OUTmed For Patients

Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis Children’s Hospital, and Barnes Jewish Hospital are committed to providing multidisciplinary, patient-centered care to people regardless of identity.  We encourage you to discuss all health matters with your primary care physician or specialist physician.   

Our policies support patients’ rights to equal care and visitation rights without fear of discrimination. The Health Equity Index (HEI) is a national benchmarking tool created by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). We are proud of our strong performance at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.   

Information for HIV and PrEP

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a type of virus that weakens a person’s immune system if left untreated. It is primarily transmitted via sexual intercourse or through sharing of infection equipment such as needles.  While there is no current effective cure for HIV, treatment for HIV is available and it can be controlled with medication use, known as highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART). HAART is so effective these days, patients can have normal life expectancy on treatment and can reach undetectable viral loads in their blood, at which point they essentially cannot transmit HIV to their partners, with Undetectable = Untransmittable. Furthermore, its transmission can be reduced or prevented by taking a daily pill called PrEP, or HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, with condom use also being an effective method of reducing transmission.

Washington University offers HIV testing, HIV Care, and a PrEP clinic.

PrEP:
PrEP is a daily pill for people without HIV to reduce or prevent HIV infection.

You should consider taking PrEP if you are at high risk of acquiring HIV.  You are considered high risk if you have a partner who is HIV positive or if you have inconsistent condom use with more than one person. People who use intravenous (IV) drugs are also considered high risk.

HIV:

HIV Testing:

Information for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

According to the CDC, STIs are very common with millions of cases a year in the United States.  STIs are passed from one person to another through sexual or intimate physical contact.  STIs are the majority of the time asymptomatic, which is why it’s important to get screened regularly (every 6 months to annually)  if you’re sexually active with new sexual partners.

Here are a  list of places you can get tested for STIs in St Louis:

Information for Mental Health Resources/Counseling

Many communities experience disparities in mental health, disproportionally struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problems. One in five people in the US struggle with an anxiety disorder every year, but most don’t get treatment. Many people don’t even know they have an anxiety disorder. People with anxiety often have trouble controlling worries, to the point that they have trouble living their everyday lives. Worries may get in the way of socializing, sleeping, or relaxing. A combination of medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the best way to treat anxiety disorders.

Depression is also very common. People with depression feel sad or down, or less interested in their usual activities, for at least two weeks in a row. Low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, and feeling hopeless are also common. In some cases, depression leads to suicidal thoughts. Thoughts of suicide are an emergency, and someone dealing with them should go to the nearest emergency room. The good news is that depression gets better with treatment! A combination of medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the best way to treat depression.

  • The Trevor Project: Support for youth and young adult mental health, including crises—online and via text and chat:
  • Safe Connections: Provides support for survivors of sexual abuse or assault, domestic or dating violence.
    PH: 314-531-2003
  • Behavioral Health Response: In crisis? Need to connect with longer-term resources, like a therapist or case management services? BHR is St. Louis-based and there for you 24/7.
    PH: 1-800-811-4760
Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Substance abuse and addiction are more common in our community This disproportionally impacts many groups within our community who deal with a myriad of traumas and discrimination. Some programs for recovery are also homophobic or transphobic, which can make seeking help harder. The good news is recovery is possible, and there are many helpful programs that celebrate LGBTQIA+ folks just as they are.

Here are some links to learn more about substance abuse:

Here are St Louis Resources:

Information on Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) touches people of all genders and sexual orientations. IPV may include physical abuse, like hitting or shoving. It may include verbal or emotional abuse—insults, threats and humiliation. It may even include sexual abuse, like forcing someone into sexual activity, or making someone feel like they can’t say no. Many studies show certain groups are more likely than the general population to experience IPV.

EVERYONE deserves to be safe. Abuse is never OK. There are ways to get out of abusive relationships, and there are several resources in St. Louis that provide housing, legal assistance, and counseling for survivors of all genders and sexual orientations.

Learn more about IPV:

Local Resources:

Information on Family Planning

If you are interested in starting a family through artificial insemination or through in vitro fertilization or surrogacy, you should consider speaking with a fertility specialist.

Contraception is a term that describes various ways to prevent pregnancy. However, it’s important to note that people are on contraception for other health advantages. If you’re interested in contraception, you should speak with your primary care physician or obstetrician/gynecologist which one may be the right option for you.

How To Address Specific Concerns With Your Provider
  • All information you share with your provider is confidential and protected like other medical information.
  • Recommendations for routine healthcare screenings and vaccinations can be different based off your identity.
  • Across the country, you will notice healthcare providers more frequently asking about sexual orientation and gender identity. This is being done so that providers can take better care of all patients. If you’d like to read more about this, go to: doaskdotell.org