LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL WOMEN'S HEALTH MATTERS

Lesbian and bisexual women have health concerns much like all women do. However, lesbian and bisexual women's health matters present a particular importance due to many lesbians and bi women encountering barriers in accessing health care and health information in general. Much of what we know about women's health is based on heterosexual women. In this section, you will find resources and links to information that specifically relates to lesbian and bisexual women's health.

Going to your healthcare provider

How do you talk to your health care provider?

The Lesbian Health Research Centre based in San Francisco, California provides a detailed guide on how to communicate and discuss your health issues with your health care provider. When following this link, you will see a sidebar on the left that lists the information you can access.

Are you a health care provider that would like to know more about how to help your lesbian patients?

Health Canada provides a tip sheet to get you started.

Fenway Health has online learning modules on LGBT healthcare provision

(back to top)

Smoking

Multiple research studies have been conducted on women and smoking. Lesbians are more likely to be smokers than their heterosexual counterparts. This presents a significant health concern for lesbians and the multiple health outcomes that arise from long-term smoking behaviours (e.g. lung cancer, emphysema, etc...)

In the United States, the California Health Interview Survey, conducted in 2004, found that 25.3 percent of lesbian respondents were smokers, compared to 14.9 percent of heterosexual respondents. (Women's College Hospital)

When the Sherbourne Health Centre in Ontario conducted its own survey in 2006, it found 33 percent of lesbians who responded were smokers, while 12 percent of heterosexual respondents said they smoked. (Women's College Hospital)

Are you thinking about quitting smoking?

Order a guide on how to quit from Health Canada

Health Canada also has a list of the diseases caused by smoking that arise because of smoking and the general health effects of smoking...in case you were interested in some extra motivation.

(back to top)

Alcohol and drugs

A 2004 study conducted at the University of Louisville in Kentucky found that lesbian and bisexual women were 10.7 times more likely to drink alcohol and 4.9 times more likely to use marijuana than heterosexual women. (Women's College Hospital)

Alcoholism is a fatal chronic illness affecting the lives of 20-30% of the homosexual population. Studies have found that 35% of lesbians had a history of excessive drinking, compared to only 5% of the heterosexual women. In addition, further studies have shown that 30% of lesbians and gay men are addicted to drugs, suggesting that the gay and lesbian community constitutes a high-risk population with regard to alcoholism and drug abuse. (Women's College Hospital)

There is some research and clinical evidence that LGBTTTIQ people use substances to cope with these oppressive experiences and associated feelings. (Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse)

(back to top)

Obesity

Lesbians are twice as likely as heterosexual women to be overweight or obese, according to a Boston University study conducted in 2007 (Women's College Hospital)
More often than not, lesbians have a higher level of satisfaction with their bodies than straight women do (Women's College Hospital)

(back to top)

Cancer

The five-year and lifetime risks for breast cancer are higher for lesbians than heterosexual women. (Women's College Hospital)
In terms of gynecological cancers, lower rates of screening among lesbians may increase the risk for cervical cancer. Furthermore, not having children and not using oral contraceptives may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. (Women's College Hospital)

(back to top)>

Important to know

Get regular pap screens, including guidelines for gynocological visits (Lesbian Health Research Centre)
The Pap smear (Pap test) was named for Dr. George Papanicolaou, who developed the test in 1943. It is an important part of any gynecological exam. A swab is used to remove a tissue sample from the cervix (the lower end of the uterus) for examination. The Pap smear is considered by many to be the best tool available for identifying pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. Since the development of the Pap smear, the number of deaths from cervical cancer has decreased 70%. However, the test does not check for STDs or infections. (McGill University Queer Health)

(back to top)

Mental health

Research does indicate that lesbian women have much higher rates of mood disorders than heterosexual women, Clarke said. Lesbians are more likely to have thought about committing suicide, to have made a suicide attempt or to have engaged in self-harm behaviour (Women's College Hospital)
Gay and lesbian visible minorities face racist as well as (hetero)sexist oppression, which often results in low self-esteem, inadequate coping mechanisms and substance abuse. (McGill University Queer Health)
The history of psychiatry and homosexuality
Information on depression in women

(back to top)

Sexual health

(McGill University Queer Health) has some information
Excellent document (pdf) about STIs from the U.K.
Excellent document (pdf) about masturbation, sex between women, and other interesting things. Also from the UK.
Another document (pdf) from the UK on breast health and breasts in general
HIV/STI information for lesbians
STI information specific to lesbians

(back to top)

Aging

Many seniors remember a time when being gay was considered a mental illness. As a result, they won't discuss their sexual orientation with anyone in the health-care system. (CBC news)

Partners, children and friends of gay seniors have a difficult time getting proper care for their loved ones. (CBC news)
Some seniors reported that staff at seniors residences and care facilities accepted homosexuality. But they said some of their fellow residents weren't as tolerant, creating strain and hardship. (CBC news)
Issues in accessing quality healthcare
Hormone replacement therapy

(back to top)