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Cited by 109HIV/AIDS Research and InterventionsHerpesvirus Infections and TreatmentsLGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

Women who have sex with women in the United States: prevalence, sexual behavior and prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection—results from national health and nutrition examination survey 2001–2006.

Xu, Fujie, Sternberg, Maya R., Markowitz, Lauri E.·2010·Sexually Transmitted Diseases
DOI 10.1097/olq.0b013e3181db2e18
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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of same-sex sexual behavior in women in the United States; to describe demographic and behavioral characteristics and the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection. METHODS: As part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys during 2001-2006, women aged 18 to 59 years were interviewed about sexual behaviors using audio computer assisted self-interview. Persons aged 14 to 49 years were tested for antibodies to HSV-2. RESULTS: Among sexually experienced women aged 18 to 59 years, 7.1% (95% confidence interval, 6.1-8.2) reported ever having had sex with a woman (WSW-ever) and 2.7% in the past year. The prevalence of WSW-ever correlated negatively with age, highest (9.4%) in 18 to 29-year-olds and lowest (5.5%) in 50 to 59-year-olds. Among WSW-ever, 52.6% self-identified as heterosexual/straight, 28.3% as bisexual, and 19.1% as homosexual/lesbian. Among WSW-ever, demographic characteristics were similar but sexual behaviors were different by sexual orientation: 31.3% of heterosexuals, 38.9% of bisexuals, and 12.9% of homosexuals reported first sex at age 14 or younger (P = 0.005); the median number of lifetime male partners was 10.8, 17.6, and 2.9, respectively (P < 0.0001). Among WSW-ever, the prevalence of HSV-2 was 45.6% in heterosexuals, 35.9% in bisexuals, and 8.2% in homosexuals (P = 0.001). In comparison, among women who reported no same-sex partners, the prevalence of HSV-2 was 23.8%. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based sample of women, self-reported same-sex behaviors were increasingly more prevalent in younger women. Compared with homosexual WSW-ever and women who reported never having sex with other women, heterosexual or bisexual WSW-ever had higher HSV-2 seroprevalence.

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Crossref · 10.1097/olq.0b013e3181db2e18

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  • The majority of WSW (53%-97%) have had sex with men in the past and continue to do so, with 5%-28% of WSW reporting male partners during the previous year.

    “The majority of WSW (53%–97%) have had sex with men in the past and continue to do so, with 5%–28% of WSW reporting male partners during the previous year (292,297–300).”

    From Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021 (2021) · cites this paper as [299]

  • HSV-2 seroprevalence among women self-identifying as homosexual or lesbian was 8%, similar to a previous clinic-based study of WSW but was 26% among Black WSW in one study.

    “HSV-2 seroprevalence among women self-identifying as homosexual or lesbian was 8%, similar to a previous clinic-based study of WSW (299,305) but was 26% among Black WSW in one study (287).”

    From Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021 (2021) · cites this paper as [299]

  • A U.S. population-based survey among women aged 18-59 years demonstrated an HSV-2 seroprevalence of 30% among women reporting same-sex partners during the previous year, 36% among women reporting same-sex partners in their lifetime, and 24% among women reporting no lifetime same-sex behavior.

    “A U.S. population-based survey among women aged 18–59 years demonstrated an HSV-2 seroprevalence of 30% among women reporting same-sex partners during the previous year, 36% among women reporting same-sex partners in their lifetime, and 24% among women reporting no lifetime same-sex behavior (299).”

    From Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021 (2021) · cites this paper as [299]

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Authors
Xu, F., Sternberg, M. R., & Markowitz, L. E.
Affiliations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US)
Corresponding author
Xu, Fujie
ORCID
Venue
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Published
2010-07
Volume
37
Issue
7
Pages
407-413
ISSN
0148-5717 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1097/olq.0b013e3181db2e18
OpenAlex
W2019023963
Cited by
109
References
26
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 13
FWCI
5.58
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Infectious Diseases › HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy
Keywords
same-sex sexual behavior, herpes simplex virus type 2, HSV-2 seroprevalence, sexual behavior, sexual orientation, bisexual women, lesbians, heterosexual women, age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, women's sexual health
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Antibodies, Viral, Female, Herpes Genitalis, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Male, Middle Aged, Nutrition Surveys, Sexual Behavior, Sexual Partners, United States, Prevalence, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Herpesvirus 2, Human, Homosexuality, Female, Young Adult

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