Care of Sexual Minority Women

Sexual minority women, or women who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB), are a diverse and individually unique group of women; however, at a population level, they face unique health challenges and are affected by health disparities. Compared to heterosexual adults, LGB adults appear to experience mood disorders at a higher rate and may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Individuals who identify as LGB are also at increased risk for discrimination, stigmatization, and violent crimes compared to their heterosexual counterparts. In this chapter, we discuss ways to improve the experience of women who identify as LGB have with healthcare providers, as well as ways to improve preventative care and counseling on population-specific topics.