Tag Archive: Lesbians

Lesbianism: causes and consequences

Female homosexuality is known as lesbianism (less commonly known as sapphism or tribadism). The term derives from the Greek island of Lesbos, the birthplace of the ancient Greek poet Sappho, whose poems allude to love between women. Compared to male homosexuality, female homosexuality has been little studied. Same-sex relationships between women are inherently less destructive and pose far fewer problems, so there is little need to focus research efforts in this area. However, the little known about women who engage in same-sex relationships paints a far from rosy picture. Homosexual and bisexual women are more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders and display a range of lifestyle-related problems, including short-lived relationships, alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse , partner violence, and an increased risk of STIs. Older lesbians are at higher risk of obesity and breast cancer than their heterosexual peers, and are more likely to report arthritis, asthma, heart attack, stroke, increased rates of chronic diseases, and poor overall health.

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