Understanding Cervical Screening: Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Cervical Screening for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
If you want to be screened, then you should be. Cervical screening is for women and anyone with a cervix.
In the past, some lesbian and bisexual women have been wrongly told they don’t need screening if they don’t have sex with men. Sometimes this advice has come from health workers, or from other women in the community.
That’s not true.
Cervical screening is for anyone with a cervix. If you’re aged 25 to 64 and have a cervix, we encourage you to attend regular cervical screening, regardless of your sexual orientation.
What screening does
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It is a test to look for the human papillomavirus (HPV) and abnormal cell changes on the cervix (the neck of the womb). These cell changes may turn into cancer over time if left untreated.
In England, cervical screening currently prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths. If everyone attended screening regularly, 83% could be prevented.
You will get information about cervical screening with your invitation. This tells you all about the screening process and what the possible results are. The information is to help you decide whether or not you would like to have screening.
Questions about your sexual orientation during screening
You probably won’t be asked about your sexual orientation. However, some women have found that the questions they’re asked can assume heterosexuality. If you’d prefer, you can mention your orientation so we can make sure the information you’re given is relevant to you.
Remember:
- Anyone aged 25 to 64 with a cervix is eligible for cervical screening
- Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV
- HPV can be passed between women
- Regular screening saves lives
Support, comfort and choice
We understand that cervical screening can feel uncomfortable or worrying, especially if you’ve previously been told it’s not relevant to you or felt dismissed in healthcare settings.
Our practice is committed to making your screening experience as comfortable, respectful and straightforward as possible.
We can offer:
- A chaperone
- Extra time in the appointment
- A chance to meet your clinician and talk through the process before booking the test
- Clear, straightforward language
- A private, dignified environment
Taking part in cervical screening is your choice. If you are eligible, we strongly encourage you to attend. Early detection gives you the best chance of avoiding cervical cancer altogether.
If you want to talk things through before booking, our nurses are happy to help.
