Women's Experiences Research Articles

The Ambivalence of Far-Right Women: Hate, Trauma, Gender, and Neoliberalism in Contemporary Japan.

While far-right movements are commonly associated with masculinity and women are in the minority, it is notable that they often play significant roles within these movements. To deepen our understanding of the motivations behind women's participation, this study challenges Blee's argument that women's motivations for participating are shaped by their interactions with other members. By using the psychosocial method devised by Hollway and Jefferson and developed by Gadd, the present study argues that women's pre-participation experiences can play a vital part in drawing them to the movements. Through analyzing the life stories of six far-right women in Japan and conducting an in-depth case study of three of them, the study aims to uncover a wide range of experiences that may initially appear unrelated to far-right ideology but ultimately led these subjects to become involved in far-right movements. It highlights the importance of paying attention to their complex subjectivities, which are formed by the interplay between their unique trajectories and societal transitions concerning gender norms, particularly within the era of neoliberal "emancipation." The study finds that the duality of far-right movements, which combine conservatism with deviance, enables some women to express paradoxical desires that they experience in response to living through a transitional era.

Black college women's preventive health behaviors: Applications of a Black Feminist-Womanist research paradigm

ObjectiveThe researchers applied Lindsay-Dennis' Black Feminist-Womanist research paradigm to Andersen's Behavioral Model for Health Service Use to guide initial research about Black American women's preventive health behaviors. MethodsThis article highlights this application, using interpretive phenomenological analysis for qualitative questions assessing how 40 Black college women define health and their experiences in health care. This was part of a larger convergent parallel mixed-methods approach in a 2022 cross-sectional online survey. ResultsParticipants defined health as a concept involving health literacy, physical and mental health, and being free from health conditions or disease. Regarding health-related lived experiences, negative experiences were more frequently reported than positive experiences. However, many participants reported both positive and negative health care related experiences. Predisposing, enabling, and need factors were all present in qualitative responses. ConclusionsThis article highlights the fit of a Black Feminist-Womanist research paradigm to Andersen's model to better understand Black women's health experiences and illustrates ways that medical mistrust, health literacy, and past experiences with health care can influence health service use. Areas for future research on barriers and facilitators to preventive care and implications for reducing health disparities are also discussed.

The Phases Of Showalter’s Feminist Criticism Prefigured In Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House

Elaine Showalter (1941- ) is one of the most influential American literary critics and feminists who influenced feminist literary criticism by developing the concept and practice of gyno-criticism. She published A Literature of Their Own: British Women Novelists From Brontë to Lessing in 1977 and whose expanded edition came out in 1999. By and large this book explicates Showalter’s groundwork to revive the interest in long-forgotten women writers in British literature history. It was a monumental work, indeed a kind of rediscovery, mapping widely rather than mining deeply the territory of women’s writing. In a sense, feminist criticism came of age with this book. Showalter suggests that women themselves were slowly growing aware of their separateness from men and leaving a record of that awareness in their works. It is the growth of a collective selfconsciousness—the history of a distinct literary subculture—that A Literature of Their Own sets out to record. ‘Towards a Feminist Poetics’ (1979) is one of her well known essays that focused on the feminist literary criticism of the literature. In this essay, Showalter has rejected the inevitability of the male theories and male models by tracing the history of women’s literature in the present writing. 'Toward a Feminist Poetics' by Showalter also refers to the three phases of feminist literary criticism. The first phase is the feminine phase where women aimed to compete with male writers, and compared their craft with that of their male contemporaries. The second phase is the feminist phase where the critics focus on the injustices and wrongs done to women in literary texts, and reject the conventional roles of females. Finally, the female phase is independent of the dependency on and obsession with the male literature. It instead aims to focus on creating a female literary tradition that includes women's internal experiences and personal history. This theoretical literary presentation of Showalter can be dramatically viewed in the evolution of character Nora in A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen (1828 -1906). Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright and theatre director. He was one of the founders of modernism in theatre and often called “the father of realism” and the most influential playwright of the 19th century. A Doll’s House is a three acts play through which Ibsen challenged the stereotypical representation of women in literature with his female characters and remains a great contribution to feminist literature

