Lesbians ‘told they did not need cervical screening’ – BBC News

For example, in a survey of lesbian, bisexual and other women who have sex with women, 36% said a medical doctor or nurse had assumed they were heterosexual.

The National LGBT Partnership says ladies likewise suffer in other ways – they are more likely to report a long-term mental health problem and more likely to binge guzzle than heterosexual women.

‘Blanket statements’

Joanna, 30, was told that she did not require a cervical screen test because she was a lesbian.

Although she was eventually tested, Joanna says: “I only felt she[ the doctor] needed to be more knowledgeable on the subject.”

Diane, likewise 30, said she received inaccurate information about whether or not she could benefit from cervical screenings.

She said: “My GP didn’t advise me of my hazard level, she just made a number of blanket statements.”

But HPV is passed on through body fluids, like other sexually transmitted infections.

This means that oral sex, transferring vaginal fluids on hands and fingers, or sharing sex toys can all be ways of being exposed to HPV.

Jo’s Trust, the cervical cancer charity, says all women, regardless of their sexual direction, should have regular cervical screening.

“As HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in the genital field, lesbian ladies are equally at risk of contracting HPV and experiencing abnormal cervical changes and, thus, should ever attend when invited for cervical screening.”

In a study of attitudes to cervical screening among lesbian and bisexual women in the north-west of England, carried out by the University of Salford in 2011, 37% of the status of women questioned said they had been told they did not require a cervical screening test because of their sexual orientation.

What is cervical screening?

It is a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix , not a test for cancer.

Around one in 20 women’s exams indicate some abnormal changes. Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells may go back to normal on their own.

However, in some cases, the abnormal cells need to be removed so they cannot become cancerous.

All women who are registered with a GP in the UK are invited for cervical screening 😛 TAGEND

Aged 25 to 49 – every three years

Aged 50 to 64 – every five years

Over 65 – only women who haven’t been screened since age 50 or those who have recently had abnormal exams