Breaking the Binary: How Clinicians Can Ensure Everyone Receives High Quality Reproductive Health Services

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Sexual Health
• Gender Identity

Background:

• Historically, reproductive and sexual healthcare has been defined by a strict gender binary.
• This binary categorization inadequately addresses the needs of diverse patient populations seeking care.
• Clinicians often lack preparedness to provide inclusive care for sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review reproductive and sexual health within obstetric and gynecologic (OB/GYN) practice.
• To identify barriers, facilitators, and best practices for de-gendering reproductive healthcare.
• To provide recommendations for inclusive care for SGM individuals across the lifespan.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of peer-reviewed publications from the last 10 years.
• Utilized traditional medical subject headings for data summarization.
• Categorized findings chronologically by care path: Early Care, Sexual Health, Family Planning, and Later Life Care for SGM patients.

Main Results:

• Identified key barriers and facilitators to providing de-gendered reproductive healthcare.
• Highlighted the need for inclusive training for clinicians and staff.
• Outlined best practices for creating welcoming environments and individualized counseling for SGM patients.

Conclusions:

• De-gendering reproductive healthcare requires a shift beyond the male/female binary.
• Comprehensive sexual healthcare must encompass diverse gender identities and non-heteronormative practices.
• Implementing inclusive training and service delivery is crucial for equitable SGM patient care.