Preventing recurrence of endometriosis-related pain by means of long-acting progestogen therapy: the PRE-EMPT RCT.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, many of whom have surgery for persistent pain. Recurrence of symptoms following an operation is common. Although hormonal treatment can reduce this risk, there is uncertainty about the best option. To evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of long-acting progestogen therapy compared with the combined oral contraceptive pill in preventing recurrence of endometriosis-related pain and quality of life. A multicentre, open, randomised trial with parallel economic evaluation. The final design was informed by a pilot study, qualitative exploration of women's lived experience of endometriosis and a pretrial economic model. Thirty-four United Kingdom hospitals. Women of reproductive age undergoing conservative surgery for endometriosis. Long-acting progestogen reversible contraceptive (either 150 mg depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or 52 mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) or combined oral contraceptive pill (30 µg ethinylestradiol, 150 µg levonorgestrel). The primary outcome was the pain domain of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 questionnaire at 36 months post randomisation. The economic evaluation estimated the cost per quality-adjusted life-years gained. Four hundred and five women were randomised to receive either long-acting reversible contraceptive (N = 205) or combined oral contraceptive pill (N = 200). Pain scores improved in both groups (24 and 23 points on average) compared with preoperative values but there was no difference between the two (adjusted mean difference: -0.8, 95% confidence interval -5.7 to 4.2; p = 0.76). The long-acting reversible contraceptive group underwent fewer surgical procedures or second-line treatments compared with the combined oral contraceptive group (73 vs. 97; hazard ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.44 to 1.00). The mean adjusted quality-adjusted life-year difference between two arms was 0.043 (95% confidence interval -0.069 to 0.152) in favour of the combined oral contraceptive pill, although this cost an additional £533 (95% confidence interval 52 to 983) per woman. Limitations include the absence of a no-treatment group and the fact that many women changed treatments over the 3 years of follow-up. Use of telephone follow-up to collect primary outcome data in those who failed to return questionnaires resulted in missing data for secondary outcomes. The COVID pandemic may have affected rates of further surgical treatment. At 36 months, women allocated to either intervention had comparable levels of pain, with both groups showing around a 40% improvement from presurgical levels. Although the combined oral contraceptive was cost-effective at a threshold of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year, the difference between the two was marginal and lower rates of repeat surgery might make long-acting reversible contraceptives preferable to some women. Future research needs to focus on evaluating newer hormonal preparations, a more holistic approach to symptom suppression and identification of biomarkers to diagnose endometriosis and its recurrence. This trial is registered as ISRCTN97865475. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN97865475. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 11/114/01) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 55. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information. The NIHR recognises that people have diverse gender identities, and in this report, the word 'woman' is used to describe patients or individuals whose sex assigned at birth was female, whether they identify as female, male or non-binary.

The Experiences of Women Leaders in the Higher Education Sport Sector: Examining the Gendered Organization Through Bourdieu’s Model of Field, Capital and Habitus

This article is the first to examine experiences of women with leadership roles in the U.K. Higher Education sport sector. We carried out detailed interviews with women leaders. We utilized Bourdieu’s model of habitus, capital, and field; Acker’s concept of “gendered organizations;” and Shilling’s concept of physical capital. Our findings show Higher Education operates more inclusively than the wider sport sector, which has the potential to advance gender equality. However, gendered practices remain with women working harder to accumulate and convert capital. Motherhood negatively impacts conversion of capital and respondents without children felt this benefitted their career. Finally, we discuss the impact of menopause on the careers of women and suggest this can impact self-perception.

1842P The experience of women with breast or gynecological cancer after participation in the online mindfulness-based cancer recovery program (eMBCR)

1842P The experience of women with breast or gynecological cancer after participation in the online mindfulness-based cancer recovery program (eMBCR)

Social impacts experienced by women with HIV and infertility in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review.

