Lower sexually transmissible infection prevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women compared with women who have sex with women and men

Christina A Muzny; Richa Kapil; Erika L Austin; Edward W Hook; William M Geisler

doi:10.1071/SH14181

Lower sexually transmissible infection prevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women compared with women who have sex with women and men

Sex Health. 2014 Dec;11(6):592-3. doi: 10.1071/SH14181.

Authors

Christina A Muzny¹, Richa Kapil¹, Erika L Austin¹, Edward W Hook¹, William M Geisler¹

Affiliation

¹ Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, ZRB 242, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.

PMID: 25435197
DOI: 10.1071/SH14181

Abstract

Background Sexually transmissible infection (STI) history, prevalence and seroprevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women (WSW) and an age-matched group of women who have sex with women and men (WSWM) was evaluated.

Methods: Participants completed a study questionnaire and had genital specimens and sera collected for STI testing.

Results: Twenty-one lifetime exclusive WSW and 42 WSWM were included. WSWM were more likely to report a history of prior STIs and be seropositive for chlamydia and HSV-2. Prevalent STIs were less common among WSW.

Conclusions: While lifetime exclusive WSW are at risk of contracting STIs, WSWM are disproportionally affected. Healthcare providers should consider routine STI screening among WSW.