Research - Lesbian STD

Lesbian-Bisexual Women’s Health Study
Prevalence & Transmission of STDs in WSW.
Seattle 1998-present

LEAF Study
Treating Bacterial Vaginosis With Lactobacillus
Seattle & Pittsburgh
September 2000 – present

Other:

Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women
Health and Life Experiences of Women Who Identify as Lesbian
Chicago

WHISPERS (Women’s Health Interview Survey Project for Education, Research & Services)
Study of lesbian & Bisexual Women’s Health and Health Care Experiences
Los Angeles

LESBIAN-BISEXUAL WOMEN’S HEALTH STUDY
Seattle, WA 1998-present
Principal Investigator: Jeanne Marrazzo MD,MPH
Study Coordinator/Investigator: Kathleen Stine ARNP
Info/to enroll: (206) 720-4340
e-mail: [email protected]
Study Site: Viral Diseases Research Clinic
Map/directions to site: http://depts.washington.edu/herpes/

Seeking 900 subjectsLesbian and bisexual women, including those with no sexual history with men, are frequently affected by sexually transmitted diseases that could pose a significant health risk, including cancer. There is limited information on sexually transmitted diseases, common vaginal infections, and on Pap testing practices among lesbians and bisexual women. Our research team at the University of Washington is studying women who partner with women in an effort to learn more about these conditions.

Study of prevalenceWhy this research is important
Women who have sex with women (WSW) have often been neglected in health research. As a result, the needs of many lesbians, bisexual, and transgender women are not being met and misinformation continues to circulate.

For example, since many women do not fit the very narrowly and poorly defined risk profile, they are being told that as lesbian/bisexual women they do not need Pap smears or STD screenings.

Did you know?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common STDs, can cause gentital warts and abnormal Pap smears and in some women can lead to cervical cancer.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is strongly associated with preterm labor and low birth weight.

Both HPV and BV have been seen in many lesbians and bisexual women, even those with no prior sexual history with men.

Evidence from this study reveals that HPV can likely be transmitted from one woman to another and that BV is often diagnosed in both partners in lesbian couples.

Study participants receive…a comprehensive exam at no cost, including:
Pap smear and the following STD screenings: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, hepatitis, bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Health information packet covering education materials from eating healthy to safer sex to cancer to quitting smoking.

How to enroll

Any woman 16 years or older who has had sex with another woman in the last 12 months is eligible to participate. Participation involves a questionnaire on health and sexual history and a one-time visit to our clinic. A longer portion of the study is also being conducted with lesbian couples that have been mutually monogamous for at least 3 months.

Do you have concerns about being a research participant?

The history of medical research in the United States contains many examples of research being misused, treatments being withheld, and specific groups being targeted, particularly women, people of color, and youth. As a result, many people have understandable suspicions about participating in research. There are a few things that can be explained that may help to alleviate at least some of these concerns.

There are no vaccines, pharmaceuticals, or lab procedures being tested.

Looking at who gets what STD and how they get it.

Participants are welcome to copies of their own lab reports. If you want to participate in the study, get free screenings, and take your lab results to your own provider, you are welcome to do so.

All the medical providers involved with this study are WSW themselves or understand and value the particular needs and experiences of women who have sex with women.

All names and data are kept confidential.

If you are interested in participating in this study, but still have concerns, please feel free to call to discuss any further questions.