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) prevalence among reproductive-aged women remains high, and infertility among these women is common. The social consequences for these women are yet to be explored. This scoping review summarises the social consequences of living with HIV and infertility for SSA women. This scoping review of published peer-reviewed literature focused on the intersection of infertility and living with HIV among women in SSA. We followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS and included all original research reports which met the inclusion criteria; women in Sub-Saharan Africa, living with HIV, and infertility. Fourteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Both HIV diagnosis and infertility were reported as stigmatising experiences for women who desire to have children. The stigma of infertility had a greater negative impact on women than that of an HIV diagnosis. Familial, community support, and medical intervention were perceived vital to ensure women feel de-stigmatised and in control of their future, even without children. This is the first review demonstrating the social consequences of HIV and infertility on SSA women. Further research and interventions are needed to reduce the social consequences of infertility within SSA.

A Qualitative Exploration of Participant Experiences in the Avoiding Diabetes After Pregnancy Trial in Moms (ADAPT-M)

ObjectivesGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a temporary condition of pregnancy, identifies women at high risk of developing subsequent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Lifestyle interventions have been shown to reduce the risk of developing T2D after GDM. However, they often have low attendance and adherence rates. The Avoiding Diabetes After Pregnancy Trial in Moms (ADAPT-M) is a 24-week home-based postpartum program aimed at bridging the gap from prenatal care to T2D prevention for women with GDM. Our objective was to explore the experiences of participants who completed the ADAPT-M program, to elicit their perceived benefits and opportunities for improvement. MethodsThis was a qualitative descriptive study wherein we conducted semistructured interviews with 21 women with previous GDM who participated in the ADAPT-M program in Ontario, Canada. Transcripts were analyzed using NVivo software using a conventional content analysis approach. ResultsTwo themes describing the experience of women who underwent the ADAPT-M lifestyle-based coaching program emerged: 1) the benefits of a supportive relationship between coaches and participants; and 2) a desire for more from the program, including peer support, more customization, and addressing emotional needs. ConclusionsOur findings support the importance of fostering supportive health-care relationships in T2D prevention programs for postpartum women with a history of GDM. Enhanced customization, emotional support, and opportunities for peer support should be considered in the development of future programming to better meet the needs of participants.

Access to and provision of sexual and reproductive health services in Ekurhuleni, South Africa: Experiences and coping strategies of migrant women and healthcare workers.

The importance of universal access to health services including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services by migrant populations and the fundamental role of healthcare workers in providing SRHR services, requires a balanced understanding of the experiences of both migrants and healthcare workers. This study explored the experiences of migrant women in accessing and utilising SRHR services and the experiences of healthcare workers in providing SRHR and HIV services in Ekurhuleni, South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with five internal migrants, eight international migrant women aged 18-49 years, and four healthcare workers. Migrant women were selected using snowball sampling while healthcare workers were purposively sampled. Migrant women face multifaceted challenges including but not limited to language barriers, discrimination based on migration status, cultural and religious hurdles when accessing and utilising SRHR and HIV services. Similarly, healthcare workers encounter challenges in providing SRHR and HIV services to migrant women which include language barriers and having migrants who seek services without referral documentation and legal migration documents. Training healthcare workers on cultural sensitivity and integration of migrant friendly services in the health policy may improve migrant women's experiences in accessing and utilising as well as healthcare workers' experiences in providing SRHR services.

How Early Career Family Medicine Women Physicians Negotiate Their First Job After Residency.

Nested within a growing body of evidence of a gender pay gap in medicine are more alarming recent findings from family medicine: a gender pay gap of 16% can be detected at a very early career stage. This article explores qualitative evidence of women's experiences negotiating for their first job out of residency to ascertain women's engagement with and approach to the negotiation process. We recruited family physicians who graduated residency in 2019 and responded to the American Board of Family Medicine 2022 graduate survey. We developed a semistructured interview guide following a modified life history approach to uncover women's experiences through the transitory stages from residency to workforce. A qualitative researcher used Zoom to interview 19 geographically and racially diverse early career women physicians. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software following an Inductive Content Analysis approach. Three main themes emerged from the data. First, salary was found to be nonnegotiable, exemplified by participants' inability to change initial salary offers. Second, the role of peer support throughout residency and early career was crucial to uncovering and rectifying salary inequity. Third, a pay expectation gap was identified among women from minority and low-income households. To rectify the gender pay gap in medicine, a systems-level approach is required. This can be achieved through various levels of interventions: societally expanding the use of and removing the stigma around parental leave, recognizing the importance of contributions not currently valued by productivity-based payment models, examining assumptions about leadership; and institutionally moving away from fee-for-service systems, encouraging flexible schedules, increasing salary transparency, and improving advancement transparency.

