Anyone with a cervix is at a greater risk for developing cervical cancer in their lifetime. Certain factors can increase this risk even more, including HPV- the human papillomavirus, sexually transmitted diseases, and general body dysfunction. Having any type of skin-on-skin contact where bodily fluids are shared or exposed can also increase these risks. Sexually active individuals should have cervical screens regularly.
In most cases, queer women are overlooked for these important screenings as part of their regular medical care due to their sexual orientation. This unfair bias occurs because sexual orientation is still roughly discussed in medical care, with some medical professionals still not treating the LGBTQIA+ community as they treat the heterosexual community of the world. This puts the matter back in the patients’ hands to ensure they are receiving the care that they deserve (Nat’l LGBT).
IF you are a human with a cervix who is sexually active, be sure you are advocating for regular cervical checks and Pap smear testing.
Many people will say that they have no symptoms and therefore have nothing to worry about. This is untrue information, as cervical cancer and STIs can come with their own silent symptoms and issues. You should still be checked out and screened even if these things are true:
- Are no longer sexually active
- Have no symptoms
- Have been through menopause
- Have had only one partner in your life
- Have had the HPV vaccination
- Have only ever had sex with women
- Have no family history of cervical cancer
- Have only ever had sex with trans men (NIH/CDC).
These are other common questions that arise when addressing queer women and cervical screenings.
Q- “I recently had bottom affirmation surgery. Do I still need to get regular screenings?”
- If you have had a colpectomy, or the removal of your vagina, (also known as a colpocleisis,) the closure of the vagina as a part of your bottom surgery, you will not be able to have a Pap test. These procedures commonly occur after a full hysterectomy, and during this time, the cervix would have been removed. If there is a history of dysplasia or cervical cancer prior to any bottom surgery, this should all be discussed with your medical care team before your surgery occurs (Nat’l LGBT/NIH).
Q- “I take testosterone. Do I still need a regular Pap test or cervical screening?”
- Yes. If you are over twenty-one years old, have a cervix and are sexually active, you should be regularly screened for cervical cancer whether or not you are taking testosterone. Being on testosterone does not affect your risk for developing cervical cancer. Taking testosterone can cause changes in the cells of your cervix that can mimic cervical dysplasia. This is why it is important that your medical care team and the lab processing your results know that you are taking testosterone (NIH/CDC).
For those queer woman in need of finding a doctor or healthcare team that is accepting of your gender identity and sexuality, please reach out and we can help to find you services in your area that are inclusive for your care.
Citations:
Canadian Cancer Society
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National LGBT Cancer Network