••• Chapter 62^ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health^625
❍ Should a woman who has intercourse with other women be screened for bacterial vaginosis?
No.
❍ Should the partner of a woman diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis be treated if they do not have symptoms?
No.
❍ What percentage of lesbians get Pap smears?
44% to 56%.
❍ Should Pap smear guidelines differ for lesbians?
No.
❍ Can HPV be transmitted between two women?
Yes.
❍ What other sexually transmitted infections can be passed between female partners?
Trichomoniasis, syphilis, HSV, HIV, and hepatitis.
❍ Should lesbians be screened for Chlamydia?
Yes. Chlamydial infections have been reported in women who have intercourse with other women.
❍ What factors place lesbians at a greater risk of developing gynecologic cancers?
Smoking, obesity, nulliparity, and less frequent gynecologic examinations.
❍ What are some barriers preventing lesbians from accessing health care?
Lack of patient education materials aimed at lesbians, lack of knowledge of health-care providers, low
socioeconomic status, absence of spousal insurance benefits, and prior negative experiences with the health-care
system.
❍ Are lesbians and bisexual women at an increased risk of lung cancer?
Lesbians are more likely to smoke than heterosexuals. As a result, this places them at an increased risk.
❍ Are lesbians at a higher risk of cervical cancer?
Lesbians are less likely to get Pap smears, which can result in undiagnosed cervical dysplasia and cancer.
❍ Are lesbians at a higher risk of breast cancer?
Lesbians are less likely to undergo mammography, which lowers their chances of discovering the cancer in early
stages.