Reproductive Health and LGBTQ+ Individuals: Inclusive Care and Support

Everyone has the right to access health services and LGBTQ+ individuals are not exceptional. LGBTQ+, an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning and other communities, describes people’s sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity.

Also known as the pride community, the LGBTQ+ community, often doesn’t get proper healthcare services due to systemic discrimination which is unfortunate. To equip them with authentic information about LGBTQ+ reproductive health problems and the potential solutions, here we are going to share expert insights on it.

LGBTQ+ Reproductive Health Issues

HIV/AIDS

Gay, bisexual, and other men who choose to have unprotected sex with their male partners can be at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), like HIV. As studies have shown, male homosexual behavior, like receptive anal sex brings a high risk for STDs.

Homosexual men, bisexual men, and women with multiple sex partners and the ones who avoid using protective barrier methods, like condoms, are more likely to be affected by STDs. To keep HIV and other STDs at bay, consider safe sex practices and use condoms.  

Vaginal Infections

Both lesbian and bisexual couples with large numbers of female partners can experience vaginal infections, like trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis, herpes, etc. Factors like inability to access reproductive healthcare, lack of knowledge, and unprotected sex contribute to these problems.

Look for symptoms, like itching and irritation in the vulva and vagina, burning sensation during urination, soreness and vaginal pain, swelling and redness of the vulva, etc., and consult a gynaecologist at Newmi Care to get the necessary treatment. 

Related - Know the female reproductive health problems and their solutions.

Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia

Both gonorrhea and chlamydia often happen together due to unprotected sexual activities. Gonorrhea which is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) comes with several symptoms in women – unusual yellow or white discharge from the vagina, painful sex, pelvis pain, etc. Men on the other hand, may experience the following – green, yellow, and white discharge, pain during urination, testicular pain, etc. Chlamydia in most cases remains asymptomatic. 

LGBTQ+ individuals can get infected with gonorrhea and chlamydia through unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Book an STI test to stay safe and use male or female condoms to prevent STIs. Also, consult gynaecologists for proper guidance.

In order to prevent discrimination and these problems related to sexual health, it is very important for kids, youth, and LGBTQ+ to receive comprehensive sexual education that is inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community.

Solutions to LGBTQ+ Reproductive Health Challenges 

LGBTQ+ individuals often experience reproductive health problems due to the lack of information. To protect the vulnerable groups, choose the following solutions:

1. Incorporate LGBTQ+ Inclusive Comprehensive Sex Education in schools and educational institutions

2. Train healthcare providers to create and maintain a safe environment for the sexual and gender minority communities

3. Encourage LGBTQ+ individuals to use safe sex practices to avoid unplanned pregnancy and ensure safe and healthy sexual relationships

4. Provide affordable and accessible reproductive healthcare service to the Pride community

The Bottom Line - 

Reproductive health is a fundamental aspect of any individual and LGBTQ+ people also deserve comprehensive and compassionate healthcare. Newmi Care is always available to address all the reproductive health as well as mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Reach out to our healthcare providers and psychologists to ensure holistic wellness.