At the 24th Annual SMSNA Fall Scientific Meeting's LGBTQ+ session, Dr. Tami Rowen shed light on sexual dysfunction in women who have sex with women (WSW). Dr. Rowen challenged the use of the term WSW, acknowledging its outdated nature in considering gender identity, gender expression, and anatomical sex. She dispelled myths, emphasizing that sexual practices among WSW are fluid. Therefore, it is more important to know who patients have sex with than to focus on their identity as WSW or lesbian.
For example, WSW may engage in sexual activity with cis-men, debunking the belief that they exclusively have same-sex encounters. Dr. Rowen addressed the misconception that WSW do not require routine cervical cancer screening since many have had sexual activity with men, exposing them to cervical cancer risks.
Another myth addressed is the assumption that WSW don't need routine STI screening, including screening for HIV. HIV seroconversion is notably high in bisexual populations, and WSW may have elevated rates of bacterial vaginosis. The presentation delved into barrier use among WSW, revealing that a significant percentage does not use barriers for various sexual activities.
While limited data suggests that WSW may experience less sexual dysfunction than other women, Dr. Rowen emphasized the importance of considering cultural differences and definitions with all patients. The key takeaways from the presentation were the necessity of avoiding assumptions about patients, addressing their specific health concerns, and prioritizing discussions about sexual health. Dr. Rowen proposed insightful questions for healthcare providers to ask their patients, focusing on the individuals' sexual behaviors and the diverse aspects of their identity, ultimately aiming to provide more inclusive and personalized care.
