G3 Issue 86 July 08

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What the even though there
experts say?
have been many
Cindy Gilmore runs studies published
lesbian sexual health showing cervical
service The Orange abnormalities being
Clinic detected in women
“Cervical smears check who have only ever
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for any abnormalities in had sex with women.
the cells of the cervix, I think some women
which, if present and may be worried about
are left untreated, may the procedure – either
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progress to cancer. One hearing from ‘bad
of the main causes of experiences’ from
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changes/abnormalities other women, feeling
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is the Human Papilloma worried that they may
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virus (HPV), which is have to ‘come out’,
sexually transmitted – which isn’t necessary,
a_N[`ZVaaRQ
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statistics say?
Half of those not smoking. The main be a really painful
What the statistics say? One in fi ve who tested said they are too misconception appears experience especially
Three-quarters of those who have not been have not had a test scared to have a test. to be that you only if they have never had
tested do not think they are at risk from STIs. were told they were 20% of those who need to have smears if or practised vaginal
77% of those who have been tested had not at risk. have not had a smear you have sex with men penetration.”
suffered from thrush, which can be passed on to a 2% of lesbians and test said that they because of the risk of Orange Clinic
partner through oral and penetrative sex. bi-women have been believed they were not acquiring HPV through for lesbians,
refused a test. at risk of cervical cancer. sexual intercourse – call: 020 8846 6699.
What the experts say?
Annie Emery is production manager for LGBT
organisation Lesbian and Gay Foundation
“One of the reasons that lesbians don’t get tested
is they are often told by health professionals that
they do not need sexual health screening because FOUR
they are not at risk. There are myths within the
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lesbian and bisexual women’s community that
because they are at very low risk of contracting
HIV, women tend to believe that they are not at
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risk from other STIs. This is not the case. There are
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35
certain STIs that are easily passed on during sexual YN`a
fRN_� counsellor, I have found lesbians misuse alcohol
contact which include Bacterial Vaginosis, Cystitis and drugs and self-harm to cope with isolation,
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Herpes. Although What the statistics say? depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and
lesbians are at low risk of contracting and passing Half of lesbians and bi-women under 20 have relationship issues. The prejudice against
on STIs, they are low risk, not no risk. Therefore self-harmed, compared with one in 15 teenage homosexuality and lack of tolerance not only by
lesbians should test for all STIs as STIs do not women in general. their families but also by mainstream society
discriminate. Lesbians who have ‘risky sex’ are 5% have tried to take their life in the last year. seemed to play an important part in their mental
most at risk. This can include sharing sex toys health. Self-harm was also reported by the
without using condoms or without washing toys What the experts say? majority of lesbians as a coping mechanism. An
in between penetration with someone else. Also Claudia Celadon is a PACE counsellor, which effective way of challenging and promoting
not cleaning fi ngers or toys when penetrating the promotes lesbian and gay health and wellbeing changes and awareness of the mental health needs
anus followed by the vagina. Oral sex is low risk “A recent review by the National Institute for of lesbians and their increased risk of mental
but not if you or your partner has any cold sores, Mental Health in England found that lesbian and disorders should become a standard part of
cuts or abrasions on or in the mouth or genitals, or bisexual women are at almost double the risk of training for health and social work professionals, as
are having a period.“ suicide attempts when compared with suggested by the National Institute for Mental
The Lesbian and Gay Foundation offers advice heterosexuals. PACE ran an online service in Health in England.”
on sexual health, call: 08453 30 30 30 (6pm- conjunction with Gaydar as a pilot project for PACE offer counselling and groups,
10pm daily), or email: helpline@lgf.org.uk. three months in 2008. As the women’s online call 020 7700 1323 . www.pacehealth.org.uk
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