Do Lesbians Need Pap Smears?

Many lesbians do not get regular pap smears because they do not believe they are susceptible to HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer. This misconception can be deadly.

Here are just a few of the reasons that lesbians should have pap smears as regularly and consistently as heterosexual women.

1. Many lesbians have had heterosexual sex at some point.

Even if HPV were only transmitted through heterosexual intercourse, that still would not protect gay women from contracting the disease. Among women who are in exclusive relationships with other women, many have a history of heterosexual contact. A woman can contract the virus responsible for cervical cancer from just one partner, so just one episode of straight sex could put her at risk. For this reason alone, it's important for lesbian women to get routine pap smears.

2. Lesbian sex transmits HPV, too.

Contrary to popular belief, HPV is not transmitted penis-to-vagina. It's transmitted genital-to-genital, and the virus doesn't care what kinds of parts are making contact. The strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer may also live in and around other body parts, including the mouth and fingernails. Women may minimize the risk of HPV transmission (and the transmission of other STIs) by sterilizing sex toys before sharing them, washing hands thoroughly before sex, using dental dams, and refraining from direct genital-to-genital contact. Even when these measures are taken, pap smears are still important.

3. Cervical cancer rates are not significantly lower among gay women.

We know with certainty that HPV can be transmitted through lesbian sex, but we do not know how these rates of transmission might compare to the rates among heterosexuals. Currently, all available evidence suggests that -- if there is a difference at all -- the difference between cervical cancer rates in gay women and straight women is small. Since roughly 80-90% of people will at some point contract a form of HPV, it is best to get regular check-ups regardless of your orientation.

4. Regular pap smears can save your life.

Currently, experts' opinions vary regarding the ideal frequency of pap smears and reproductive health examinations -- with recommendations ranging from annually to once per three years. However, all major organizations agree that it is important to have these tests regularly if you are a woman who is over the age of 18 and has ever had any form of sexual contact. Get in touch with a gynecologist in your area to schedule an appointment. Planned Parenthood offers reproductive health screenings to women of all ages, orientations, and income brackets -- and can do exams on a sliding scale. These simple steps can help to catch a generally-mild condition before it becomes a life-threatening problem.