Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex+ Health

“All women face certain health risks. But there are
some specific health concerns that lesbians and other
women who have sex with women need to be aware of”.1

Umbrella

What may the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex+ Health Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Bi
  • Bisexual
  • Gay
  • Intersex
  • Lesbian
  • LGBTQIA+ Health
  • Questioning
  • Transgender
  • Trans

LGBTQIA+ Community

Who may members of the LGBTQIA+ community include?

In LGBTQIA+ Health: Summary the (United States) MedlinePlus explain:

“Members of the LGBTQIA+ community include people who are

  • Lesbian
  • Gay
  • Bisexual
  • Transgender
  • Queer or Questioning
  • Intersex
  • Asexual
  • Elsewhere on the gender and sexuality spectrum or allies to the community”.2

Health Concerns

What specific health concerns that lesbians and other women who have sex with women need to be aware of?

In Health Issues for Lesbians and Other Women Who Have Sex With Women the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“All women face certain health risks. But there are some specific health concerns that lesbians and other women who have sex with women need to be aware of.

Individual health risks are shaped by many factors beyond sexual orientation and sexual behavior, including family history and age. But it’s important for lesbians and other women who have sex with women to understand the following health issues and take steps to stay healthy”.3

Mental Health

What mental health concerns may women who have sex with women experience?

In Health Issues for Lesbians and Other Women Who Have Sex With Women: Address Mental Health Concerns the Mayo Clinic note:

“Women who have sex with women may be at a higher risk of depression and anxiety than are other women. This might be due to discrimination, rejection by loved ones, weak social connections, abuse or violence. The problem might be more severe for those who haven’t told others about their sexual orientation or for those who don’t have support from friends or family.

If you’re concerned about your mental health, talk to your health care provider or to a mental health provider. If you’re hesitant to seek treatment, consider talking with a trusted friend or loved one. Sharing your feelings could be the first step toward getting help”.4

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Can sexually transmitted infections spread between women?

In Health Issues for Lesbians and Other Women Who Have Sex With Women: Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Infections the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Certain sexually transmitted infections can spread between women. Examples of those infections include human papillomavirus (HPV), bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Oral sex and other sexual behavior, especially with sex toys, may lead to infections. Female sexual contact may spread HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. There’s no cure for HIV/AIDS and some other sexually transmitted infections, such as genital herpes. But treatment is available”.5

Routine Screenings

What routine screenings are recommended?

In Health Issues for Lesbians and Other Women Who Have Sex With Women: Make Health Care A Priority the Mayo Clinic explain:

“Also, ask your health care provider about routine screenings recommended for people in your age group. Those may include blood pressure and cholesterol measurements, as well as screenings for breast, cervical and ovarian cancers. If you’re not in a long-term relationship with one sexual partner, schedule regular screenings for sexually transmitted infections”.6

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my health?

If you would like help with your health, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

In Health Issues for Lesbians and Other Women Who Have Sex With Women: Make Health Care A Priority the Mayo Clinic note:

“Concern about homophobia and the stigma sometimes associated with homosexuality may prevent some lesbians from getting routine health care. But it’s important that you get the care you need.

Look for a health care provider who understands your concerns and puts you at ease. For you to get high-quality health care, it’s important that your provider knows and understands your sexual orientation and sexual behavior. So it’s crucial that you feel comfortable talking honestly with your health care provider”.7

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex+ Health?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex+ Health?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

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  79. Sageusa.org [SAGE: Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders]
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  81. Stonewall.org.uk
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Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Health Issues for Lesbians and Other Women Who Have Sex With Women. 25 January 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/health-issues-for-lesbians/art-20047202 Accessed: 07 June 2024
  2. LGBTQIA+ Health: Summary. Last Updated: 25 March 2024. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/lgbtqhealth.html Accessed: 07 June 2024
  3. Health Issues for Lesbians and Other Women Who Have Sex With Women. 25 January 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/health-issues-for-lesbians/art-20047202 Accessed: 07 June 2024
  4. Health Issues for Lesbians and Other Women Who Have Sex With Women: Address Mental Health Concerns. 25 January 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/health-issues-for-lesbians/art-20047202 Accessed: 07 June 2024
  5. Health Issues for Lesbians and Other Women Who Have Sex With Women: Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Infections. 25 January 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/health-issues-for-lesbians/art-20047202 Accessed: 07 June 2024
  6. Health Issues for Lesbians and Other Women Who Have Sex With Women: Make Health Care A Priority. 25 January 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/health-issues-for-lesbians/art-20047202 Accessed: 07 June 2024
  7. Health Issues for Lesbians and Other Women Who Have Sex With Women: Make Health Care A Priority. 25 January 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/health-issues-for-lesbians/art-20047202 Accessed: 07 June 2024
Topic Last Updated: 17 June 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 07 June 2024

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