Please note that we are seeing high patient volumes in the emergency department. Learn more >>.

Know before you go to the ER
Select the search type
  • Site
  • Web
Go

LGBTQ+ Health Care at the Women & Infants Center

When seeking women’s health and pregnancy-related care as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, finding caregivers who are in tune with your needs and who make you feel completely at ease is essential. The Women & Infants Center offers a compassionate and culturally competent environment, delivering exceptional care and unwavering support to all of our patients. We celebrate what makes every patient unique, including individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

We are sensitive to anxieties you may feel, such as discomfort in coming out to new people or heightened gender dysphoria. We also understand that the LGBTQ+ community faces certain health disparities, many that we can help to address. Our compassionate and skilled care team is here to provide you the best care and experience, while taking into account the range of emotions and challenges you may be going through.

Gynecological Care for Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgender Patients

Regardless of your gender or sexual identity, if you have female anatomy we urge you to see a gynecologist annually to receive preventative screenings for cervical and breast cancer, as well as sexually transmitted diseases.

Annual appointments for transgender and non-binary individuals should include a pelvic exam, Pap smear, and breast or chest exam. Some in the LGBTQ+ community may not realize the medical necessity of this important, preventative care because of their gender identification. This is particularly the case for transgender men who have already undergone gender-affirming surgery.

We strive to make you as comfortable as possible during and after your visit, welcoming open and honest communication about all aspects of your health, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender identity, and sexual health and habits. Many of our providers are leading efforts nationally to improve the care continuum for LGBTQ+ patients. For any recommended follow-up care, we’ll connect you with a specialist aligned with this mission to meet your needs. Read more about gynecological care at the Women & Infants Center.

Obstetrical Care for Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgender Patients

From prenatal care to delivery, you should fully enjoy this exciting time in your life, unburdened by discrimination or fear. Both spouses or partners will be respected as equal parents during appointments and in the delivery room to provide the best possible experience for your family. Read more about obstetrical care and delivering a baby at the Women & Infants Center.

LGBTQ+ Fertility Preservation

We encourage transgender individuals who are planning to undergo medical transition to think about future plans, particularly the decision to have a biological child. At this point in your life, the topic of parenthood may not be on your mind, but it’s an important factor to consider in your medical treatments. Before starting any sort of hormone replacement therapy or surgery that may diminish your ability to reproduce, you should explore whether you’d like to pursue the option of fertility preservation – the freezing of eggs and sperm for future use.

These procedures are also available to our LGBTQ+ patients who are worried about facing fertility challenges that come with age. Read more about fertility preservation at the Women & Infants Center.

LGBTQ+ Fertility and Reproductive Care

Patients who dream of becoming parents should have access to the full spectrum of fertility treatment options. We help LGBTQ+ individuals and couples get the medical assistance they may need, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination, procuring egg or sperm donations and finding gestational carriers. We work with you to determine the best course of action in a welcoming and unbiased setting. Read more about fertility options for LGBTQ individuals at the Women & Infants Center.

Perinatal Behavioral Health Service for LGBTQ Patients

If you’re already susceptible to depression or anxiety, a big life change like becoming a new parent can heighten your condition. Rates of depression and anxiety are higher within the LGBTQ+ community, and the circumstances that arise around pregnancy or birth of a child may be especially triggering. Our perinatal behavioral health service team is here to counsel and provide support and resources that fit the needs of each patient and family. Read more about perinatal behavioral health service at the Women & Infants Center.

Gynecological Oncology for Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgender Individuals

Faced with added barriers to preventative care, the LGBTQ community has been disproportionately impacted by cancer. If you or your loved one is diagnosed with a gynecological cancer, the Women & Infants Center and Siteman Cancer Center offer treatment in a LGBTQ-friendly environment. Read more about gynecological oncology care at the Women & Infants Center.

Gynecological Care for Infants, Children and Teenagers

Specialized OBGYN care is available to patients of all ages, including children and teens. Our pediatric and adolescent gynecology team frequently address intersexuality and gender identity differentiation. Your child may be going through a confusing and anxious time, and we’re sensitive to the fact that this may be new territory for you as a parent as well.

Gynecological care for younger patients includes:

  • Fertility preservation
  • Safe sex consulting and education
  • Transgender youth services, through our partnership with the transgender clinic at St. Louis Children’s Hospital

Read more about pediatric and adolescent gynecological care at the Women & Infants Center.

Contact Us

To make an appointment with a Washington University specialist at the Women & Infants Center, call 888.995.5339.