Truth is, there's not a great deal of information out there for
lesbian and bi women when it comes to sexual health. It's the
festive period, and not only will Christmas be celebrated - sex
will be too, and what with all those parties, Christmas can mean a
lot of sex… Here is your DIVA festive guide to a happy vagina.
Oral sex is great. Everyone loves oral sex, but despite being
relatively low risk there are a few things to watch out for. Don't
let anyone go down on you if they have a cold sore - or vice versa.
It's not nice, and no one wants to wake up on Christmas morning
with a stocking full of herpes. If your partner has a cold sore, or
cuts or abrasions in or around the mouth then say no. If in doubt,
use a protective barrier such as a dental dam (thin square of
latex), non-microwaveable clingfilm or a cut-up condom, which can
be placed over the vagina/anus. Taa-dah!
Dildos, strap-ons, bullets… whatever takes your fancy. There is
so much available these days and they're so easy to get hold of.
However, there's always a hazard where bodily fluids are concerned,
and sharing sex toys is risky business. Personally, I wouldn't
recommend it at all. Pretty standard, but always clean your toys
after use and between users. Hygiene wipes can be bought from any
sex shop, but hot water and soap are just as good. If you do want
to share (it is Christmas after all) use a condom on the toy, and
change it before anyone else uses it.
Hey look, finger banging! Keep your nails clean and short.
Scratches or cuts inside are never comfortable. You may as well
have sat on a cactus. If you're having sex with someone you're not
too familiar with this Christmas, remember the 'one hand, one
vagina' rule. So, don't touch yourself with the same hand you've
just fingered her with.
If you're thinking, "I'll never remember that when I'm drunk",
you could always ask your new-found friend to wait whilst you write
'you' and 'me' and on the back of each hand in black felt tip pen…
I mean, apart from being a moment killer, and having to explain to
people for the next couple of days why you have these words
drunkenly scribbled on the back of your hands, you should maybe
plan to drink less mulled wine and not have to take a sorry trip to
the GUM clinic in January…
Kissing, holding hands, hugging, breast stimulation, massage and
masturbation. These are pretty safe. Don't worry about the dental
dam when going in for an erotic, full body-contact hug. In fact,
you're probably going to do a lot of hugging this month. Hug away,
although I don't recommend greeting Auntie Julie with an erotic
embrace.
The bottom line is, yes, it's Christmas so have fun but be safe.
Your health comes first, every time.
