Care for the sexual and reproductive health of lesbian women

Abstract

Objective: to describe and analyze care by nurses and physicians for lesbians’ sexual and reproductive health. Method: in this qualitative, descriptive study, data were collected in 2014, by semi-structured interviews of 24 nurses and 21 physicians working in primary care in Rio de Janeiro city. Thematic category content analysis was applied. The study was approved by the research ethics committee. Results: nurses’ and doctors’ perceptions and understandings of lesbians are strongly normative in content and personnel display knowledge deficits, inability to communicate and omission in relation to these women’s health demands. Conclusion: care for lesbians is permeated by heteronormative routines, while nurses’ and physicians’ omissions in response to lesbian health demands operates as symbolic violence, and is a condition in their more restricted access to health.