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LGBTQ

Health Risks

There are some health risks to discuss if you are involved in a same sex relationship. Mainly, you need to be aware of the same STD risks that heterosexual men and women deal with so you can discuss them with your doctor and learn the best ways to protect yourself.

Are there any health risks prevalent in the LGBTQ community?

There are no diseases that result from being gay,  but there are some other health risks that tend to be more prevalent in the LGBTQ community that you should be aware of:

For men who have sex with men:

  • Higher rates of STDs, Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS (the rate of HIV diagnoses is 44 times the rate of HIV diagnoses of other men)
  • Higher risk of depression
  • More likely to use tobacco or drugs

For women who have sex with women:

  • Higher risk of obesity, heart disease, depression
  • More likely to use tobacco and drink
  • Higher risk for breast, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancer
  • Higher risk of STDs

For people who identify as transgender:

  • Higher rates of suicide attempts
  • More likely to use tobacco or drugs
  • Higher risk of STDs
  • Gender dysphoria

The bottom line is you need to get tested and practice safe sex, no matter what your orientation! Check out GSA Network to learn more.

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