Papanicolaou test screening and prevalence of genital human papillomavirusamong women who have sex with women

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine frequency of and attit udes toward Papanicolaou (Pap) test screening in women who have sex with wo men (WSW) and to determine prevalence of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) . Methods. Women were eligible if they reported having engaged in sex with an other woman in the preceding year. Medical and sexual histories were obtain ed. Cervical specimens for Pap tests and cervical and vaginal specimens for BPV DNA testing were collected. Results. HPV DNA was detected in 31 of 248 WSW (13%). Women who had never h ad sex with men were less likely to have undergone pelvic examinations and had fewer recent Pap tests. Reasons for not undergoing Pap tests included l ack of insurance, previous adverse ex periences, and belief that Pap tests were unnecessary. Conclusions. Despite the occurrence of genital HPV WSW do not receive adequ ate Pap test screening. Pap test screening recommendations should not diffe r for WSW, regardless of sexual history with men.