Can lesbians get AIDS and other STDs through sex? If so, what are the chances? Is it a high risk?

Lesbians are not immune from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). The risk of transmission of HIV between women is low, but there have been case reports. In particular, if one partner is bisexual or an intravenous drug abuser, the risk will be higher than if both partners have only ever engaged in sex with other women, have never shot up and have never had a blood transfusion. A study in New York State in the early 1990s found that among women only having sex with other women, 3 percent were HIV positive; this was predominantly traced to IV drug use.

Lesbians can transmit other STDs as well. Herpes and genital warts, both caused by viruses, may be transmitted by genital-genital or oral-genital contact. Bacterial vaginosis -- not usually considered an STD among heterosexual women -- can be transmitted by woman-to-woman sexual contact.

The bottom line: Anyone engaging in any type of intimate contact or intercourse -- be it female-female, female-male or male-male -- should practice safe sex. This means the use of latex condoms, dental dams or vaginal barriers all the time.