You Asked It — Girl Talk

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

I’m an 18 year old girl and all of my sexual partners have been female. Do I still need to go to the doctor if I don’t need birth control?

Great question!

Even if pregnancy prevention is not a concern for you, seeing a doctor for a regular gynecological exam and to get tested is a necessary step in taking care of your sexual health. Safer sex practices are just as important for women who have sex with women! Any kind of sexual contact that involves fluids, skin-to-skin contact, or sharing sex toys can transmit STIs. When you come in for your appointment, the medical provider will help you come up with strategies to have safer sex — including using dental dams during oral sex and condoms with sex toys. Also, an annual GYN exam is important because it’s a good chance for you to check in with a professional about any other questions you might have about your health.

During your first GYN exam, make sure to tell your medical provider about your sexual history and the gender(s) of your partner(s) in order to receive care that is tailored to your needs. That way we can make sure you have all the information you need to have a happy, healthy sex life!

About You Asked It

At the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, we answer a lot of questions. Topics range from nutrition to pregnancy prevention, and everything in between. Now, we’re bringing these questions back to you with our new weekly advice column, You Asked It. Got a question? Holler at us in the comments or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter.

Missed a You Asked It post? Check out our previous Q&As: Tongue Tied, Pill Panic, Sore Subjects, Expiration Dates, The Rap on Paps, Terrible Tests, Burning Love, Is My Vagina Gross?, Bedtime Woes, Lumps & Bumps, Ugh, UTIs, Fit on the Cheap, Private Parts, Private Tests, Coitus InterrWHATus?, Modest at the Docs, Condom Problems and Boys & Shots.