When my doctor asks about my sexual activity and relationships, does it make any difference to him and his job that I like women not men?
Tell the truth, shame the devil. As for the doctor, if he gets anti-lesbian, fuck him and get a different doctor.
Thanks guys. Still tying to figure this whole site out. Basically just pushing buttons to figure out how to do shit. But I really have been looking for an answer to this question
Depends on which type of doctor you're seeing. If it's just a routine check-up, you may choose to reveal that you are a lesbian or not. If you are seeing a specialist, say for STD testing, it's better to tell them that you are. Disclosing your sexual orientation to the doctor in question depends on what services you require. Generally speaking, I would recommend disclosing if you: 1) Are doing STD testing 2) Need relationship advice (for therapist and so on) 3) Having unprotected sex
It is just routine checkups but since I am still a minor, my parents may be alerted about our discussions. My parents know I'm a lesbian but they don't know about my sex life. And I have questions about things I can't just ask them. My doctor is a family friend but I'm mostly concerned that my lack of communication with him may jeopardize his ability to treat me.
Being queer doesn't somehow magically make you different than straight people, on a physiological level. If you have questions relating to sex or relationship, you should tell your doctor. If it's general stuff, if you are not comfortable, there is no need to tell your doctor. Despite being a minor, doctors have a confidentially clause, so unless your actions are putting yourself at danger, they are unable to tell your parents anything.
Good to know thanks I just want to be able to stay healthy and informed. If I'm doing something harmful to myself, my partner, or my family, I want to know. I want to know what I can do to keep my lifestyle healthy and not destructive. But I don't want y parents to know about my sex life. Unless I'm doing something harmful, my relationships should be treated like any other straight one. It's something personal I should be able to share with my doctor
Yes it is something you should feel able to share with your doctor. If he has a problem with it, get a different doctor. If you have questions then ask them, you have a right to be informed. And I'm as sure as I can be that medical staff have to respect your confidentiality, unless you disclose something that is a 'child protection issue'. At least, that's the rules in the UK.
What does a "child protection issue" entitle? I live in the US and have not heard of that but we may have our own version
If the doctor believes you are being abused in some way then it is his/her duty to report it to the authorities.
Oh thank you that makes sense! Do you think that I could get more help on my questions and concerns from a specialist like an obgyn or is my family doctor ok? Keep in mind he's a mind. ---------- Post added 23rd Jul 2013 at 02:27 PM ---------- Man*
Generally, the subject of a patient being a lesbian is medically relevant in two instances- Risk of pregnancy/birth control A statistically significant higher risk of breast cancer after age 30 There are some other health issues in lesbians but we don't believe it is directly related to their sexual orientation. There are other risk factors like economic status, lack of health insurance, cigarette/alcohol use, etc that are cofactors but aren't directly related to sexual orientation.
