Lower sexually transmissible infection prevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women compared with women who have sex with women and men.

Abstract

Background Sexually transmissible infection (STI) history, prevalence and seroprevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women (WSW) and an age-matched group of women who have sex with women and men (WSWM) was evaluated. Participants completed a study questionnaire and had genital specimens and sera collected for STI testing. Twenty-one lifetime exclusive WSW and 42 WSWM were included. WSWM were more likely to report a history of prior STIs and be seropositive for chlamydia and HSV-2. Prevalent STIs were less common among WSW. While lifetime exclusive WSW are at risk of contracting STIs, WSWM are disproportionally affected. Healthcare providers should consider routine STI screening among WSW.