Gynecological Consultation: A Challenge for Lesbian and Bisexual Women in Chile

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of lesbian and bisexual women within the gynecological consultation, and to find out if they have experienced violence within it given their sexual orientation. In addition, we investigated the consequences that these experiences of gynecological violence would have generated for them. In the qualitative study, 12 lesbian and bisexual women participated, with whom semi-structured interviews were conducted and which were analyzed through a thematic analysis. Three fundamental themes were extracted: experience in the consultation, situations of gynecological violence and consequences of violence in her lives. The main findings show that due to the different situations of discrimination and misinformation within the consultation, women would refrain from attending it, which could generate future consequences in relation to their sexual health. The primary findings reveal that as a result of various biases and misinformation present during the consultation by healthcare professionals, women might choose not to attend. This decision could potentially lead to future repercussions concerning their sexual health. Similarly, prevalent emotions such as anger and frustration stem from the perceived discriminatory treatment. The women assess gynecology as a heteronormative field designed for cisgender women, primarily focused on women’s reproduction rather than their overall well-being.