Lesbian and bisexual women's health

There is evidence that suggests that some lesbian and bisexual women are being misinformed by their GPs or practice nurses that they do not need a cervical smear test.

This incorrect information spreads amongst the lesbian community, as friends tell each other they do not need a smear test. All lesbian and bisexual women over 25 years of age need a smear test, even if they have never had sex with a man.

At least 10% of women who have had exclusively female partners have a history of sexually transmitted infections, and around one in five women who have never had heterosexual intercourse, have the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervical cancer is almost always preceded by persistent infection with HPV. Therefore, regular testing of cervical smears should be recommended to all women who have had sex with women, regardless of their past, present or future sexual activities.

As well as promoting cervical smear tests, the LGF has focused on many women’s health promotional campaigns including: bacterial vaginosis, breast cancer, good mental health etc. Our regional magazine ‘outnorthwest’ carries important updates on the latest health news for lesbians and bisexual women, so be sure to catch the health pages in the magazine every month, or go to our website for more information.