Though women who only have sex with women are generally at lower risk for HIV infection (the virus that can lead to AIDS), a recent case in Texas reminds us that HIV transmission between female partners it is indeed possible. 

As Time Magazine reports,

"In the summer of 2012, a 46-year-old Texas woman was diagnosed with HIV. The woman’s virus was virtually identical to that of her partner, who had been diagnosed with HIV in 2008 but who had stopped her antiretroviral treatment in 2010.


The CDC has determined the HIV was likely transmitted from her then-partner of six months.

At the time of diagnosis, the newly infected woman wasn’t displaying signs of an infection, had not slept with men for 10 years, had not received any transplants or transfusions, and did not use injection drugs. However, the couple engaged in sexually risky behaviors like unprotected sex, using insertive sex toys, rough sex likely to have caused bleeding, and sex during menstruation."

This is important information both for any women who have sex with other women as well as for lesbians who exclusively sleep with other women. But though this is an upsetting situation, and an important one to follow, it is a rare one.  What is a more common STD risk for  women-who-have-sex-with-women is to contract an infection that can be spread through skin-to-skin contact or oral sex. These include things like the human papilloma virus, or herpes.

So it is still wise to talk to a partner about her sexual history. Though an honest conversation about your sexual history, anything you may have done that could put you at risk may seem tough, it is one of the best ways to stay safe.

 

Other ways are to get tested regularly and to practice safer sex. Of course, safer sex usually make people think of condoms, but for women who have sex with women, it can mean using dental dams for oral sex.

These days, a few companies produce dams that are specifically for oral sex. So how can you get your hands on a dam? One way it to pay a visit to your state or city health department, an STD or teen health clinic, or a college health center. You can also try your local drug store or order them through a manufacturer.

Plus a lot of GLBT community organizations stock safe sex supplies. If you still can't find a dam, you can improvise by using saran wrap.

It is also important to be careful with any sex toys you use. Your best bet is to avoid sharing toys. If you must share, make sure to cover toys with a condom between partners.

We've  come a long way on HIV and AIDS in the past 35 years.  In general, AIDS is treatable, but not curable. AIDS is a virus and unlike a bacterial infection, it cannot be cured with antibiotics. In the early days of AIDS, the disease was seen as a death sentence. These days, however most health care providers call it a chronic life long condition. But it is a complicated condition that can alter one's life in serious ways and one that most people hope they can avoid.

Related:

How To Get an HIV Test 

Does Oral Sex Put You at Risk for HIV?

Can You Get AIDS from Kissing?