Lived experiences of women who survived from pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in public hospitals of Shashemene Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to explore experiences of women who survived pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Shashemene referral hospital and Melka Oda general hospital, 2021. Design: An institution-based exploratory qualitative study with a descriptive phenomenological study design Setting: The present study was conducted in Shashemene referral hospital and Melka Oda general hospital from March 03 to May 18, 2021. Participants: A total of 17 individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with women who experienced and survived pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis using Atlas-ti software. Result: The present study revealed that women’s level of awareness on raised blood pressure and or convulsion occurring during pregnancy was poor. Barriers that limit pregnant women from getting treatment at the earliest point included misconception, lack of insight, failure to accept counseling from health care providers, low income, and influence from husbands. Discussions with the women in this study showed that these mothers were not counseled on danger signs during antenatal care check-ups. Almost all of the women were very concerned and frustrated due to their diagnosis. Conclusions: Women’s awareness of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia was poor and antenatal care was not offered as per expected quality. Improving awareness of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and enhancing the quality of antenatal care is essential.

Scaling the highs, falling to the lows: A qualitative study of women's experiences of drug abuse

This study explores the personal and social impacts of drug abuse on women undergoing addiction treatment in Tehran, Iran. Using a qualitative approach, 25 women aged 17 to 51 were interviewed to understand their experiences with addiction and recovery. The research found that many women started using drugs to escape emotional pain or seek pleasure, but this quickly led to serious consequences. These included social isolation, stigma, loss of their roles as mothers, financial difficulties, and physical decline. Four main themes were identified: the initial attraction to drugs and the subsequent struggle with addiction, the mixed experiences in rehabilitation centers, the broader social consequences of addiction, and the painful transition from the initial pleasure of drug abuse to its harsh realities. The study highlights the influence of cultural and societal norms on these women’s experiences and stresses the need for treatment programs that are sensitive to their specific needs. The findings suggest that effective support for women in similar contexts must address both their physical and emotional recovery, considering the unique challenges they face in a non-Western, Islamic setting.

Is Motherhood; A Ladder of Success in becoming Altruistic towards Social Construction?

There have been certain situations ages immemorial; where it always been discussed to investigate the portrayal of women's experiences that she undergoes while emphasizing the substances of a motherhood. Thereafter the experience of any kind of violence in the setting of domestic or experiencing the rights of risk and the evidence that approaching towards the examination of relevant portrayals with materialistic understanding of similarities between the situation and the responsibility that a motherhood holds during process of the gamut. Even, more precariously. the mental health issue while controlling over their period of experiencing the discussion that evolves around the policy of mothering. Thereafter, it is best for the interest of the child which embeds upon the legal policies and respond and responses that renders why affecting the nature and evolution? Considering a critical personality to be reported during the policymaking of the mothering cum parenthood involving both the parents, this paper tried did emphasized upon the assessment of the risk associated with any responses that are technically determining the orientation of motherhood as a positive or a supportive action as a ladder of success. The negativity lies when the orientation talks about the potentiality of the Father, which considers to be Parenthood; thereafter, the long-term assessment to understand the framework of how it has been recommended to guide upon development of such “Mental Health” Where both positivity and supportive action on the scientific negation brings decision making process of mothering to effect on the long-term assessment of prognosis. Hence, this paper qualitatively and in explorative manner imbued to understand the development of the framework that a mother and child inclusive of their action within the womb analyses the potentiality of the adoption that the recommended environment to be a “mother” or to have a quality of potency to label as ladder of fulfilment or bodily success.

