Factors influencing lesbian gynecologic care: a preliminary study

One hundred seventeen homosexual women were surveyed to determine their health care utilization patterns, their gynecologic and obstetric problems, and their attitudes toward physicians. It was found that these women actively utilized the health care system, although many chose less traditional sources. The gamut of both obstetric and gynecologic problems were seen, but venereal disease and cervical dysplasia were uncommon. No medical problems specific to homosexual women were identified. Many of these lesbians expressed concern about the effect on their health care of physicians' negative attitude toward homosexuals.