Sapphic Angel's Scintillating Scoop (SASS) 
Lesbian Health
Statistics show that shockingly lesbian women are less likely to get regular checkups with their gynecologist. I suppose the excuse for this is that we are less likely to contract an STD being sexually involved with other women. But, that’s just an urban legend (and a side effect of not being taught proper sex education in pubic schools, but that’s a whole other rant entirely). Women can transmit STDs on to one another. The most common types are certain strands of HPV (human papilloma viruses) and BV (bacterial vaginosis). These are two very serious diseases that can and do affect our community. Therefore, we need to take the same precautions that every other couple does.
Not to mention the fact that we still have breasts, regardless of whom we sleep with. It is absolutely necessary to perform regular breast exams. Granted, we can do these ourselves, but having a professional perform one at least once a year is not a wasted effort. I personally know some lesbians who have not been to an OB/GYN in almost a decade. They’re not just for sex related health concerns you know? They’re there for other purposes. We still have to take it upon ourselves to maintain our health as women—not just lesbians.
I truly don’t understand the mentality that you only need to visit an OB/GYN if you’re a heterosexual woman.
Take for example breast cancer. It’s a completely unfair fact in my opinion, but true regardless, that lesbian women are more likely to get breast cancer. Yes, you heard me right. This is because four of the most popular factors that lead to breast cancer are: drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, being overweight, smoking, and not having children and breast feeding—all of which are seen more in the lesbian community. Believe me, I don’t think it’s fair that I could be punished for choosing not to procreate and enjoying a nice cold beer accompanied with a Marlboro Light after consuming a nice juicy steak and binging on other high calorie items while consoling myself through stress or other emotional problems. But this is Science people and we can’t fight science now can we? (Ok I guess we could by taking care of ourselves better, but what fun is that?) But, what we can do about it is get yearly check-ups and mammograms once we reach that certain age (after menopause or if you have large breasts or if it runs in your family).
In addition to breast cancer we are more prone to endometrial cancer as well. This is because women who have never taken oral contraceptives, or again never been pregnant, are more likely to develop this kind of cancer. A cancer by the way that can be detected by an annual Pap test performed by guess who—that’s right an OB/GYN!
The great thing about a Pap test is that changes in the cervix can be detected before they become cancerous. This is why annual tests after the age of 21 are urged. So please, if you’re one of those lesbians who thinks a visit to an OB/GYN is a waste of time or unnecessary please keep in mind the facts aforementioned. If not for yourself, than do it for the ones you love and who love you and care about your health.
If you live in the Pittsburgh area and you are in need of a low-cost or no-cost mammogram or cervical exam call Yvonne at 412-365-1915. She’s a representative from the YWCA’s ENCORE Plus Program funded by the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund.