Gay men often are more sexually active than heterosexual counterparts and have a greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases he said. For these patients doctors are encouraged to focus on discussing safe sex. Gay and bisexual men should be screened regularly for Winn also said physicians should be aware that gay men have higher rates of bulimia and depression than heterosexuals.He recommends that doctors speak with lesbian patients about birth control options because some lesbians have sex with men. He also encourages physicians to be aware of this groups slightly increased risk of breast cancer because many do not get pregnant. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy might reduce a womans chances of developing the disease according to the National Cancer Institute.
Transgender people are among the most at risk in the LGBT population and many are victims of violence Houlberg said. For preventive care of this population Winn recommends that physicians follow screening guidelines for the body parts the patient has. For example if a person who was born a man has breasts due to hormone treatment, doctors should follow mammography guidelines.
Taking steps in the right direction
Until that occurs Dr. Houlberg said LGBT people will remain an invisible population involved in what she calls a silent epidemic Not only can we not address the health disparities we cant prove them either.Some reports have shown that LGBT people are more likely to smoke cigarettes than heterosexuals They also are more likely to have higher rates of alcohol use and substance abuse said the Dept. of Health and Human Services.Additionally each group within the LGBT population has distinct health risks that primary care physicians should know Winn said.
The consequences of not identifying this population are missed opportunities for preventive care that probably lead to increased rates of morbidity and mortality among LGBT patients said Dr. Houlberg, chief medical officer at Howard Brown Health Center in Chicago. The center specializes in treating LGBT adults and youths.There are limited studies on the health disparities of the LGBT community But that is expected to change after a March Institute of Medicine report urged researchers to engage LGBT people in health studies to identify and better understand health problems that affect them.