Need for Contraception for Sexual Minority Women

RAINBOW CORNER

Do not think that you are immune to pregnancy or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)s, just because you are not in a heterosexual relationship. Carefully examine your choices, do your research and if you are sexually active definitely opt for a form of contraception that is best suited to you. Remember that women can catch STIs such as herpes, genital warts etc when exchanging bodily fluids. Any one-on-one contact, such as oral sex or using the same hand while touching yourself and your partner, can put you at risk. If two women are both menstruating they are at a higher risk too.

New evidence suggests that sexual minority women (SMW) constitute a considerable proportion of contraceptive-seeking clients. "Infact the number in big cities is as many as 1 in 5. Overall however, sexual minority women are less likely than heterosexual women to receive clinical contraceptive counseling. Contraception is indeed a part of their health and health care and in turn contraceptive care must attend to their specific needs," says Asha De, a gynaecologist.

According to Dr De, researchers world over have also documented sexual orientation disparities in unintended pregnancy rates. "Surprisingly the rates at which bisexual and lesbian adolescents report unintended pregnancies are actually significantly higher than their heterosexual peers. Many adult sexual minority women engage in sex that could lead to pregnancy. However, little research investigates their contraceptive perceptions, preferences and experiences," she reveals.

Contraceptives are generally marketed and designed for heterosexual women, although they are not the only ones using it. Using birth control for non-contraception is rarely talked about.

"Well I started using birth control to lighten heavy periods. I was not looking for a way to avoid pregnancy, but instead to decrease or eliminate menstrual bleeding. I chose an Intra Uterine Device (IUD) because it is one of the least noticeable options which also feels affirming in terms of my sexuality," says Maneka Bose (name changed) a lesbian and adds, "We need to expand our understanding of who is using birth control and why and subsequently make information and support more widely available both within the healthcare system and socially."

Stressing on the medical urgency of using contraception for sexual minority women, Dr De says, "Do not think you are immune to pregnancy or STIs, just because you are not in a heterosexual relationship. Carefully examine your choices, do your research and if you are sexually active definitely opt for a form of contraception that is best suited to you."

Women can catch sexually transmitted infections such as herpes, genital warts etc when exchanging body fluids. Any one-on-one contact, such as oral sex or using the same hand while touching yourself and your partner, can put you at risk. If two women are both menstruating they are at a higher risk, too.

Informing about some basic but very important precautions for sexual minority women, De says, "Do not have unprotected sex unless you are certain that you and your partner are not infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Testing is important because many people do not know that they are infected, and others might not be honest about their health. Another reliable way to avoid sexually transmitted infections is to stay in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who is not infected. Also limit the amount of alcohol you drink, and do not use drugs. If you are under the influence of drugs and alcohol you are more likely to take sexual risks. Over and above everything get vaccinated. Vaccinations can protect you from hepatitis A and hepatitis B, serious liver infections that can spread through sexual contact. The HPV vaccine is available to women up to age 26".

By and large shame and stigma related to sexuality, among sexual minorities, impedes contraceptive counseling and use. "Some research has established that lesbian, bisexual and queer women have complicated relationships with their healthcare providers because medical professionals often assume they do not need contraceptive," explains Dr De.

According to Dr De often for sexual minority women an engagement with sexual and reproductive healthcare providers tends to be negative, isolating and dis-affirming. "Some such women have confided in me that discussions pertaining to sexuality, sexual orientation and sexual health are infrequent in their lives and when these discussions happen they are uncomfortable. Dominant cultural narratives and heteronormative assumptions about pregnancy involvement and contraception use definitely tend to exclude sexual minority women," Dr De states.

Bisexual women may face stereotyping related to the idea that they are promiscuous or that their identity is not valid, and this stereotyping may compound their experiences of stigma. "Since sexual minority women are likely to experience discomfort while accessing contraception guidance in health care settings, it is important for them to also know that most low efficacy methods of birth control are available over the counter and do not require any interaction with a health care provider," informs Dr De and concludes, "On the part of healthcare practitioners it is important to emphasize the non-contraceptive benefits of birth control, as this will make it more accessible to sexual minority women and also the sexual minority communities at large."

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