lesbian need smear tests

[gem]

Smear Test Booklets Launched
Earlier this year, a booklet, produced by Bolton and Wigan Health Promotion Departments, called "Lesbians Need Smear Tests" was distributed to GP Practices, GUM clinics and other health centres in Bolton, Wigan, Stockport and Manchester.

The booklet gives advice on how to put lesbian patients at ease during a smear test and how generally to be a lesbian-friendly health worker. The booklet also offers information on lesbian sexual health and lists other services where lesbians can get support.

A second booklet for lesbians, called "When did you last have a smear test?" has now been produced and focuses on the importance of going for a smear test and how to cope with anxiety or discomfort during the test. It also addresses issues such as sexually transmitted infections, safer sex and coming out to your doctor.

The aim of both booklets is to explode the myth that lesbians don't need smear tests. Current research indicates that all women should be screened for cervical cancer, regardless of whether they have ever had sex with a man.

If you would like more information about either booklet or would like to order copies please contact Melanie Ibbitson on 01204 907712

[PurplySparkleyJoey]

I have just seeen an artical about this in this months Diva .. it might be avaliable for you lot on line if you dot want to buy a copy.
I think its important lesbians and Bisexual women know they still need to be checked over .. tell a friend!! lol

[freewheeler]

That's what I thought, that we dykes needed to get smears done as well. So I duly went along and spread my legs (I never could look that nurse in the face again, poor woman! lol!)

Then, just a couple of weeks ago I get a book out of the library called,
"what doctors don't tell you" (my kind of book, the conspiracy theory)
Inside, it has a short article on how smear tests do more damage than good (what with the poking around and all the false alarms).

This week it's in the news how the doctor that started the whole smear test programee in the U.K wants it scrapped. He says it does more harm than good, and the money spent on screening would be better off spent elsewhere, like research.

(hopefully he isn't talking about animal research??? When will these people stop? If anyone knows of any anti-vivisection demos going on in/around London and someone to give me a push or two in the w/ch lemme know, ta.) :thumbsup

What do you think? Will it put you off going? If anyone wants a photocopy of the article in the book, e-mail me and I'll send you one. Information is power, and people like are got a way short ration, we need to make it up!

[PurplySparkleyJoey]

I would be intrested to see that artical .. may be you could find something on the internet about it all? I will have a look too!!

Love Jo xx