SEXUAL HEALTH OF WOMEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH WOMEN: PREVENTION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

SEXUAL HEALTH OF WOMEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH WOMEN: PREVENTION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2021.43.11312

Keywords:

Bisexuality; Homosexuality, Female; Sexual Health; Unsafe Sex.

Abstract

Objective: The survey’s aim is to investigate the use of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) preventive methods by young women who have sexual relations with other women. Methodology: Observational research, using cross-sectional and quantitative approach, performed between January and April of 2018. The sample was composed of 112 women, aged between 18 and 29 years. To collect all the data, an adapted questionnaire with four fields was used: identification, gynecologic history, personal knowledge about STI contamination and the access to information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) preventive methods. Results: The majority of the interviewed (54,5%) report to know some STI prevention methods in sexual relations between women, but don’t use them in their sexual relations. Only 8,9% use some barrier method in their sexual relations without sexual accessories, and 9,8% use some method when there are sexual accessories involved. Conclusion: WSW know about the STIs contagion risks they are exposed to when having unprotected sex, but still don’t have the habit of using preventive methods. Health professionals don’t consider them as a contagion risk group and don’t give them information about how to properly protect themselves and about the importance of embracing the barrier methods as a daily practice.

Author Biographies

Giulliane Ramos Londero, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) – Santa Maria (RS) Brasil.

Fisioterapeuta graduada pela Universidade Federal de Santa Maria -UFSM (2018). Atualmente Residente Multiprofissional em Saúde com ênfase em Atenção à Saúde da Mulher e da Criança - Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria/Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Atuou como voluntária na Instituição de Longa Permanência do Idoso Lar Maria de Lourdes em Lisboa/Portugal. Realiza pesquisas na área de saúde da mulher. 

Melissa Medeiros Braz, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Possui graduação em Fisioterapia pela Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (1999), mestrado em Engenharia de Produção pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (2001) e doutorado em Engenharia de Produção pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (2006). Atualmente é professora adjunta da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, membro do Colegiado do Curso e Coordenadora do Estágio em Fisioterapia. Tem experiência na área de Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional, com ênfase em Saúde da Mulher, atuando principalmente nos seguintes temas: fisioterapia, incontinência urinária, sexualidade, mastectomia, comunidade, promoção da saúde e gestantes.

Published

2021-10-04

How to Cite

Ramos Londero, G., & Medeiros Braz, M. (2021). SEXUAL HEALTH OF WOMEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH WOMEN: PREVENTION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS: SEXUAL HEALTH OF WOMEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH WOMEN: PREVENTION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS. Context and Health Journal, 21(43), 214–224. https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2021.43.11312

Issue

Section

Educação & Saúde