t guess what your partner has done or likes. Ask questions and be open to the answers—even if they surprise you.

Check out our conversation prompts for discussing sexual health with a queer partner if you’re unsure how to start.

Setting Boundaries and Practicing Affirmative Consent

Consent is more than “no means no.” In lesbian relationships, just like any other, it’s a living, ongoing practice that prioritizes mutual respect and enthusiastic agreement.

Here’s what affirmative consent should look like:

Red flags include dismissing boundaries, pushing for sex when your partner is tired or emotional, or assuming consent based on past behavior.

Remember: consent can always be withdrawn, and it should always be enthusiastic and informed.

Looking for inspiration? Try our LGBTQ+ consent education toolkit to deepen your awareness and support healthy connections.

Navigating Healthcare as a Lesbian Woman

Finding LGBTQ+ Friendly Providers

A comprehensive lesbian sexual health checklist is only as good as the care that supports it. Unfortunately, many lesbian women report feeling invisible, misunderstood, or even judged in medical settings. That’s why finding an affirming, LGBTQ+-friendly provider isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential.

Here’s how to locate inclusive healthcare:

1. Search LGBTQ+ Health Networks
   Use directories like the GLMA (Gay and Lesbian Medical Association) or local LGBTQ+ centers to find inclusive providers.
2. Check Clinic Language and Forms
   Look for clinics that use gender-inclusive language, ask about sexual orientation on intake forms, and mention LGBTQ+ services on their websites.
3. Read Reviews from Queer Patients
   Firsthand experiences offer invaluable insight. Look for keywords like “affirming,” “non-judgmental,” or “understood my identity.”
4. Call Ahead
   Ask, “Do your providers have experience working with lesbian or queer women?” Their response often tells you everything.
5. Bring a Partner or Advocate
   If you’re nervous, bring someone who supports you. This can make a huge difference in feeling empowered during appointments.

Don’t miss our list of LGBTQ+ clinics and providers in your state for easier access to affirming care.

What to Expect in a Check-Up

Knowing what to expect removes anxiety and helps you advocate for your needs. Here’s what a lesbian-focused wellness exam should include:

1. Sexual Health History
   Your provider should ask about the kinds of sex you have, not just the gender of your partners. This leads to more tailored advice and testing.
2. STI Testing
   Expect oral, vaginal, and possibly rectal swabs depending on your activities. Discuss testing intervals based on your lifestyle.
3. Pap Test and HPV Screen
   Even if you’ve never had sex with a man, you still need cervical health screenings. HPV spreads easily between women.
4. Breast and Pelvic Exams
   These are standard, but your provider should explain what they’re doing and why—respecting your comfort throughout.
5. Mental Health Check-In
   Many inclusive clinics incorporate stress, anxiety, and trauma assessments—important parts of overall lesbian health.
6. Sexual Wellbeing Discussions
   A good provider will ask about pain during sex, libido, or concerns about intimacy without assuming you’re straight.

Check out our guide on prepping for a queer-positive wellness exam to go into your appointment confident and informed.

By advocating for affirming care and understanding what a proper visit looks like, you turn your lesbian sexual health checklist into a powerful wellness tool—not just a to-do list.

Lifestyle Habits for Ongoing Lesbian Sexual Health

Diet, Sleep, Stress, and Regular Checkups

A healthy lifestyle isn’t just about looking good—it directly influences your sexual health. Incorporating these wellness pillars into your lesbian sexual health checklist helps build resilience against illness, boosts mental clarity, and supports safer, more satisfying intimacy.

Here’s what to focus on:

1. Nutrition That Supports Vaginal Health
   Eat a balanced diet rich in:
   • Probiotics (yogurt, kombucha) to support vaginal flora
   • Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, chia seeds) to reduce inflammation
   • Vitamin C and zinc to enhance immune response
   Avoid excessive sugar or processed foods, which can disrupt pH balance and increase risk of yeast infections.
2. Quality Sleep
   Getting at least 7–9 hours per night promotes hormonal balance, mental clarity, and immune support—all crucial for sexual well-being.
3. Stress Management
   Chronic stress can cause low libido, irregular periods, and even reduce the effectiveness of your immune system. Try:
   • Meditation or breathwork
   • Creative hobbies
   • Therapy with LGBTQ+ affirming counselors
4. Routine Medical Visits
   Even if you feel fine, yearly checkups with a queer-friendly provider ensure your health stays on track. Preventive care is more effective—and less stressful—than treating issues later.

Looking for inspiration? Try our queer women’s holistic health habit tracker to stay on top of your wellness.

Community Resources and Support Networks

Sexual health isn’t only medical—it’s also social and emotional. Building connections with people who understand your identity can reduce isolation and improve your well-being.

Here’s how to plug into affirming spaces:

1. Join Local LGBTQ+ Support Groups
   Many cities offer in-person or online groups specifically for queer women. Look for:
   • Mental health support
   • Sexual health advocacy
   • Relationship and dating discussions
2. Subscribe to Queer Health Newsletters or Podcasts
   Stay informed with expert advice tailored to lesbian and queer lives.
3. Participate in Sex-Positive Events or Workshops
   Learn more about consent, toy safety, STI prevention, and communication in safe, non-judgmental environments.
4. Follow Affirming Social Media Pages
   Pages dedicated to lesbian health, queer wellness, and intersectional care provide helpful reminders, updates, and peer validation.

Discover great ideas like our list of inclusive queer health Instagram accounts to curate your feed for empowerment, not shame.

By integrating these daily and social habits into your routine, your lesbian sexual health checklist becomes a lifestyle—not just a list of risks to avoid.

Conclusion: Why the Lesbian Sexual Health Checklist Matters

The lesbian sexual health checklist isn’t about fear or restriction—it’s about empowerment. By taking charge of physical health, embracing open communication, and seeking affirming care, women who love women can enjoy safer, more fulfilling intimate lives. Whether you’re single, partnered, monogamous, or poly, this guide offers the tools to help you thrive—not just survive.

Don’t miss our comprehensive sexual wellness planner for queer women to take action today.

FAQs About the Lesbian Sexual Health Checklist