ANALYSIS OF LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL WOMEN'S PERCEPTION OF THE NEED FOR GYNECOLOGICAL EXAMS.
1
1- Gerência Regional de Saúde de Ubá, Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Minas Gerais, Ubá/Minas Gerais, Brasil
2
2- Escola de Enfermagem, Centro Universitário Governador Ozanam Coelho - UNIFAGOC, Ubá/Minas Gerais, Brasil
3
3- Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Universitário Governador Ozanam Coelho - UNIFAGOC, Ubá/Minas Gerais, Brasil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1521
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Background- Lesbian and bisexual women continue to face significant challenges in accessing comprehensive gynecological care due to social stigma (1,2), heteronormative assumptions within health services, and insufficient professional training to address sexual diversity (1,3,4). Although sexual orientation and gender identity are recognized as essential dimensions of human dignity and health, non-heterosexual women remain disproportionately exposed to barriers to preventive care (5,6). This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of lesbian and bisexual women regarding the need for gynecological examinations and to explore their experiences within health services, including the guidance received and perceived stigmatization.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study included 191 lesbian and bisexual women aged ≥18 years residing in Brazil. Participants were recruited through digital platforms using snowball sampling, a strategy commonly employed to reach hard-to-reach populations. Data were collected via a self-administered, semi-structured online questionnaire, addressing perceptions of the need for gynecological examinations, access to services, and experiences of discrimination (7). Electronic informed consent was obtained in accordance with national ethical guidelines (8). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS:
Most participants acknowledged the importance of regular gynecological examinations; however, relevant social and institutional barriers persisted. A substantial proportion reported embarrassment or perceived discrimination during gynecological consultations, as well as gaps in professional communication and in the routine request for preventive examinations.
CONCLUSIONS:
Despite high awareness of the importance of preventive gynecological care among lesbian and bisexual women, persistent barriers—particularly stigma and insufficient professional training—continue to hinder equitable access to services. Strengthening culturally competent training for healthcare professionals and promoting inclusive, non-discriminatory practices are critical public health priorities to advance equity in gynecological care for sexual minority women.
Background- Lesbian and bisexual women continue to face significant challenges in accessing comprehensive gynecological care due to social stigma (1,2), heteronormative assumptions within health services, and insufficient professional training to address sexual diversity (1,3,4). Although sexual orientation and gender identity are recognized as essential dimensions of human dignity and health, non-heterosexual women remain disproportionately exposed to barriers to preventive care (5,6). This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of lesbian and bisexual women regarding the need for gynecological examinations and to explore their experiences within health services, including the guidance received and perceived stigmatization.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study included 191 lesbian and bisexual women aged ≥18 years residing in Brazil. Participants were recruited through digital platforms using snowball sampling, a strategy commonly employed to reach hard-to-reach populations. Data were collected via a self-administered, semi-structured online questionnaire, addressing perceptions of the need for gynecological examinations, access to services, and experiences of discrimination (7). Electronic informed consent was obtained in accordance with national ethical guidelines (8). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS:
Most participants acknowledged the importance of regular gynecological examinations; however, relevant social and institutional barriers persisted. A substantial proportion reported embarrassment or perceived discrimination during gynecological consultations, as well as gaps in professional communication and in the routine request for preventive examinations.
CONCLUSIONS:
Despite high awareness of the importance of preventive gynecological care among lesbian and bisexual women, persistent barriers—particularly stigma and insufficient professional training—continue to hinder equitable access to services. Strengthening culturally competent training for healthcare professionals and promoting inclusive, non-discriminatory practices are critical public health priorities to advance equity in gynecological care for sexual minority women.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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