Whether itâs an uneducated healthcare professional or utter denial of care, LGBTQ individuals face medical barriers far too often. There are clear LGBT healthcare disparities particularly for transgender folks seeking care. With June being Pride Month, itâs important to highlight the inequalities LGBTQ individuals continue to face in todayâs society. And to also highlight what needs to change moving forward.
Here are a few of the many LGBT healthcare disparities still faced today:
Cervical Cancer Screenings
Did you know that straight and bisexual women are 2 times more likely to get a pap smear than lesbian women? Many healthcare providers incorrectly deduce that lesbian women do not require cervical cancer screenings. They believe lesbians are at low risk of developing cervical cancer. They establish this presumption upon the belief that lesbian women have never slept with a man. This is an ignorant assumption. Cervical dysplasia (a precancerous condition) is found in women who have not previously had sex with men. So, whatâs the reasoning for not being screened as often?
To believe that lesbian women are not at risk for cervical cancer merely due to their sexual orientation is backward-thinking and dangerous. Anyone with a cervix between the ages of 21 and 65 should get a pap smear every three years to ensure optimal cervical health. Learn more about
Birth Control
There have always been misconceptions around why women taken birth control. Contrary to popular belief, birth control is more than just a way to prevent pregnancy; itâs used for a variety of health concerns and not always related to sexuality. Below are common reasons LGBTQ individuals take birth control that has nothing to do with preventing pregnancy:
- PMS – Whether itâs intensely painful cramps, migraines, moodiness, or a heavy flow; hormonal birth control can be helpful in reducing unpleasant period symptoms. For some, PMS can be so debilitating that it keeps you from accomplishing everyday tasks.
- Hormonal Acne – A common cause of cystic acne is a hormonal imbalance. There are a few hormonal birth control options on the market that are FDA-approved to clear and prevent acne altogether.
- Gender Dysphoria – Itâs important to note, that not all individuals feel , however, for some this is the case. This occurs when a person experiences an affliction between their bodyâs appearance and their gender identity. Getting your period when youâre not a woman makes it difficult to feel like your true self. Not all women menstruate and not all those who menstruate are women. For those who get heavy periods but donât identify as female, they may take hormonal birth control to reduce their bleeding.
- Inconsistent Periods – Menstruation isnât like clockwork for everybody. For some, itâll come every single month while for others, it comes every six months. This can also be caused by a hormonal imbalance. Someone can use hormonal birth control to regulate such an occurrence.
STI’s
There are many healthcare professionals who donât fully understand the risks that the LGBTQ community faces. Some even believe that lesbians cannot contract an STI. They think this because they assume they do not experience penetration during sex. This represents a limited view of LGBTQ sex. Without a standard understanding of sexual health for LGBTQ individuals, unfortunately, it puts them at increased risk for infection. STIâs and other sexually-contracted diseases are possible if you are sexually active, regardless of your sexual orientation or preference.
Because of this, itâs crucial to get tested consistently. Set up a yearly appointment with either a primary physician or gynecologist to get tested for STIâs and conduct bloodwork to test for HIV. Itâs also crucial to get tested if you have unprotected sex with a new partner or a partner who has had sex with others.
Denied Healthcare
In January 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created a new division called the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division (CRFD). This program will allow healthcare providers to choose who they grant and deny treatment to based on their own beliefs. More recently, the HHS passed an issuance that can weaken the enforcement of civil rights protection and allow leniency when it comes to discrimination against the LGBTQ community.
With not only the possibility of being denied healthcare based on the providerâs personal beliefs but the fear of being denied can lead individuals to neglect seeking medical treatment altogether. This disparity dismisses human beings from getting access to the care they need and deserve.
Moving Forwardâ¦
Although there have been great strides for the LGBTQ community, such as removing gender nonconformity from being considered a mental disorder, there are many more steps to take. Here are some actions you can take in the meantime to ensure that you get the best care and treatment that youâre worthy of.
Find a Safe Place to Seek Treatment
Without knowing which clinic and physicians treat LGBTQ individuals without bias, itâs hard to take the best care of yourself. Start by looking at . You can also find a helpful list of in various states. Although you shouldnât have to put in so much effort to find a healthcare professional who will treat and care for you without judgment and misinformation, itâs best to set yourself up by doing some research for the right place beforehand.
Try Telemedicine
Even if you find a place that seems like a safe bet, itâs intimidating going to the doctorâs office, especially if you havenât had your yet. Luckily, with the advancement of technology, there are ways to take care of your health from the comfort of your own home. As we discussed earlier, there are healthcare disparities with cervical cancer screenings, birth control, and STIâs. Itâs your right to find unbiased and accessible care, and now you can do it through telemedicine services.
1. Cervical Cancer Screenings – Human Pappiloma Virus (HPV) is transmitted through sexual contact and certain types can lead to cervical cancer. If youâre worried youâve contracted it or youâve experienced healthcare discrimination when seeking a pap smear, you can instead.
2. Birth Control Access – Getting access to the right birth control for your health concerns is crucial. If youâre worried about facing a doctor in person, you can now get a via an online doctor. You can chat with a doctor on your computer or phone to determine what kind is the right one for you without judgment or criticism.
3. Test for STIâs – The possibility of having an STI can be scary, especially if you donât know much about them or how they can be treated. With , you can determine your sexual status without having to make that doctorâs visit.
Get Involved
The more you know about your rights and the healthcare you deserve, the more of an asset you can be for others who are facing the same disparagement. Advocate for yourself and for others. There are so many amazing to choose from that are helping end the healthcare disparity. Get involved in a campaign or organizationâs efforts to help bring us a step closer to equal access to healthcare. Find one that youâre passionate about or join many. What ideas do you have to end LGBT healthcare disparities?
Disclosure: This blog post was written in collaboration with hers but all thoughts and opinions are my own.