Health risks for women who have sex with women, in particular in relation to HIV/AIDS

Due to the persistent myth that women in same-sex relations are not so much at risk of infection with sexually transmitted diseases (STI’s), they are less likely to seek health care than heterosexual people or men who have sex with men (MSM). Stigma and marginalisation are gendered phenomena that lead to feelings of guilt and shame. These may make women susceptible to health risks, and to silence on critical matters related to the risk of infection. Health care providers lack knowledge about the specific health needs of women who have sex with women (WSW). Without attention to the wider and multiple issues of marginalisation, economic deprivation and stigma, a narrow focus on health concerns and safe sex practices only is bound to fail.