Health Issues for Lesbians
Offline1. Breast Cancer
Lesbians have the richest concentration of risk factors for breast cancer than any subset of women in the world. Combine this with the fact that many lesbians over 40 do not get routine mammograms, do breast self-exams, or have a clinical breast exam, and this cancer may elude early diagnosis, when it is most curable.
2. Depression/Anxiety
Lesbians have been shown to experience chronic stress from homophobic discrimination. This stress is compounded by the need that some still have to hide their orientation from family and colleagues at work, and by the fact that many lesbians have lost the important emotional support most others get from their families due to alienation stemming from their sexual orientation.
3. Heart Health
Smoking and obesity are the most prevalent risk factors for heart disease among lesbians; but all lesbians need to also get an annual clinical exam because this is when blood pressure is checked, cholesterol is measured, diabetes is diagnosed, and exercise is discussed. Preventing heart disease, which kills 45 percent of women, should be paramount to every clinical visit.
4. Gynecological Cancer
Lesbians have higher risks for many of the gynecologic cancers. What they may not know is that having a yearly exam by a gynecologist can significantly facilitate early diagnosis and a better chance of cure.
5. Fitness
Research confirms that lesbians have higher body mass than heterosexual women. Obesity is associated with higher rates of heart disease, cancers, and premature death. What lesbians need is competent and supportive advice about healthy living and healthy eating, as well as healthy exercise.
6. Tobacco
Research also indicates that lesbians may use tobacco and smoking products more often than heterosexual women use them. Whether smoking is used as a tension reducer or for social interactions, addiction frequently follows and is associated with higher rates of cancers, heart disease, and emphysema — the three major causes of death among all women.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol use and abuse may be higher among lesbians. While one drink daily may be good for the heart, more than that can be a risk factor for cancer or osteoporosis.
8. Substance Use
Research indicates that lesbians may use illicit drugs more often than heterosexual women. This may be due to added stressors in lesbian lives from discrimination. Lesbians need support from each other and from health care providers to find healthy releases, quality recreation, stress reduction, and coping techniques.
9. Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is reported to occur in about 11 percent of lesbian homes, about half the rate of 20 percent reported by heterosexual women. But the question is where do lesbians go when they are battered? Shelters need to welcome and include battered lesbians, and offer counseling to the offending partners.
10. Osteoporosis
The rates and risks of osteoporosis among lesbians have not been well characterized yet. Calcium and weight-bearing exercise as well as the avoidance of tobacco and alcohol are the mainstays of prevention. It is also important to get bone density tests every few years to see if medication is needed to prevent fracture.
This isn't meant as a negative, but I'm personally only attracted to the lankier/athletic types. You can call it media brainwashing if you like, but it's just generally a sign of health and I like angles in the jaw. But definitely, I find that drinking and substance abuse are issues - and social pressures/stress are definitely huge contributing factors.
Personally, I somehow feel it links back to being conscious of this part of identity. By that, I mean that I'm quite openly gay (nothing sexist, it's just that it's the prefered word for me 'cause it sounds the most casual), but it rarely ever gets brought up. I discuss sexuality if it arises in conversation. I don't bother mentioning if it never comes up. I want people to like/dislike me for my character, and I never felt that sexuality had anything to do with it. Obviously if they're homophobic, they've stricken themselves off already. Basically, the general gist is that it's not usually on my mind until the topic is raised, so I don't really get any of the things listed above. I don't like alcohol, never smoked, and since I'm vain I want abs and definition and therefore I'm in the gym, bike, run, play Varsity badminton. This also works cyclically as well - in that the more I do things out of interest, rather than around my sexuality, it becomes a smaller issue and I can engage in all those other parts that I love: food & cooking, coffee, socializing, literature, art, school, sports, travelling...etc.
What do you all feel about the conneciton about sexuality-consciousness and the above health/stress issues?
The truth is, the mind and the body have an intricate relationship, and each affect the other. So, if you're body is sick or unhealthy, that's going to affect your mind, and vice versa.
If you are uncomfortable with your sexuality (internalized homophobia) that's going to have a bodily manifestation. For some (many gay men), it occurs with body-dysmorphia (there's a perceived "mistake" with your body) and is expressed through being consumed with one's appearance, weight-obsession, or having a perfect body. Smoking, drinking, drugging, eating poorly, all those can have psychological functions. They can be means of self-medicating for problems, means of self-punishment for guilt (guilt of being gay), or all kinds of other things.
I presume that in order to truly be psychologically content and complete, you have to be at peace with your sexuality. I would presume, therefore, that people who are at peace with their sexaulity, tend to NOT abuse alcohol or drugs or their bodies.
in regards to the domestic violence... I was beaten by an ex and when I finally went to the sexual health clinic for help and counselling I was basicaly told by the therapist that it wasnt as important because it was by another woman, so I never went back, so education among therapists (especially ones that deal with assult/rape ect) would help, I know it wouldv'e helped me greatly.
I am not one to run around to everyone I meet and announce my lesbanism however if i am asked my partners name Ill say it, and occasionally Ill correct them, (from saying boyfriend to girlfriend).
some people at work know I am gay, but some dont and I feel guarded around those people, but that also could be part of my anxiety disorder. (hahahaha I noticed the anxiety part!)
food for thought....
I have an anxiety disorder, Ive always been a nervy person, from a jumpy child to an anxious adult, and Ive always known about my sexuality....my ponder is...If I didnt work myself out till later on in my teenager years, would I still have been as anxious growing up, was it part of my nervyness??
Just Some More In The mutterings Of D...
"I'm not an Angel any more. I'm your new God - a better one. So you will bow down and profess your love unto me, your Lord, or I shall destroy you." - Castiel [The Man Who Knew Too Much]