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 A B , Richa Kapil A , Erika L. Austin A , Edward W. Hook
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, ZRB 242, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
B Corresponding author. Email: cmuzny@uab.edu
Sexual Health 11(6) 592-593 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH14181
Submitted: 11 September 2014 Accepted: 3 October 2014 Published: 1 December 2014
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.
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