Sense Project
a Head & Hands initiative
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March 30th, 2010Prevention, Queer, Sex0 comments
Check it out (for queer women) and Check it out guys (for trans men) are two awesome campaigns that spread the word about the importance of getting regular Pap tests, regardless of who you have sex with.
As they say:
“…we may have been told by doctors and other health care providers that because we have sex with other women, we do not need Pap tests. This is NOT true. Anyone with a cervix who has ever been sexually active needs a Pap test.”
But WHY? Because HPV, the major cause of cervical cancer, is a sexually transmitted infection that is passed on through genital skin to skin contact. You do not need to have penetrative sex in order to get HPV.
Meaning > If you’re sexually active (in any way), even if you don’t have sex with men, you should still get regular paps!
Meaning > If you have ever in your life had any kind of sexual activity with anyone that involved the genital area, you need a Pap.
The website also has advice for making pap tests and pelvic exams easier for trans guys as well as an awesome tip sheet for health care providers to give sensitive, empowering paps.
Montreal youth aged 12-25 can get Pap tests and STI tests right here at Head & Hands! Check our clinic schedule here.
Tags: check-it-out.ca, checkitoutguys.ca, HPV, pap tests, Queer, trans



