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 Reports that researchers in Sweden found a clear link between the human papilloma virus (HPV) and oral cancer in relation to penile oral sex poses the question of whether lesbians or same-sex attracted women should be worried about their sexual practices. CHERRIE asked ACON CEO Stevie Clayton for her views.
“There is little research focused on the sexual practices and related health needs of lesbians and other same-sex attracted women, and certainly none dealing with the issue of oral sex and cancer that we could find,” Clayton says.
“Unfortunately it is not possible to simply translate research results from a study on oral/penile sex, as many factors may fluctuate. We do know that human papilloma virus (HPV) is a health issue for some sexually active lesbians, especially if they have more than one partner and that HPV causes some cancers but whether HPV could be passed on by oral sex between two women and then cause throat cancer is not something that we can tell from the available research.”
So can lesbians pick up sexually transmitted infections such as HPV? The answer, according to Clayton is a resounding ‘yes’.
“Lots of lesbians think that sexually transmitted infections like HPV can’t happen to them, but research shows almost one in ten young women who are same-sex attracted have been diagnosed with an STI. We would encourage lesbians to make STI check-ups and sexual health screening a part of their regular practice. This includes having a full sexual health check up at least once a year, or whenever you notice any symptoms or changes to your genital area, and a pap test every two years. And if you are 26 or under, think seriously about getting a HPV vaccination – it could save your life from cervical cancer.”
For more on sexual health information for women who have sex with women, visit www.girl2girl.info
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