article_snippet: the good news was an LGBT-friendly doctor had to Google the issue first to figure out the best medical advice.
article_snippet: Research shows that LGBT individuals often experience health issues linked to being regular targets of discrimination or social stigma.
article_snippet: Discrimination has been linked to higher rates of substance abuse, suicide and stress-related illnesses, which can include heart problems, obesity, eating disorders and cancer.
article_snippet: If the available doctors are not familiar with the increased rates of these issues, the available doctors may provide inadequate care.
article_snippet: Patients who find their doctors do not understand Patients who find their doctors issues may also delay treatment, often with bad health outcomes, said Irwin.
article_snippet: Sometimes patients are turned away by providers who don't want to treat LGBT patients, particularly if there are no laws to prohibit such discrimination.
article_snippet: Irwin has completed studies that focus on the health care challenges of lesbians in rural areas and found that many people feel isolated and are afraid to come out -- or risk discrimination in the medical office.
highlights_snippet: People who wait to seek care, worried People who wait to seek care won't find an LGBT-friendly doctor, can face serious medical consequences .