Members of the LGBTQ community have specific health needs that historically haven’t always been addressed by medical professionals. Addressing this challenge is especially important in urologic care, where discussing patients’ sexuality is crucial.
More than ever, urologists must advocate for their non-heterosexual patients. The percentage of adults in the United States who identify as other than heterosexual has doubled from 3.5 percent in 2012 to 7.1 percent in 2022.
In addition, as of 2022, 21 percent of Gen Z adults identified as LGBTQ, almost double the percent of millennials and nearly five times more than Gen X. This trend is expected to continue as younger generations begin to represent a greater percentage of the total United States population.
LGBTQ individuals are more likely to have mental and physical health challenges than the heterosexual population, including:
Diabetes
Moderate to severe overactive bladder
High blood pressure
Depression
Substance abuse
Suicidal tendencies
These risks are partially because of a history of discrimination toward the LGBTQ community. As a result, they may mistrust their medical professionals or suffer from chronic stress when seeking medical care which can impact their overall health.
LGBTQ patients must be comfortable sharing their sexual history, sexual orientation, and gender identity without fear of judgment. Here’s how urologists strive to provide thorough, sensitive care to their LGBTQ patients.
Creating an Open, Inclusive Environment
Patients who don’t disclose their sexual orientation and/or general identity are at risk of endangering their health and experiencing complications. Therefore, they must trust their medical professionals so they can be honest about their sexuality. Urologists create an open, inclusive environment with “cues” that make all patients feel welcome, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Some simple way to do that is to provide brochures and posters that target the LGBTQ community.
They can also signal their acceptance of the LGBTQ community by providing gender-neutral bathrooms within office spaces and encouraging inclusivity and tolerance with regular staff training.
Urologists can demonstrate they don’t assume their patients are heterosexual by using pronouns, sexual identity, and gender identity questions on intake forms, and using gender-neutral terms such as partner rather than husband or wife.
Asking Specific Questions
Doctors don’t always discuss patient sexuality in medical settings but must do so in urological clinics. There is a sizable variation in what type of sexual activities members of the LGBTQ community engage in. Some carry a higher risk for specific sexually transmitted infections, require monitoring for specific types of cancer, or require consideration before choosing treatment for prostate cancer or other conditions.
Urologists ask open-ended questions such as “What questions do you have about your sexual health?” or “Do you have any concerns or questions about your sexuality?” so patients are more comfortable openly discussing their sexual activities. This allows them to make well-informed medical decisions, provide optimal urological care, and advocate for their patients.
Norman Urology - Inclusive Urological Care
The well-trained professionals at Norman Urology are committed to providing excellent urological care to all patients, regardless of gender orientation or sexual identity. Our doctors aren’t just professionals, they are great listeners! We treat every patient with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism and are grateful you put your trust in us. Let us know how we can help.