LGBTQ+ Navigation

We are happy to be your medical home! We welcome all people regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, education, or ability. We have identified a list of common health concerns and encourage you to discuss them with your provider. Not all of these issues will apply to everyone, but it is important to be aware of them. 

Come out to your Healthcare Provider - Knowing your sexual orientation and sexual behaviors will help your provider offer the correct preventative screenings, order the appropriate tests, and prompt discussion of healthcare topics important to you. Your sexual orientation is part of your medical record which is protected information and will only be used to care for you. 

Alcohol and Substance Use - Drug and alcohol use affects the LGBTQ+ community at a higher rate than the general population. There are potential long term effects of ALL substances. Too much alcohol may cause people to treat themselves or others badly or to drive unsafely. If drug or alcohol use interferes with work, school or relationships, ask your healthcare provider to connect you to help. Your provider can offer support to find healthy ways to reduce and cope with stress. 

Cancers - It is important to be tested for cancers that affect the general population like prostate, testicular, lung, breast, cervical, and colon cancer. Following recommended screenings can lead to earlier detection when treatment is more effective. 

Depression and Anxiety - The LGBTQ+ community has higher rates of depression and anxiety. This may be worsened by social isolation, family rejection, or discrimination. Depression and anxiety are especially a concern for adolescents, for those who need to hide their orientation, and for those who have lost emotional support because of their orientation. A good way to begin to address depression and anxiety is to tell your provider you would like to discuss your emotional health. 

Food and Fitness - Healthy eating habits and frequent physical activity are important. Obesity puts you at higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, heart attack, and stroke. Excessive exercise can be harmful, and substances like anabolic steroids or certain supplements can be dangerous. Embrace movement at least four or five days a week and select nutritious foods. 

Heart Health - Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the US. Smoking and obesity are the most common risk factors for heart disease. Talk to your provider about how often you should be screened for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. 

Hepatitis - Viral Hepatitis is a sexually transmitted infection that causes a serious liver injury that can be fatal. Immunization for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is recommended for most adults. Condoms are effective at reducing the risk of viral hepatitis and the only means of preventing Hepatitis C. Get tested for Hepatitis C – there are effective treatments to cure it. 

HIV/AIDS - If you are living with HIV, antiviral medications can help you live a normal lifespan and prevent you from transmitting HIV to your sex partner(s). If you don’t currently have HIV, be sure you are aware of how to protect yourself, how to get tested, what to do if you test positive, and what to do right away if you are possibly exposed to HIV (called post-exposure prophylaxis). Discuss options for prevention, called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), with your provider. 

HPV - This sexually transmitted virus is extremely contagious, causes anal and genital warts, and can cause cervical, vulvar, vaginal, oral and anal cancer. HPV vaccination is recommended for all people aged 9-26 years and some people aged 27-45. It is estimated that 90% of HPV-associated cancers can be prevented if you get the vaccine. Discuss with your provider if HPV vaccination is right for you and what screenings you may need. 

Intimate Partner Violence - Members of the LGBTQ+ community can experience intimate partner violence. Help is available. Speak with your provider to learn more. 

Mpox - Mpox, a disease that can cause a painful rash and flu-like illness, is spread through close contact (touching, sex, kissing, or exhaled respiratory particles) or from contaminated objects. Some members of the LGBTQ+ community might be at higher risk of acquiring mpox. Speak to your healthcare provider about your risk and strategies to reduce your risk. Mpox vaccination is available for those at high risk. 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) - STIs commonly occur in sexually active individuals. These include infections for which effective treatment is available (e.g. syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia), and for which no cure is available (e.g. HPV, herpes). Condoms can reduce the risk of many sexually transmitted infections when used properly. You can have an STI without any symptoms and still pass it on to your sex partner(s). Getting screened for STIs regularly is important for your health and the health of your sex partner(s). Talk to your provider about the best screening schedule for you. 

Tobacco - Tobacco users are at risk for health problems like lung disease, lung cancer, heart disease, oral disease, and more. Even social tobacco use can lead to addiction. No tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, are safe. If you use tobacco, ask about programs to help you stop. If you are 50 or older and have smoked for many years, ask your provider if yearly lung cancer screening is right for you. 

Vaping - Vaping is often considered a safer alternative to smoking but there is still a lot to learn about the health effects of vaping and e-cigarettes. In addition to the health risks associated with nicotine use, the aerosol from vapes and e-cigarettes could contain cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that can be damaging to the lungs. Other risks include injuries from overheating or fires and unknown substances in unregulated products. If you don’t vape, don’t start. If you do vape, speak to your provider about support for quitting. 

Adapted from resources developed by the Gay Lesbian Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. 

We are happy to be your medical home! We welcome all people regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, education, or ability. We have identified a list of common health concerns for transgender people and encourage you to discuss them with your provider. Not all of these issues will apply to everyone, but it is important to be aware of them. 

Access to Healthcare - It can be difficult to find a healthcare provider who knows how to treat transgender people, and insurance may not pay for transgender treatment. If you feel your provider doesn’t have the knowledge and skills to provide you with affirming care, find another provider - you deserve inclusive care. It is important for you to be able to trust your healthcare provider. If you are unable to afford necessary care, ask your provider about what other options exist. 