The effects of women's double working hours on professional nursing practice

Objective: Reflect on the double working day of female nurses and its consequences for professional practice. Methodology: This is a theoretical and reflective study based on the theoretical perspective of the sociology of work, together with the theoretical references of Simone de Beauvoir and Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. A narrative review of the literature was carried out in a non-systematic way in order to establish relationships between the theoretical framework selected and current issues in nursing, as well as women's experiences. Results: The logical-reflective exposition is anchored in three fundamental aspects: the working nurse; the double working day and the health of working nurses. It's not possible to look at women only as workers, since their biological reality is closely linked to their social representation. This implies the need to investigate how the social construction of women directly interferes with their lives in an integral way. Such reflection can contribute to valuing nursing work, as well as fostering discussion about the social role of women. Conclusion: This reflection needs to be present in society as a whole, not just in the context of nursing, so that women's demands, which have been evident throughout history, can be noted.

Witzenberg Women's experience of health care after a miscarriage: A descriptive qualitative study.

Although some evidence is available from low- and middle-income countries, no South African data are available on how women experience healthcare during treatment for an incomplete miscarriage. This study sets out to explore and describe the experiences of healthcare among women who suffered an incomplete spontaneous miscarriage in the Witzenberg subdistrict, a rural area in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Witzenberg subdistrict, Western Cape province, South Africa. This study used a descriptive exploratory qualitative study design. In-person interviews were held with women who experienced a miscarriage. Interviews followed a semi-structured format by a single interviewer to explore the various aspects involving experiences of healthcare. Eight interviews were conducted and analysed. The five themes that arose from transcribed data were: (1) a need for safety, (2) pain management, (3) moderating behaviours and attitudes, (4) disorienting healthcare systems and (5) abandonment. Several factors contributed to the loss of physical and emotional safety in the emergency centre environment. Timeous emotional and pharmacological pain management were found to be a gap while patients awaited care. Clear communication and staff attitude were found to be integral to the patient's experience and could avoid the perception of abandonment. There is a universal need for basic respectful, supportive and safe care in patients who attend an emergency centre for early pregnancy complications in rural South African. Specific focus should be given to clear communication and appropriate emotional support during and after the miscarriage.Contribution:This study can be used as a guide to improve services by ensuring respectful, transparent, informed, and appropriate continuity of care.

The Buddy System: African American Women with Self-Reported Hypertension and Their Experiences in a Peer (Dyadic) Support Intervention

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it disproportionately affects African American women, who face increased risks of heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet effectively reduces blood pressure, but African American women often face challenges with adhering to it. Peer support, a proven mechanism for improving health behaviors through social connections and community resources, may help these women better manage their diet and hypertension. This qualitative study explored the experiences of African American women participating in an eight-week peer (dyadic) support intervention to improve DASH diet adherence and lowering systolic blood pressure, with an emphasis on understanding the dyadic relationship. METHODS: A purposive sample of 40 African American women (20 dyads) was recruited for five focus groups that were conducted both online and in person. Content analysis was used to identify themes related to the nature and quality of peer interactions and relationships from the perspectives of the 34 women who completed the intervention (Mean age = 71.38 years; SD = 8.38). RESULTS: Four subthemes emerged: emotional support, shared experiences, informational/inspirational support, and accountability. The participants reported forming strong, supportive relationships that were crucial in improving diet and blood pressure management. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the benefits of peer support in managing hypertension among older African American women, suggesting the need for future randomized controlled trials to examine the effectiveness of the DASH diet with and without peer support.

FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: EVALUATING WOMEN'S ROLE IN GOVERNANCE

This study explores the impact of women's empowerment on their participation in governance, examining the multifaceted barriers that hinder political engagement. Through qualitative methods, including case studies and focus group discussions, the research captures the experiences of women who have navigated these challenges. The findings reveal that cultural norms, economic limitations, and institutional inadequacies significantly affect women's political involvement. Empowerment initiatives, such as educational programs and supportive networks, were found to enhance women's confidence and motivation to participate in governance. The study emphasizes the need for targeted public policies, including gender quotas and mentorship programs, to create an inclusive political environment. Ultimately, the research highlights that fostering women's empowerment is crucial for ensuring diverse representation and improving the effectiveness of governance, contributing to more equitable decision-making processes in society.

