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Overcoming Health Care Barriers
Haley Basurto
University of Phoenix
NRP 563
Professor Beard
November 10th, 2025
, 2
Overcoming Health Care Barriers
Sexual and reproductive health disparities affecting the LGBTQ population are well-
documented and can significantly impact their ability to receive appropriate care. One example is
the higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men
(MSM), including HIV, due to gaps in targeted prevention and screening efforts. (Medina-
Martínez et al., 2021). Lesbian and bisexual women may experience less frequent cervical cancer
screening compared to heterosexual women, in part because of misunderstandings about their
risk factors and discomfort in disclosing their sexual orientation to providers. (Bass & Nagy,
2023). Transgender individuals often encounter barriers to accessing hormone therapy, fertility
preservation, and routine gynecological or urological care, resulting in unmet health needs.
(Medina-Martínez et al., 2021). Additionally, LGBTQ individuals may face discrimination or
lack of provider knowledge, which can discourage them from seeking care for issues such as
contraception, pregnancy, or family planning. These disparities highlight the importance of
culturally competent, inclusive, and affirming health services for LGBTQ patients. (Medina-
Martínez et al., 2021).
Barriers in Quality Health Care
The LGBTQ population faces multiple barriers when accessing quality health care. One
significant barrier is discrimination. Experiences of stigma, bias, and lack of cultural competency
among health professionals may lead LGBTQ patients to feel unwelcome or unsafe,
discouraging them from seeking necessary care. (Yu et al, 2024). Inadequate provider knowledge
about LGBTQ health issues such as unique sexual and reproductive health needs, hormone
therapies, or gender-affirming procedures often results in inappropriate medical guidance leaving
the patient feeling dissatisfied. (Yu et al, 2024).
Overcoming Health Care Barriers
Haley Basurto
University of Phoenix
NRP 563
Professor Beard
November 10th, 2025
, 2
Overcoming Health Care Barriers
Sexual and reproductive health disparities affecting the LGBTQ population are well-
documented and can significantly impact their ability to receive appropriate care. One example is
the higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men
(MSM), including HIV, due to gaps in targeted prevention and screening efforts. (Medina-
Martínez et al., 2021). Lesbian and bisexual women may experience less frequent cervical cancer
screening compared to heterosexual women, in part because of misunderstandings about their
risk factors and discomfort in disclosing their sexual orientation to providers. (Bass & Nagy,
2023). Transgender individuals often encounter barriers to accessing hormone therapy, fertility
preservation, and routine gynecological or urological care, resulting in unmet health needs.
(Medina-Martínez et al., 2021). Additionally, LGBTQ individuals may face discrimination or
lack of provider knowledge, which can discourage them from seeking care for issues such as
contraception, pregnancy, or family planning. These disparities highlight the importance of
culturally competent, inclusive, and affirming health services for LGBTQ patients. (Medina-
Martínez et al., 2021).
Barriers in Quality Health Care
The LGBTQ population faces multiple barriers when accessing quality health care. One
significant barrier is discrimination. Experiences of stigma, bias, and lack of cultural competency
among health professionals may lead LGBTQ patients to feel unwelcome or unsafe,
discouraging them from seeking necessary care. (Yu et al, 2024). Inadequate provider knowledge
about LGBTQ health issues such as unique sexual and reproductive health needs, hormone
therapies, or gender-affirming procedures often results in inappropriate medical guidance leaving
the patient feeling dissatisfied. (Yu et al, 2024).
