Issues with Access to Sexual Healthcare

Sexual health resources are scarce unless you know who to contact or where to go. Our society does not make resources like free STI testing and contraceptives (including emergency options) easy to access. Googling sexual health questions is already overwhelming enough—not to mention having to locate a physical resource to walk into while navigating all the scary ideas circulating from the latest Google declaration of cancer.

Not only is it terrifying to lack access to accurate and clear information, but the overwhelm that comes with uncovering all of this often leads to delays in getting care—or avoiding it entirely. Especially as BIPOC, we already have many reasons to mistrust the system, let alone one that funnels inaccurate information (sometimes even from professionals who are deemed credible).

To be clear, knowledge does not equal access. Having information does not guarantee access to care, nor does it guarantee the ability to share that knowledge with those who need it. There are many additional barriers and factors to consider, such as structural cost, discrimination, geography, transportation, and time. Barriers, fear, and the absence of emotional safety in medical spaces will naturally prevent anyone from moving forward. It is almost guaranteed that people will pause and reconsider seeking care rather than facing all of these costs.

Before we can familiarize ourselves with available resources, we must create clear spaces, boundaries, and announcements around information and affirming care. These spaces should be trauma-informed, consent-based, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-affirming, and transparent about cost, confidentiality, and scope of practice. As a therapist, this is common practice—but it is clear that many service spaces do not highlight or provide this information consistently.

With that in mind, here are some red flags to watch for when choosing a medical service space:

• Lack of information about cost, hours, providers, or insurance
• Lack of acknowledgment of diverse populations
• Lack of clear, accessible privacy, HIPAA, or confidentiality information in emails or intake forms
• Little to no information about provider training, scope of practice, or modalities used
• Unclear funding sources (for example, if funded by religious institutions, ask where information is shared)

What resources should we apply this lens to?

There are several types of sexual health resources available, including: clinics (STI testing, reproductive care, gender-affirming care), mental health and sex therapy providers, online education and peer-led communities, and crisis, advocacy, and harm-reduction services. Some are grassroots-funded, while others are national organizations. Regardless of size or structure, it is essential to ask who will have access to your personal information.

Here are a few sample questions to ask before confirming an appointment with any agency:

• How does this service work? What will my appointment look like?
• Who will be able to access my medical records and appointment history?
• What is the modality, theory, or mission of this organization?
• What accessibility services do you provide?

If everything seems aligned and you attend the appointment, be prepared to advocate for yourself.

You can always bring a support person, have someone on the phone, or request a second professional in the room. You are well within your rights to ask providers to document services they are providing—or refusing to provide—and their reasoning in your file. If a provider feels dismissive or harmful, you may end the appointment at any time or request a different professional. If care is being refused, do not hesitate to ask for the provider’s name, title, and information on where to report concerns.

Access is a form of justice, and you are allowed to shop around for the provider that feels right for you. Asking for support is not a failure. If the process still feels intimidating, you can also lean on peers. While not always guaranteed to be accurate, resources such as friends, chosen family, group chats, Reddit, Discord, and Instagram educators can offer reassurance and quick information. Informal support is still support—and often the first step toward accessing more formal care.

If you’re unable to talk to those around you or access care, you can book a coaching session with me here, and we can work together to navigate the process.