Doctor’s Duty on LGBTQ + Health - An Overview
The LGBTQ population in India continues to endure persecution despite the legalising of same-sex partnerships among consenting adults. Because of the stigma and lack of acceptance in society, many are hesitant to seek medical help, especially because they are afraid of being judged.
When doctors and healthcare workers lack the necessary skills and awareness, the problem gets much more complicated. Fears of anonymity and discriminatory attitudes among healthcare providers are among the difficulties that LGBTQ people face while seeking medical care.
Lesbian and bisexual women, according to Dr Prathima Reddy, director, senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bengluru, encounter a slew of issues when seeking medical help, particularly for their mental health.
Lesbians are more likely to suffer from mental health difficulties, particularly depression. This could be attributed to a lack of parental and societal support as a child. A sense of seclusion combined with a disguised lifestyle may contribute to mental stress, which can lead to substance abuse, depression, and suicide in some civilizations. Intimate relationship violence is also widespread, but under-reported by victims, according to the doctor.
Lesbian women have fewer pregnancies than straight women, she adds. This could put individuals at risk for diseases like breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or ovarian cancer. “ This could be attributed to nulliparity, late childbirth, lack of nursing, and lower usage of combination oral contraceptive tablets, according to studies.
How Can Doctors be of Service :
There are several ways, according to Dr. Reddy, that obstetrician–gynecologists might better fulfil the requirements of lesbian and bisexual patients. The following are some specific suggestions:
- Reminding receptionists and other office personnel that patients of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome and should be treated with the same respect as other patients.
- * Obtaining more accurate and valuable information by modifying office registration forms and questionnaires that require patients to identify their relationship and behavioural status. Here are several examples:
- Do you have a domestic partner or are you single, married, widowed, or divorced?
- Are you, or have you been, sexually active with anyone — male, female, or both male and female partners — or not?
- Men, women, or both men and women – which do you prefer sexually?
- It is possible to mention on the form that answering is not required.
- Post your office’s non-discrimination policy in the reception area: ‘This office values diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of colour, age, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or perceived gender.’
- When speaking with patients, use inclusive language and neutral terms such as “partner” or “spouse” rather than “boyfriend” or “husband.”
Covid’s LGBTQ health
The pandemic has been a particularly trying time for everyone. However, the lockdown policies have exacerbated mental health difficulties in the LGBTQ community. “For those who experience identity hiding and parental rejection at home, the psychological implications of these social isolation measures and stay-at-home orders may be more severe, the psychiatrist sums up