DID
YOU KNOW that
women who have sex with women
have a HIGHER RISK of cervical and breast cancer
than heterosexual women?
In Fall 2007, Midwest Health Center for Women
began its assessment of the sexual health care experiences
and needs of women who have sex with women (WSW) through focus
groups and surveys. We had 2 goals: To assess the sexual health
care needs of WSW in the local area and to determine the potential
role of Midwest Health Center for Women in meeting the needs
of local WSW.
WHY?
Why address the sexual health care of WSW?
1. Because it is our mission. Midwest
is committed to the sexual health care of all women.
2. In addition, Midwest heard from our supporters and patients
that there were health care needs in the community going unaddressed.
3. Most importantly, the sexual health statistics
for WSW are alarming:
• Women who have
sex with women are at a HIGHER RISK for uterine, breast,
cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers than their heterosexual
counterparts.
• They also have higher rates of Polycystic Ovarian
Syndrome, and some Sexually Transmitted Infections than
heterosexual women
WHY DO WSW HAVE HIGHER CANCER
AND SOME STI RATES?
RESEARCH ON WOMEN IN MN
What are Midwest’s
next steps?
Midwest is creating outreach documents designed
to raise awareness within the LGBT community about the importance
of sexual health care for WSW.
Midwest is working internally and with the greater
community to determine next steps for this project. We know
that education and outreach needs to happen, but we also need
to improve sexual health care services for WSW. Midwest hopes
to be part of that. We will keep you informed as we work to
meet the sexual health care needs of all women.
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