Explaining the burden of cultural factors on MS disease: a qualitative study of the experiences of women with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating, non-traumatic disease that is common among young adults. Cultural factors, as background factors, can affect how patients adapt and their quality of life. This study aimed to explain the burden of cultural factors on Multiple sclerosis.MethodsThis study was conducted with a qualitative approach and conventional content analysis among women with Multiple sclerosis in Mashhad. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with women with MS. Fifteen patients with Multiple sclerosis were selected using purposeful sampling. The Graneheim and Lundman method was used to analyze the collected data. The transferability of the study was evaluated using the Guba and Lincoln criteria. MAXQADA 10 software was used to manage and analyze the data.ResultsIn explanation of the cultural factors of patients with Multiple sclerosis, one category (cultural tensions) and five subcategories (forced communication with spouse’s family, definition of women’s role in society, people’s behavior, social beliefs and isolation of the patient) were extracted.ConclusionThe results obtained in this study show that female MS patients face various concerns. Overcoming these challenges require a change in the attitude of people in the society towards women with MS, which is important in the context of formulating practical policies to create a suitable culture. Adopted policies should aim to internalize the culture of changing society’s views of female MS patients. Therefore, the authors argue that there is a need for cultural policies, followed by the systems implementing these policies to consider the challenges mentioned in this study as a priority for MS patients.

Advancing mHealth Research in Low-Resource Settings: Young Women's Insights and Implementation Challenges with Wearable Smartwatch Devices in Uganda.

In many regions globally, including low-resource settings, there is a growing trend towards using mHealth technology, such as wearable sensors, to enhance health behaviors and outcomes. However, adoption of such devices in research conducted in low-resource settings lags behind use in high-resource areas. Moreover, there is a scarcity of research that specifically examines the user experience, readiness for and challenges of integrating wearable sensors into health research and community interventions in low-resource settings specifically. This study summarizes the reactions and experiences of young women (N = 57), ages 18 to 24 years, living in poverty in Kampala, Uganda, who wore Garmin vívoactive 3 smartwatches for five days for a research project. Data collected from the Garmins included participant location, sleep, and heart rate. Through six focus group discussions, we gathered insights about the participants' experiences and perceptions of the wearable devices. Overall, the wearable devices were met with great interest and enthusiasm by participants. The findings were organized across 10 domains to highlight reactions and experiences pertaining to device settings, challenges encountered with the device, reports of discomfort/comfort, satisfaction, changes in daily activities, changes to sleep, speculative device usage, community reactions, community dynamics and curiosity, and general device comfort. The study sheds light on the introduction of new technology in a low-resource setting and also on the complex interplay between technology and culture in Kampala's slums. We also learned some insights into how wearable devices and perceptions may influence behaviors and social dynamics. These practical insights are shared to benefit future research and applications by health practitioners and clinicians to advance and enhance the implementation and effectiveness of wearable devices in similar contexts and populations. These insights and user experiences, if incorporated, may enhance device acceptance and data quality for those conducting research in similar settings or seeking to address population-specific needs and health issues.

Internalized Sexual Stigma, Sexual Orientation Disclosure, and Patient Experience Among Gay Men and Lesbian Women in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Purpose: Previous research has found that stigma, discrimination, and depression are associated with the sexual minority population's medical experiences. However, there is still a lack of relevant research results in Taiwan. This study investigated the health-seeking experiences and influencing factors of gay men and lesbian women in Taiwan. Methods: We recruited gay men and lesbian women through lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)-friendly websites and associations between November 2019 and June 2020. Surveys included the demographics, medical visiting experiences, Measure of Internalized Stigma, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Daily Heterosexist Experiences Questionnaire. Results: There were 270 participants, including 188 gay men and 82 lesbian women. Most respondents refused to disclose their sexual orientation to health care providers; some feared seeking medical care and preferred seeking LGBT-friendly health care services. Compared with lesbian women, gay men had higher levels of internalized sexual stigma, victimization, concealing sexual orientation, and experiences of medical staff denying services. Discrimination, depressive severity, and internalized sexual stigma affected the medical visit experience. Conclusion: In Taiwan, the health care experiences of gay men and lesbian women are affected by discrimination, internalized sexual stigma, and severe depression, while facing challenges of fear of seeking medical care or reluctance to disclose their sexual orientation.