Reproductive health risks and screenings of lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual undergraduate women: A comparison

Background: Lesbian and bisexual college women have unique sexual risk behaviors and needs for reproductive health screenings. For example, previous research shows lesbians less likely to have gynecological exams, and bisexual women more likely to have multiple sexual partners when compared to their heterosexual counterparts.  

Objectives/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual college undergraduate women on selected sexual health risk behaviors and reproductive health screenings. 

Methods: The researchers conducted a secondary analysis of three semesters of the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment-II. Associations between sexual orientation and preventive health screenings and sexual behaviors were made to determine if differences existed between the groups.

Results: Bisexual women were more likely than heterosexual women and lesbians to have a gynecological examination, perform a breast self-examination (BSE), and have an HIV test. Lesbians were less likely than heterosexuals to have a gynecological examination, but no different in BSE or HIV testing. Bisexuals were more likely to have anal intercourse than heterosexuals or lesbians and were less likely to use condoms than heterosexuals for vaginal intercourse but more likely to use them for anal intercourse. Most of the women (90%) used no barrier protection for oral sex. Bivariate tests found  those with more partners screened more frequently.

Discussion/Conclusions: Lesbian and bisexual women have unique health screening needs when compared to heterosexual women. College health professionals should attend to the needs and risks of each sexual orientation group when presenting sexual health information. Health care providers should undergo diversity training to work more effectively with sexual minority groups.