Bacterial vaginosis in lesbians and bisexual women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with sexual activity between women.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of 708 new patients attending 2 sexual health clinics for lesbians and bisexual women in London, U.K. Questionnaire for demographic, sexual history, and sexual practice data linked with the results of genitourinary examination.


RESULTS
BV was common (31.4%). The odds of BV was significantly associated with larger numbers of female sexual partners (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; confidence interval [CI], 1.05-2.44 for > or = 11 compared with 1-5 partners) and with smoking (OR, 1.43; CI, 1.01-2.03), but not with sex with men or vaginal douching.


CONCLUSIONS
BV is common in women who have sex with women (WSW). The increasing odds of BV with larger numbers of female sexual partners suggest that BV may be sexually transmitted between women.
Bailey
Julia V
JV
Department of General Practice and Primary Care, King's College, London, UK. julia.bailey@kcl.ac.uk
Farquhar
Clare
C
Owen
Charlie
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D006801:Humans; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*