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Participants voiced concerns about decreased sexual pleasure or feeling awkward if they use protection, factors also often heard among heterosexual teens.

But lesbian and bisexual girls were more likely to be unaware of the risks of STIs compared to heterosexual peers.

Many respondents said they did not know STIs can be transmitted between women or through sex toys. Some said they don’t even think about using barriers, which they typically associate with sex with male partners or in preventing pregnancy.

Even participants who say they were familiar with the concept of protection noted they do not know where to find them or have trouble accessing them.

Unlike male condoms which can be easily found in pharmacies or community clinics, female condoms and dental dams are harder to come by. Some pharmacies carry female condoms, but dental dams are usually only sold online or at dental supply stores, said Saewyc.

Interestingly, participants also said they trusted female partners more than male partners, which affected their perception of risk.

The study is part of a larger study funded by the Office of Adolescent Health in the U.S. aimed at improving sexual health and preventing teen pregnancies for lesbian and bisexual girls, but the findings are also applicable to Canada.

Many Canadian public schools, especially those with LGBTQ-inclusive policies, may be more attuned to make sure sex education is inclusive “but for a lot of schools, that isn’t on the radar,” said Saewyc.