What Are Lubricants For – Healthier Lesbian Sex

Women do produce their own vaginal lubricants, but sometimes a little extra is needed.  Lubricants help prevent irritation from friction during sex. with lube, sex toys will slide in and out easier, fingers and fists will glide inside her without tearing her vaginal tissue.  since the anus produces no lubricant of it’s own, lube is essential for any kind of anal penetration.

Some notes about lube:

• If you are using latex, such as a c condom or dental dam, be sure to use a water-based or silicone lubricant. pil based lubes will break down the latex.
• If you are using a silicone sex toy, do not use silicone lubricant. The silicone will break down your toy.
• If you are having oral sex, avoid lube with nonoxynol-9, as it may make your lips and tongue numb.

Lesbians And Pap Smears

Finding The Right Physician And Regular Check-ups

Lesbians are less likely to have had regular Pap smears.  This may be due to:

• A personal belief that there is no risk of STIs and cervical cancer
• Not being able to afford it
• Being told by health professionals that lesbians don’t need Pap smears
• Not routinely visiting a health professional for other reasons (e.g. for contraception)
• Difficulties finding a suitable health professional
• Previous experience of homophobia or fear of homophobia

Early changes in the cervix that can progress into cervical cancer have been found in lesbians.

Current national recommendations are that all women aged between 18 and 70 who have ever had sex need to have a Pap smear every two years.

Whilst the risk of cervical cancer for women who have only ever had sex with women is uncertain, it is advisable to discuss with a health professional knowledgeable in the area of sexual health whether you are at risk of cervical cancer and should consider having a Pap smear.

If you experience symptom like bleeding between periods, after menopause or following sexual activity or abnormal discharge you should see a health professional, even if your previous Pap smear result was normal.

Finding a health professional

A health professional who understands your health issues as a lesbian is important.  To find someone suitable you can:

• Ask friends
• Look for advertisements in the gay and lesbian press.

WWAV’s NO Justice Project

Women With A Vision and CHAMP’s Project UNSHACKLE joined together in July of 2009 to launch the NO Justice Project to combat the sentencing of women who are sex workers under the 203-yr-old “crimes against humanity” felony-level law.

This law requires women to register as sex offenders for the next 10 years, placing ‘sex offender’ on their photo identification cards, among other prescribed penalties.

We are seeking funding to support the grassroots advocacy work necessary to challenge this unjust sentencing law as part of a long-term plan address the larger web of injustices these women are moving through.

To help us with this effort contact Women With A Vision here.

For a full summary of this initiative go to our WWAV’s NO Justice Initiative page.

Mammogram Facts And Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mammogram, and why should I have one?

A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast. It is still the best tool we have to find breast cancer early and save lives. All women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every 1-2 years.
What if I notice any changes in my breast?

* Mammograms are very useful, but they cannot find all problems.
* If you notice a change in your breast like a lump, thickening, or liquid leaking from the nipple, call your doctor or clinic right away.
* Many breast changes are not cancer, but only a doctor can know for sure.

How can I be sure I’m getting the best mammogram?

The FDA enforces The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). MQSA is a national law that approves all of the places where you can get a mammogram. This includes:

* Clinics
* Hospitals
* Doctors’ offices
* Mammogram vans
* The FDA MQSA also makes sure that all of the people who work there have the right training and education, including the people who:
o test the equipment to make sure it’s working.
o take your mammogram.
o study your mammogram.

What about my results?

* Your results should be mailed to you in 30 days.
* If you don’t get them in 30 days, call the clinic to ask for them.
* If you want a second opinion or if you change doctors, the law gives you the right to keep original mammograms.

What if I have a major problem with my exam or clinic?

* Talk with the person on staff whose job it is to handle problems and complaints.
* If your clinic can’t help you, don’t give up. Find out who approves your clinic. Make sure to get the company name, address, and phone number, and name of a person you can talk to.
* If that doesn’t fix your problem, call FDA at 1-800-838-7715.

What if I have breast implants?

* When you make your appointment, make sure to say that you have breast implants.
* If the clinic doesn’t accept patients with implants, ask them for the name and phone number of one that does.
* When you get to your appointment, remind the staff that you have implants.
* You will need a person who is trained to x-ray women with implants. Implants can hide breast tissue and make it harder to find problems.

Women With A Vision Receives VDay Leadership Award

Earlier in October of 2008, Eve Ensler’s V To The Tenth/V-day recognized Women With A Vision with the V-Day Leadership Award for the exemplary role they played as a leading women’s organization in your community.
Here’s what the letter from Eve Ensler’s group said:

This award was created to acknowledge individual women and a few organizations in the Gulf South that work to ensure an end to the physical, economic and environmental violence against women and girls in the region.  In granting you this award, we are honored to recognize you for your contribution to your own community through your work. You have embodied V-Day’s model of empowerment philanthropy and our intent is to assist you in your efforts to continue to transform your community and the people around you. This is part of the lasting influence we can contribute to the ongoing work of the Gulf South.

Once again, we congratulate you for this acknowledgment and an award well earned.  Thank you for your passion and commitment to your community. We salute your distinguished leadership as a women’s organization and your tireless commitment to the women in your community.

Way to go Women!!!!

Women With A Vision Medicaid Certification Program

Promoting Health & Wellness For All Women

Women With A Vision is a  Louisiana Medicaid Program Certified Application Center.  We regularly accept applications for women, children, and senior citizens on the following schedule:

Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

Between 10:00am & 5:00pm

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Between 10:00am & 7:00pm

Please contact our office at (504)301.0428 and our staff will be happy to schedule an appointment for you on the second and third Saturday of every month.

Women With A Vision Site Is Live

The new Women With A Vision New Orleans site is live!!!  Please let us know what you would like to see on our site and what information you are interested in us discussing and posting.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

« Previous Page