If you're gay or have same-sex partners, it's just as important for you as for anyone else to use NHS services to keep yourself healthy.
It's a good idea to tell your doctor if you're gay, lesbian or bisexual. If your doctor knows about your sexuality or sexual preferences, it's easier to discuss your life, relationships and health concerns. They can also keep an eye out for any health problems relevant to you.
Studies have shown that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals do not talk openly to their GP and may avoid appointments because of fear of prejudice.
Instead of going to your GP, you may use genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics for your general healthcare needs, not just your sexual health, because you feel these services are more accepting of your lifestyle.
But many GPs are lesbian, gay or bisexual themselves, or have friends, relatives or colleagues who are.
As a gay man or woman, you may face homophobia. Clinicians, such as nurses and doctors, occasionally react poorly to a patient who comes out to them. This can be because of ignorance or prejudice.
Either way, it's unacceptable and illegal. Both the NHS and the General Medical Council, which regulates doctors, are clear that there should be no discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. If this happens to you, the best thing to do is to make a complaint immediately.
Why it’s important to be open with your GP
Although gay and bisexual people share the same health needs as heterosexuals, there are some key differences.
Research shows higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis and gonorrhoea, among gay or bisexual men.
Research also shows that some gay people use more alcohol and drugs than heterosexuals.
A lifetime of feeling 'different' or being treated differently can affect your mental wellbeing and have an impact on your physical health, such as high blood pressure and eating disorders. It can also lead to self-harm.
Don’t miss out on vital services
According to Dr Justin Varney, a public health consultant at Barking and Dagenham Primary Care Trust, there are important health services that lesbians, gays and bisexuals should take up, including regular and routine check-ups for things like blood pressure, STIs and different cancers.
In addition, gay and bisexual men are more at risk of hepatitis B and should have a hepatitis B vaccination.
Find out more about health checks for men and women.
Where to go for medical advice
Choosing a GP
Your choice of doctor is usually restricted by where you live, although there may be many surgeries to choose from. Some things to consider are:
- opening hours and how easy it is to get an appointment
- the number of doctors in the clinic (it may be easier to get an appointment at a larger surgery)
- the gender of the doctor, if you have a preference
When visiting the surgery, keep an eye out for any posters or reading material that are particularly relevant to lesbians, gay men and bisexuals.
Ask if the doctors have had any recent equality training and if the practice has an equality policy that includes sexual orientation. You have the right to complain if you feel you have been discriminated against.
Sexual health clinics
Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics are specifically for sexual health. The services at NHS GUM clinics are free of charge and you don't have to provide personal details, such as your real name.
NHS walk-in centres
These give you access to health advice and treatment for minor illnesses or injuries. You don't need an appointment or to be registered.
They're run by experienced NHS nurses and are usually open every day of the year. They provide a variety of services including treatment for minor illnesses and injuries such as colds, infections (non-sexual), cuts and sprains.
Transgender issues
The term 'transgender' or ‘trans’ refers to a diverse community of people, ranging from cross-dressers to transsexual people who undergo gender reassignment surgery. Like lesbians, gays and bisexuals, trans people often face prejudice, isolation and limited understanding of their lives.
These experiences place many trans people at risk of alcohol abuse, depression, suicide, self-harm, violence, substance abuse and HIV. A lot of the information in this section will be relevant to trans people. Find out more about transgender health.
