Background
Lesbian and bisexual women have specific sexual health
needs, including the need for information about transmission
and prevention of sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
between women, contraceptive and conception advice, and
support regarding any abuse experiences. These needs can
be easily accommodated in general practice. However, there
are a number of barriers to general practitioners meeting these
needs, including lack of experience in facilitating disclosure of
sexual orientation, fears of being intrusive, and lack of specific
knowledge and skills in the area of minority sexual orientation.
Objective
This article presents the current evidence related to lesbian and
bisexual women’s sexual health, describes practical skills to
conduct a sensitive sexual history, and discusses sexual health
advice that GPs could provide to this group of women.
Discussion
Improved GP knowledge in this area will increase GPs’
perceived need to inquire about sexual orientation. Sensitive
inquiry can be facilitated by creating a welcoming practice
environment, using appropriate terminology, assuring
confidentiality, establishing relevance, and by using focused and
normalising questions.
Download the PDF for the full article.
Download article PDF