What Is Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a public health philosophy that seeks to lessen the dangers that drug abuse and our drug policies cause to society.

A harm reduction strategy is a comprehensive approach to drug abuse and drug policy. Harm reduction’s complexity lends to its misperception as a drug legalization tool.
In 1997 the New Mexico state legislature passed the Harm Reduction Act, which provides for a statewide needle exchange program. Needle exchange is a small but highly recognized part of a harm reduction strategy.
• Harm reduction rests on several basic assumptions. A basic tenet of harm reduction is that there has never been, is not now, and never will be a drug-free society .
• A harm reduction strategy seeks pragmatic solutions to the harms that drugs and drug policies cause. It has been said that harm reduction is not what’s nice, it’s what works .
• A harm reduction approach acknowledges that there is no ultimate solution to the problem of drugs in a free society, and that many different interventions may work. Those interventions should be based on science, public health, common sense and human rights .
• A harm reduction strategy demands new outcome measurements. Whereas the success of current drug policies is primarily measured by the change in use rates, the success of a harm reduction strategy is measured by the change in rates of death, disease, crime and suffering.
• Because incarceration does little to reduce the harms that ever-present drugs cause to our society, a harm reduction approach favors treatment of drug addiction by health care professionals over incarceration in the penal system .
• Because some drugs, such as marijuana, have proven medicinal uses, a harm reduction strategy not only seeks to reduce the harm that drugs cause, but also to maximize their potential benefits.
• A harm reduction strategy recognizes that some drugs, such as marijuana, are less harmful than others, such as cocaine and alcohol. Harm reduction mandates that the emphasis on intervention should be based on the relative harmfulness of the drug to society.
• A harm reduction approach advocates lessening the harms of drugs through education, prevention, and treatment.
• Harm reduction seeks to reduce the harms of drug policies dependent on an over-emphasis on interdiction , such as arrest, incarceration, establishment of a felony record, lack of treatment, lack of adequate information about drugs, the expansion of military source control intervention efforts in other countries, and intrusion on personal freedoms.
• Harm reduction also seeks to reduce the harms caused by an over-emphasis on prohibition , such as increased purity, black market adulterants, black market sale to minors, and black market crime.
• A harm reduction strategy seeks to protect youth from the dangers of drugs by offering factual, science-based drug education and eliminating youth’s black market exposure to drugs .
• Finally, harm reduction seeks to restore basic human dignity to dealing with the disease of addiction.

Compiled by Drug Policy Alliance. March 2001.

Condoms And Communication Make Sex So Much Safer

Safer sex is a general term used to describe methods for reducing the chance that you will spread or catch sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, also known as sexually transmitted infections or STIs). The idea is that with a few simple tools and strategies, you can increase safety without sacrificing your sex life.

Use condoms
The first and best line of defense is to use a latex barrier whenever you have sex (if you have a latex allergy, use polyurethane instead). That means using a condom on the penis or on a sex toy; latex gloves on your hands; and when engaging in oral sex, dental dams or plastic wrap to cover the anus or vagina.

Get tested for HIV and other STDs
Knowing your own status is the only way to approach the next point honestly.

Communicate
Safer sex also involves talking with your partner, discussing activities and risks and making educated choices together. Of course, sex raises a number of other questions. Do you trust your partner?

Sexual Self Esteem And Body Image

Let’s Talk About Sex

SEXUAL SELF ESTEEM

Sexual self esteem requires a positive, respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.

For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.

Do you fear close relationships/sexual intimacy?

Are you to aggressive or shy?

Do you try to hide your feelings from your partner(s)?

BODY IMAGE

Body image has to do with how one feels about anything physical, from their weight, sin or hair color, height, and the changes that come with aging, to the appearance of their genitals, to how their body may appear as a result of a physical disability or illness, and much more. One thing is for sure- the better a women feels about her body, the more satisfying her sexual expressions and relationships will be.

• How you feel others perceive you?

• What you believe about your physical appearance?

• How you feel about your body?

• How you feel in your body?

• How you feel others perceive you?

• What you believe about your physical appearance?

• How you feel about your body?

• How you feel in your body?

Lesbians And Breast Cancer

Are lesbians more at risk for Breast Cancer than our straight sisters? That depends. It is uncertain whether or not lesbians get more breast cancer. But what is certain, is that lesbians as a group have a higher incidence of certain risk factors known to be linked to breast cancer.

Those risk factors are:

• having nerver birthed a child,
• obesity
• smoking
• alcohol use

Medical studies show:

• The risk of breast cancer is reduced by as much as 50 percent for women who have had one child.
• Nearly 30 percent of lesbians are obese compared to 20 percent for women overall.
• Lesbians do not drink more than the general population, but have a greater history of problems with alcohol.
• Lesbians are also more likely to use tobacco.
• Lesbians are less likely to perform self-breast exams, get clinical breast exams and mammograms.

Another complicating factor is that lesbians are less likely to have health insurance, partially because many businesses do not offer domestic partner benefits.

Lesbians may be less likely to visit a doctor for fear of homophobia, or simply the uncofortableness associated with coming out.

For straight women, primary contact with the health care system is through reproductive health. since most lesbians do not use birth control or have children, they may miss early detections of breast cancer or other diseases that women who regularly visit the doctor may be screened for.

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.

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.