LESBIANS DON’T GET BREAST CANCER

Due to a lack of research looking specifically at the lesbian community the rate of breast cancer, among lesbians is unknown, although some studies claim that it is up to three times higher than in heterosexual women.

Evidence suggests that some lesbians may be at greater risk of breast cancer due to having fewer pregnancies and having children later in life, heavier alcohol consumption, being overweight and because we are less likely to have access to health services, through a fear of discrimination if we come out as lesbian.

Breast Cancer Care
0141 221 2244 [email protected]

LESBIANS DON’T GET STI’S

It’s a common myth on the part of both women and health professionals that STIs cannot be transmitted through woman-to-woman contact. The number of lesbians contracting STIs is lower than heterosexual or bisexual women, but it does happen. Genital warts, the Herpes virus and Hepatitis B can be transmitted sexually from woman to woman. Those of us who have been heterosexual at one time may have contracted Gonorrhea, Syphilis or Chlamydia.

Contact your local Well Woman Clinic or GUM Clinic

LESBIANS DON’T EXPERIENCE DOMESTIC ABUSE FROM PARTNERS

The number of lesbians contracting STIs is lower than heterosexual or bisexual women, but it does happen. Genital warts, the Herpes virus and Hepatitis B can be transmitted sexually from woman to woman. Those of us who have been heterosexual at one time may have contracted Gonorrhea, Syphilis or Chlamydia.

Contact your local Well Woman Clinic or GUM Clinic

LESBIANS ARE ALL TEE-TOTAL NON-SMOKING VEGANS

The number of lesbians contracting STIs is lower than heterosexual or bisexual women, but it does happen. Genital warts, the Herpes virus and Hepatitis B can be transmitted sexually from woman to woman. Those of us who have been heterosexual at one time may have contracted Gonorrhea, Syphilis or Chlamydia.

Contact your local Well Woman Clinic or GUM Clinic

LESBIAN & BISEXUAL WOMEN DON’T NEED TO HAVE SMEARS IF THEY HAVE NEVER HAD SEX WITH A MAN

Lesbians & bisexual women, like all women, need regular smears. Although it is thought that lesbians & bisexual women who have never had sex with a man may be less likely to develop cervical cancer, this had not been confirmed by research findings. It is known that one of the viruses associated with cervical cancer, the human papilloma
virus, can be transmitted from woman to woman.

WE’RE NOT JUST GAY WE’RE H-A-P-P-Y

Lesbian and bisexual women commonly identify mental health & wellbeing as an issue of concern. An increased risk of suicide, deliberate self-harm, depression and anxiety has been highlighted by research. Lesbian and gay young people are two to three times more likely to commit suicide than their straight peers.

Scottish Association of Mental Health
0141 568 7000 [email protected]
Samaritans 08457 909090
Saneline 0845 767 8000