Sexual minority women, such as those who identify as lesbian or bisexual as well as women, who have sex with women, have some specific health concerns. Although individual health risks (both mental and physical) are shaped by factors beyond one's sexual orientation and practices it is important to acknowledge and address the common health issues for sexual minority women.
At the outset, according to a section of mental health experts, sexual minority women are at higher risk of depression and anxiety. "Since they contend with social alienation, discrimination, rejection by loved ones and even abuse and violence, higher incidences of depression in them are obvious," says Tina Chawla a wellness counselor.
The lack of social support further aggravates the issues. "In our country, even today, most lesbians are tightlipped about publicly admitting their sexual orientation. Thereby they are less likely (compared to heterosexual women) to visit a counselor while undergoing depression and other serious mental issues," says Chawla and adds, "Thereby the importance of a personal support system for sexual minority women cannot be overemphasized. It is very acutely required."
Sexual minority women can contract sexually transmitted infections too unlike the broad misconception that such infections only happen during heterosexual intercourse.
Certain sexually transmitted infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis can spread between women. Oral sex and sexual behavior involving digital-vaginal or digital-anal contact, particularly with shared penetrative sex toys, can spread infections as well.
"Female sexual contact is also a possible means of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. There's no cure for HIV/AIDS and many sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV and genital herpes. The best way to stay healthy is to practice safer sex," cautions a sexologist on condition of anonymity.
Just like any heterosexual couple, sexual minority women and men should also ascertain their own and their partner's sexual health by undergoing the requisite medical tests. Unprotected sex is a complete red flag.
"During oral sex, use a small piece of latex (dental dam) or latex barrier. Wash sex toys with hot soapy water between uses or cover them with a fresh condom. During digital vaginal or anal penetration, consider using a latex glove. Although most people know about these hygiene measures not many practice them. Hence it is important to reiterate these measures," informs the sexologist.
It is also very important for even sexual minority people to be monogamous, as multiple partners increase the risk for infections. According to mental health experts studies have revealed that an unstable mental disposition is connected to risk taking behaviours that include sexual risk taking behaviours too. Elaborating on the connection Chawla states, "An unhappy state of mind particularly one that is anxiety prone often resorts to substance overuse and abuse. In other words depressed and anxious people are more prone to excess alcohol intake and drug intake. This has its own ramifications, for people in an inebriated state or an overall state of dependency are more likely to not take precautions while choosing sexual partners. They are also very unlikely to take precautions during sexual activity. Informing about a general precaution, the sexologist informs, "Vaccinations can protect one from hepatitis A and hepatitis B. These are serious liver infections that can spread through sexual contact. The HPV vaccine is available to women up to age 26."
Apart from the broad mental and physical health risks, sexual minority women are at a greater risk for domestic violence. Although domestic violence can affect anyone in an intimate relationship, sexual minority women might be more likely to stay silent about this kind of violence due to threats from the batterer to publicly proclaim her sexual orientation to friends, loved ones, colleagues or community members. This is all the more a reason for sexual minority women to be confident, self assured and uncloseted about her sexual orientation to avoid any kind of unhealthy manipulation or injustice. "
Staying in an abusive relationship might leave you depressed, anxious and hopeless. If you do not want to disclose your same-sex relationship or sexual identity, you might be less likely to seek help after an assault.
According to Chawla most sexual minority women struggle to find a doctor knowledgeable about their specific health issues and with whom they feel comfortable discussing their needs and concerns. In her words, "It is advisable to look for a doctor who is knowledgeable, empathic and respectful of their specific needs. Needless to say, stating the sexual orientation to the doctor at the very beginning is pivotal. Consequently, one should inquire about routine screenings recommended for their specific age group such as blood pressure and cholesterol measurements and screenings for breast cancer and cervical cancer." Screening for sexually transmitted infections too is vital.
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