Is it possible to get an STI from another woman? If so, what can I do for protection?
I'm keen to experiment but don't want to end up regretting it.
Concerned

Cliterati replies
Yes, it is possible to get an STI from another woman. Sadly, viruses are nasty things that will use any excuse to try and spread. First off, all manner of STIs, including HIV/AIDS herpes, genital warts, thrush and even hepatitis C, can be transmitted through oral sex. While no one knows exactly what the degree of risk is, evidence suggests that the risk is less than that of unprotected anal or vaginal sex. However, it's worth being careful.
Be particularly cautious if you have any cuts in your mouth or bleeding gums. Watch out for cold sores as herpes can be transmitted from mouth to genitals. You can make oral sex safer by using a dental dam - a piece of rubber about 10cm square. Stretch this across your partner's bits to prevent your tongue from touching her juices. Dental dams can be tricky to hold in place but it gets easier with practice. You should be able to get dental dams from a sex shop - or alternatively, cut up a condom (making sure you don't rip the part that you'll be holding over your partner's genitals) and use that - just slice off the tip and base then cut down the side. (We'd recommend flavoured to make it a more pleasant experience - and don't pick one with spermicide on it because it will taste foul!)
You should never lick the wrong side of a dental dam because you'll get her juices in your mouth and expose yourself to risk. Given that dams are slippery little beasts, write a non-symmetrical letter (like R, F, or J) on the mouth side of the dam. If the letter is backwards or upside-down, you've messed up both sides of the dam and will need to use a new one. For more information on dams, check Safersex.org

If you use your fingers, wash your hands first and don't use your fingers on yourself if they've been in her without washing your hands in between.The same goes for sex toys. Make sure that they are washed after use - so if you use it on her, wash it before she uses it on you. If either of you use a sex toy in the other's anus, make sure it goes nowhere near either of your vaginas without being washed.It's great that you're so concerned about safe sex. With a few precautions you should be able to relax and enjoy yourself. Have fun.