LESBIAN WOMEN NEED PAP SMEARS TOO!

Despite the common myth that lesbian women do not need pap smears, ALL WOMEN, irrespective of their sexual preference should consider regular pap smear testing.

Research to date has not discovered that lesbian women are immune from cervical cancer because they sleep with women and not men. Sure it can be true that the more male partners a woman has, the higher her risk of developing cervical cancer. However, there are many cases where women with very few male partners have developed cancer . Even a woman who has not had any sexual experience with either a man or a woman, is at risk from developing cervical cancer.

 Some issues effecting lesbian women and pap smears include: Confidentiality; Discrimination; Acceptance; Disclosing your sexuality.

CONFIDENTIALITY - every woman has a right to confidentiality, irrespective of their sexual preference. You have a right to confidentiality not only when it comes to your own personal health, but also about your sexual preferences. No Doctor has the right to pass on information about your sexual preference, (whether you choose to sleep with men or women). If you choose to disclose your sexual preference to your Doctor, you may wish to request that this is not noted on your file. Remember also that you have a right to privacy. In other words, you are not obliged to tell your Doctor whether you sleep with men or women - this is entirely your choice and you have a right to keep this information private if you want to. If your confidentiality has been breached, you have a right to make a complaint.

DISCRIMINATION - You have a right not to be discriminated against because of your sexuality. If a health professional does discriminate against you because of your sexuality, you have a right to take action - make a complaint for instance. Discrimination against lesbian women is getting better and health practitioners are often a lot more sensitive than they used to be.

ACCEPTANCE - some lesbian women face the fear that they may not be accepted in their community because of their sexuality. This can especially be the case of women living in rural and small communities. Many lesbian women prefer to consult with women Doctors and sometimes smaller/rural communities may not have a female Doctor. Perhaps the best advice here is to remember your rights - don't disclose your sexuality unless you feel totally comfortable and safe to do so. Also, choose a Doctor with whom you are comfortable with. If you live in a community where there is not a suitable Doctor, you may need to plan a special trip to a different place - if so, make the day special. A friend may be able to refer you to a good Doctor.

DISCLOSING YOUR SEXUALITY - disclosing your sexuality to your Doctor or health practitioner is entirely your choice. You are not obliged to disclose your sexuality to any one. This information is yours and you have a right to privacy. Only disclose your sexuality if you feel comfortable and safe doing so. Never feel that you have to tell your Doctor that you are gay.

REFERENCE: This page was comiled using information obtained from the "Lesbians Need Pap Tests Too" brochure developed by members of PapScreen Victoria's Lesbian Advisory Group.