WSW (women who have sex with women) - meaning and definition
AlsoWSWwomen who have sex with womenlesbian and bisexual womenwomen having sex with women
Definition
A public-health term for women who have sex with women, regardless of how they identify.
At a glance
- A public-health term for women who have sex with women.
- Describes behaviour, not identity.
- The counterpart to MSM in research and health services.
- Helps ensure relevant information on STIs, which can pass between women, reaches everyone who needs it.
- Cervical screening is still recommended for women who have sex with women.
In detail
WSW is the counterpart to MSM in health research and services. It helps make sure women who do not identify as lesbian or bisexual still receive relevant information, for example about STIs, which can pass between women, and about cervical screening, which is still recommended.
Like MSM, it describes behaviour rather than identity.
In a sentence
- The sexual health leaflet had a section for WSW explaining that cervical screening still applies.
- Researchers used WSW so the survey would include women who don't identify as lesbian or bisexual.
Common questions
Do women who have sex with women need STI tests or cervical screening?
STIs can pass between women, and cervical screening is still recommended. A doctor or sexual health clinic can advise on what testing and screening make sense for you.
Is WSW an identity?
No. It is a category used in research and health services. People usually describe themselves with words such as lesbian, bisexual or queer.