'...The majority of messaging around HPV focuses on the experiences of cis, straight women. But the fact is that HPV can be passed on through any kind of skin-to-skin or (mouth-to-skin) contact and can affect anyone, regardless of sex or gender.'
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Beth, 27, was given very little information that applied specifically to her being in a same-sex relationship and was terrified to learn that she"At the time, I think I was so nervous about the whole thing, I never really thought to ask the questions myself," she tells Refinery29. This put a lot of strain on her relationship."Essentially I became very paranoid about sex and avoided it completely for several months," she says.
She adds that she"didn’t find much help online for the LGBTQ+ element in HPV. I saw many stories around heterosexual couples and how they were coping but it wouldn’t be much comfort when the other person in my relationship also has a cervix." Anna, 26, had a good experience at her screening but even then the idea that you only get HPV from PIV sex persisted."I was trying to bargain with my nurse," she explains,"saying, 'If I never have sex ever with someone with a penis, can I delay my next smear?' The reply was, 'No, it's better to be safe than sorry.'"
Making sure everyone with a cervix has safe and supportive access to HPV and Pap tests and that the myths around HPV are dispelled is vital.