Women who have sex with women

Women who have sex with women (WSW) refers to women who engage in sexual activities with other women, regardless of how they identify themselves; they may identify as lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual, or dispense with sexual identification altogether.

Terminology

The term WSW is often used in medical literature to describe such women as a group for clinical study, without needing to consider issues of sexual self-identity. The term is often used by health care providers who are uncomfortable with the word lesbian.

Sexual practices

WSW often engage in various forms of sexual activity, such as cunnilingus and fingering. Some also engage in tribadism, which is a form of non-penetrative sex where one woman rubs her vulva against her partner's body for sexual stimulation.

Health issues

WSW are at risk for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as human papillomavirus (HPV), bacterial vaginosis, and herpes simplex virus. However, the risk of transmission is generally lower than it is for sexually active heterosexual women.

Social and cultural issues

In many cultures, WSW face social and cultural challenges, including homophobia, discrimination, and violence. They may also face barriers to health care, including discrimination and lack of knowledge about WSW health issues among health care providers.

See also

• Lesbian
• Bisexual
• Heterosexual
• Sexual orientation
• Sexual identity
• Sexual activity
• Sexually transmitted infections