Bacterial Vaginosis in Lesbians: Evidence for Lack of Sexual Transmission

McCaffrey, Mary; Varney, P A; Evans, B A; Taylor‐Robinson, David

doi:10.1258/0956462991914168

Cited by 51 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…For reasons that warrant further analysis, the prevalence of BV among WSW is high and vaginal colonization with hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli is low relative to that of heterosexual women matched for age and sexual risk behaviors [51][52][53][54][55]. BV prevalence among lesbians in these studies has ranged from 24% to 51%, as compared to 21% for heterosexual STD clinic patients and 9% to 14% for pregnant women.…”

Section: Bacterial Vaginosismentioning

confidence: 89%

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Associated Conditions Among Women Who Have Sex with Women

Singh

Marrazzo

2009

TOIDJ

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Available data support that women who have sex with women (WSW) are at risk for a variety of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and vaginitis. Risk of STI transmission in this group depends on the specific STI under consideration and the sexual practices involved. Data demonstrates that WSW receive less standard gynecologic screening than their heterosexual counterparts. This may be due, in part, to provider and patient assessment of risk. Based on available evidence, there is a need to increase provider education on the sexual health of WSW. Moreover, enhancement of STI screening guidelines that specifically mention WSW, particularly for cervical cancer and infections caused by C. trachomatis, are essential.

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Section: Bacterial Vaginosismentioning

confidence: 89%

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Associated Conditions Among Women Who Have Sex with Women

Singh

Marrazzo

2009

TOIDJ

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“…30 Young WSW appear at particularly high risk. 31 In 1998, an Australia-wide survey of "same sex attracted young people" reported an IDU rate of 15% in same sex attracted young women (age [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. In contrast, 7% of the males and less than 5% in non-same sex attracted young people reported injecting drug use.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexually transmitted infections and risk behaviours in women who have sex with women

Fethers

Marks²,

Mindel³

et al. 2000

Sexually Transmitted Infections

225

124

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Objectives:To assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses, risk behaviours, and demographics in women who have sex with women (WSW). Methods: Retrospective cross sectional study using a multivariate model. Demographic, behavioural, and morbidity data were analysed from standardised medical records of patients attending a public STI and HIV service in Sydney between March 1991 and December 1998. All women with any history of sex with a woman were compared with women who denied ever having sex with another woman (controls). Results: 1408 WSW and 1423 controls were included in the study. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was significantly more common among WSW (OR 1.7, p<0.001). Abnormalities on cervical cytology were equally prevalent in both groups, except for the higher cytological BV detection rate in WSW (OR 5.3, p=0.003). Genital herpes and genital warts were common in both groups, although warts were significantly less common in WSW (OR 0.7, p=0.001). Prevalence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia were low and there were no diVerences between the groups. The prevalence of hepatitis C was significantly greater in WSW (OR 7.7, p<0.001), consistent with the more frequent history of injecting drug use in this group (OR 8.0, p<0.001). WSW were more likely to report previous sexual contact with a homo/bisexual man (OR 3.4, p<0.001), or with an injecting drug user (OR 4.2, p<0.001). Only 7% of the WSW reported never having had sexual contact with a male. Conclusion: We demonstrated a higher prevalence of BV, hepatitis C, and HIV risk behaviours in WSW compared with controls. A similar prevalence of cervical cytology abnormalities was found in both groups. Measures are required to improve our understanding of STI/HIV transmission dynamics in WSW, to facilitate better health service provision and targeted education initiatives. (Sex Transm Inf 2000;76:345-349)

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“…40 Among WSW, self-perception of low risk for sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer may also contribute to reduced frequency of Pap test screening. [8][9][10]15,44 In one survey of 1086 WSW, perceptions of risk for HIV acquisition were discordant with the HIV-related risk behaviors reported: only 43% of women with a clear HIV risk factor perceived themselves to be at risk for HIV acquisition. 44 Finally, WSW who do not have sex with men are not likely to access venues providing reproductive health care for the sole purpose of obtaining birth control; this effectively eliminates another "routine" opportunity for Pap test screening.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] While assumptions about sexual practices between women have contributed to the general opinion that sex between women confers low risk of bacterial transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (including gonorrhea and chlamydia), 12 transmission of HPV requires only skin-to-skin contact. Furthermore, sexual practices among WSW could potentially allow for intravaginal deposition of HPV through digital-vaginal contact and shared "sex toys" 4,[13][14][15][16] ; genital HPV types have also been identified on human fingers. 17 Perhaps of equal importance, studies have shown that most WSW (53%-99%) have had sex with men and that many (21%-30%) continue to have sex with men.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Papanicolaou test screening and prevalence of genital human papillomavirus among women who have sex with women

et al. 2001

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A B S T R A C TObjectives. The purpose of this study was to examine frequency of and attitudes toward Papanicolaou (Pap) test screening in women who have sex with women (WSW) and to determine prevalence of genital human papillomavirus (HPV).Methods. Women were eligible if they reported having engaged in sex with another woman in the preceding year. Medical and sexual histories were obtained. Cervical specimens for Pap tests and cervical and vaginal specimens for HPV DNA testing were collected.Results. HPV DNA was detected in 31 of 248 WSW (13%). Women who had never had sex with men were less likely to have undergone pelvic examinations and had fewer recent Pap tests. Reasons for not undergoing Pap tests included lack of insurance, previous adverse experiences, and belief that Pap tests were unnecessary.Conclusions.

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Bacterial Vaginosis in Lesbians: Evidence for Lack of Sexual Transmission

Cited by 51 publications

References 15 publications

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Associated Conditions Among Women Who Have Sex with Women

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Associated Conditions Among Women Who Have Sex with Women

Sexually transmitted infections and risk behaviours in women who have sex with women

Papanicolaou test screening and prevalence of genital human papillomavirus among women who have sex with women

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