Health History - Tell your provider about the medicines you have taken and surgeries you may have had. Knowing about your history allows your provider to give you the best treatment. 

Alcohol, Substance, and Tobacco Use - There are potential long term effects of ALL substances. Alcohol consumption may damage the liver or other organs and increase the risk of certain cancers. Too much alcohol may also cause a person to treat themselves or other people badly, or to drive unsafely. Tobacco use increases the risk of heart and lung disease, especially in people taking hormones. Discuss your alcohol, substance, and tobacco use habits with your provider and ask for assistance if you want to reduce or eliminate your use of them. They can help find healthy ways to reduce and cope with stress. 

Cancer - If you have it, screen it! People with breast tissue, a cervix (a part of the uterus), or a prostate should receive recommended screening for cancer. Transgender people should also be screened for lung and colon cancer according to existing screening guidelines. It is rare to develop cancer from hormone therapy, but your provider will check you for this as well. 

Depression - For a variety of reasons, depression is common among transgender people. Even after transition, depression can still be a problem. Depression can interfere with making good choices or can cause people to harm themselves. Talk with your provider about your feelings. Treatment is available for depression, including therapy and medications. 

Food and Fitness - Healthy eating habits and frequent physical activity are important. Obesity puts you at higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, heart attack, and stroke. Excessive exercise can be harmful, and substances like anabolic steroids or certain supplements can be dangerous. Embrace movement at least four or five days a week and select nutritious foods. 

Heart Health - Transgender people may be at higher risk for heart attack or stroke for several reasons such as hormone use, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Sometimes transgender people hide symptoms like chest pain or trouble breathing because they are afraid they may have to stop hormone treatments. Be sure to tell your provider about any symptoms. 

Hepatitis - Viral Hepatitis is a sexually transmitted infection that causes a serious liver injury that can be fatal. Immunization for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is recommended for most adults. Condoms are effective at reducing the risk of viral hepatitis and the only means of preventing Hepatitis C. Get tested for Hepatitis C – there are effective treatments to cure it. 

HIV/AIDS - If you are living with HIV, antiviral medications can help you live a normal lifespan and prevent you from transmitting HIV to your sex partner(s). If you don’t currently have HIV, be sure you are aware of how to protect yourself, how to get tested, what to do if you test positive, and what to do right away if you are possibly exposed to HIV (called post-exposure prophylaxis). Discuss options for prevention, called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), with your provider. 

Hormones - If you are starting hormones for the first time, ask what you need to watch for. Estrogen may increase your risk for blood clots, swelling, high blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar. It is important to have regular lab testing if you are taking testosterone. Take ONLY the hormones prescribed for you. Make sure your prescription is from a trusted source. Work closely with your provider to assure your hormone doses are right for you. 

HPV - This sexually transmitted virus is extremely contagious, causes anal and genital warts, and can cause cervical, vulvar, vaginal, oral and anal cancer. HPV vaccination is recommended for all people aged 9-26 years and some people aged 27-45. It is estimated that 90% of HPV-associated cancers can be prevented if you get the vaccine. Discuss with your provider if HPV vaccination is right for you and which screenings you may need. 

Intimate Partner Violence - Members of the LGBTQ+ community can experience intimate partner violence. Help is available. Speak with your provider to learn more. 

Mpox - Mpox, a disease that can cause a painful rash and flu-like illness, is spread through close contact (touching, sex, kissing, or exhaled respiratory particles) or from contaminated objects. Some members of the LGBTQ+ community might be at higher risk of acquiring mpox. Speak to your healthcare provider about your risk and strategies to reduce your risk. Mpox vaccination is available for those at high risk. 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) - STIs commonly occur in sexually active individuals. These include infections for which effective treatment is available (e.g. syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia), and for which no cure is available (e.g. HPV, herpes). Condoms can reduce the risk of many sexually transmitted infections when used properly. You can have an STI 

without any symptoms and still pass it on to your sex partner(s). Getting screened for STIs regularly is important for your health and the health of your sex partner(s). Talk to your provider about the best screening schedule for you. 

Silicone - Some individuals may choose to inject silicone or other fillers to change the shape of their body. The silicone sold and injected by non-medical people and not under sterile conditions can be contaminated with, or contain, substances inappropriate for human use. It may cause scars, severe allergic reactions, or infections. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can achieve body shape changes by using medications or surgical procedures. 

Vaping - Vaping is often considered a safer alternative to smoking but there is still a lot to learn about the health effects of vaping and e-cigarettes. In addition to the health risks associated with nicotine use, the aerosol from vapes and e-cigarettes could contain cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that can be damaging to the lungs. Other risks include injuries from overheating or fires and unknown substances in unregulated products. If you don’t vape, don’t start. If you do vape, speak to your provider about support for quitting.  

Adapted from resources developed by the Gay Lesbian Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. 

People Matter, Words Matter (Destigmatizing Language About Suicide)

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health
LGBTQ+ Health Facts
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Issues (mental health especially teens and young adults)
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)