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Publication
A saúde sexual de mulheres que têm sexo com mulheres: invisibilidade e vulnerabilidade
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| 2.16 MB | Adobe PDF |
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
As infeções sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs) têm vindo em crescendo e
continuam a ser um importante problema de saúde pública, sendo que, atualmente são
adquiridas diariamente mais de 1 milhão de ISTs em todo o mundo. Para além do forte
estigma social a que estas infeções estão associadas, estas são uma causa importante de
morbilidade, com um diagnóstico difícil, o que dificulta muitas vezes um diagnóstico
precoce, portanto, apostar na prevenção é essencial. Existem determinados grupos, que
dado o envolvimento frequente em comportamentos de risco, são o alvo preferencial de
intervenções de saúde pública neste âmbito. No entanto, um dos grupos populacionais
que é muitas vezes esquecido nestas intervenções são as mulheres que têm sexo com
mulheres (MSM) e, essa invisibilidade tem um impacto negativo na sua saúde, que resulta
em falhas na prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento destas infeções, aumentando, deste
modo, a vulnerabilidade da saúde sexual destas mulheres. O exemplo mais importante
dessa vulnerabilidade é a inexistência de métodos de barreira específicos para as práticas
sexuais entre MSM, o que pode ser preocupante.
Apesar da perceção de que MSM estão em baixo risco de adquirir/transmitir ISTs,
é importante ter em consideração que todas as mulheres podem ter comportamentos de
risco, independentemente do género do indivíduo com quem têm contacto sexual,
portanto, o risco existe. Como qualquer outro grupo, MSM têm necessidades específicas
de saúde e é de extrema importância que a comunidade médica e científica não se deixe
influenciar pela heteronormatividade inerente à sociedade. O preconceito e a atitude
heteronormativa dos profissionais de saúde têm sido apontados como a principal barreira
no acesso a serviços de saúde adequados por parte destas mulheres, portanto, uma das
estratégias é apostar na formação de profissionais de saúde, nomeadamente
farmacêuticos, para que as necessidades de saúde de MSM possam ser atendidas.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been increasing and it remains an important public health issue, with more than 1 million STIs worldwide being acquired every day. In addition to the strong social stigma associated to this infections, they are an important cause of morbidity, with a difficult diagnosis, which often makes it difficult to do an early diagnosis, therefore, investing on STI prevention is crucial. There are certain groups, which, given their frequent involvement in risky behaviors, are the preferred target for public health interventions in this area. However, one of the population groups that is often overlooked in these interventions are women who have sex with women (WSW), and that invisibility has a negative impact on their health, which can result in failures in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these infections, increasing the vulnerability of these women's sexual health. The most important example of this vulnerability is the lack of specific barrier methods for WSW sexual practices, which can be alarming. Despite the perception that WSW are at low risk of acquiring/transmitting STIs, it is important to keep in mind that all women may be at risk, regardless of the gender of the person with whom they have sexual contact, so the risk exists. Like any other group, WSW have specific health needs and it is extremely important that the medical and scientific community is not influenced by the society heteronormativity. The prejudice and heteronormative attitude of health care providers have been pointed out as the main barrier in the access to adequate health services by these women, therefore, one of the strategies is to ensure training of health care providers, particularly pharmacists, so that health needs of WSW can be met.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been increasing and it remains an important public health issue, with more than 1 million STIs worldwide being acquired every day. In addition to the strong social stigma associated to this infections, they are an important cause of morbidity, with a difficult diagnosis, which often makes it difficult to do an early diagnosis, therefore, investing on STI prevention is crucial. There are certain groups, which, given their frequent involvement in risky behaviors, are the preferred target for public health interventions in this area. However, one of the population groups that is often overlooked in these interventions are women who have sex with women (WSW), and that invisibility has a negative impact on their health, which can result in failures in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these infections, increasing the vulnerability of these women's sexual health. The most important example of this vulnerability is the lack of specific barrier methods for WSW sexual practices, which can be alarming. Despite the perception that WSW are at low risk of acquiring/transmitting STIs, it is important to keep in mind that all women may be at risk, regardless of the gender of the person with whom they have sexual contact, so the risk exists. Like any other group, WSW have specific health needs and it is extremely important that the medical and scientific community is not influenced by the society heteronormativity. The prejudice and heteronormative attitude of health care providers have been pointed out as the main barrier in the access to adequate health services by these women, therefore, one of the strategies is to ensure training of health care providers, particularly pharmacists, so that health needs of WSW can be met.
Description
Keywords
Infeções sexualmente transmissíveis Invisibilidade Mulheres que têm sexo com mulheres Heteronormatividade Prevenção.