Health matters in lesbian women
Malterud, K.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 106(25): 2071-2074
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 3775734 Document Number: 276134
The AIDS epidemic has resulted in increasing publicity about the health of male homosexuals. Health matters in lesbian women seem to differ from the problems of male gays in various ways. There are few health problems specifically related to a lesbian life style. Despite considerable psychosocial pressure, the total extent of psychiatric disease does not differ from what is seen in heterosexual women. Depression is found more often in lesbians with poor self-image - especially because of external social pressure upon homosexuals, combined with the lack of assertiveness in women in general. Alcohol problems may deserve increased attention and research. Gynaecological disease occurs less commonly in lesbian women. Lesbian relationships may represent potentialities for growth and personal development.