LGBT ISSUES
ABOUT LGBT ISSUES
Generalizations about LGBT health necessarily rely on generalizations about LGBT identity and behavior. These lists of health concerns are, therefore, not prescriptive, but for your information. It is most important for LGBT students, as with other students, to find a medical provider that you trust to share your concerns, and who is aware of these issues.
The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association has identified the top 10 health issues facing men who have sex with men (MSM) and women who have sex with women (WSW).
Gay Men and MSM
Health Concerns |
Lesbian and WSW
Health Concerns |
1. HIV/AIDS and Safer Sex |
1. Breast Cancer |
2. Substance Use |
2. Depression/Anxiety |
3. Depression/Anxiety |
3. Gynecological Cancer |
4. Hepatitis Immunization |
4. Fitness (Diet & Exercise) |
5. STIs |
5. Substance Use |
6. Prostate/Testicular/Colon Cancer |
6. Tobacco |
7. Alcohol |
7. Alcohol |
8. Tobacco |
8. Domestic Violence |
9. Fitness (Diet & Exercise) |
9. Osteoporosis |
10. Anal Human Papilloma Virus Infection |
10. Heart Health |
On a visit to Student Health Service, you can expect to receive comprehensive care that is sensitive to you as an LGBT person, and knowledgeable about health care concerns you might have. This includes, but is not limited to, concerns you might have about sexual health and sexuality. A good medical provider will ask questions about your health behavior in a sensitive way, not making any assumptions, but assessing your level of risk. However, if you ever don't feel comfortable answering a question, just say so. Remember that your visit to Student Health Service is covered by medical confidentiality laws.
You play an integral part in the health care you receive. Communicating openly and honestly with your medical provider is an important way to receive comprehensive and sensitive medical care. This includes talking about issues like sex and gender (for trans students). It's also important that you feel like you can ask questions of your provider. We suggest that you find a provider at Student Health Service that you feel comfortable with to take the lead on your medical care. While all providers are available to you, this provider will know your history well, and by building a relationship with this provider you will optimize your health care and feel safer discussing your concerns and issues.
CAMPUS SERVICES
COMMUNITY SERVICES
315 W. Court St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-271-2656
315 W. Court St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-271-2656 Ext. 111
1-800-334-2437
RESOURCES
Our resource area contains brochures, articles, bulletin board packets, books, and videos, and handouts on a wide variety of health related topics. If we don't have it, we will help you find it!
