Sexual Health For LGBT People
Sexual health is an important part of overall health. The ability to enjoy fulfilling relationships, being free of sexually transmitted infections, and having the ability to control ones fertility are all aspects of good sexual health. This section contains information on safer sex strategies for LGBT people and a range of sexual health support services.
About Sexual Health For LGBT People
Sexual health concerns can be wide ranging and encompass a number of physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual considerations. You may be concerned about having contracted an STI or becoming pregnant or nervous about sexual performance or relationship communication. Whatever your concern, our trained volunteers are here to listen in confidence and without judgement and can provide information on additional support services, should you need them.
Safer Sex
Safer sex is a term relating to strategies that minimise the risk of unwanted consequences of sex, such as transferring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While most sex acts involve some element of risk, there are precautions that can be taken to ensure we engage in ‘safer sex’.
Safer sex can be practiced through establishing consent, knowing our boundaries, using condoms, communicating needs, desires and STI status and getting tested for HIV/STIs. Condoms or other barrier methods such as femidoms and dental dams can create a protective barrier for the mouth, genitals and anus from bodily fluids such as semen, pre-cum, vaginal fluids and blood which can transmit disease.
We encourage you to check out Healthline’s LGBTQIA Safe Sex Guide here for more information.
Unplanned Pregnancy
LGBT people can get pregnant, so contraceptive use may be an important consideration if you are having sex that puts you at risk of pregnancy and you do not wish to become pregnant. Contraceptive methods can help prevent unwanted pregnancy. Emergency contraception is available in chemists nationwide and can be taken up to 72 or 120 hours after unprotected sex.
Visit https://www.ifpa.ie/Sexual-Health-Services/Emergency-Contraception for more information.
Rape and Sexual Assault
LGBT people can experience rape or sexual assault. For support and information related to rape and sexual violence, please ring the National 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline: 1 800 778 888.
Resources: The links in this section will point you in the direction of the most recent sexual health information for LGBT people. These links will help you locate sexual health testing clinics and make informed choices about your sexual health.