Galery

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In recent years, Greeks have limited their sex life because of the economic crisis and their psychological state (fear, insecurity), and as a result, there is a decrease in unwanted pregnancies on the one hand but on the other hand - a reduction in the number of desired pregnancies.

"The reduction in the number of abortions is not due to an awareness of contraception, but to a reduction of the sexual activity of the population", the professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Athens and Director of Second Obstetric Clinic of the Areteion Hospital, George Kreatsas, said at a press conference on the occasion of the World Contraception Day.

A lack of sexual desire and lack of awareness are shown by the results from the study of the University of Athens, presented by the professor. According to him, 48% of the interviewed young people obtain information on sexual topics from the Internet, 32% from friends and only 7% from the professionals who are responsible for correctly informing the population.

Deputy Minister of Health Catherine Papakosta emphasized the importance of preventive health care for women, noting that unfortunately in Greek society there are still prejudices and taboos around issues of sex education. "In health there are no taboos and there should not be any prejudices in prevention", she said, announcing that she had requested the assistance of the church in order for these obstacles to be removed and Greek women to be convinced of the need of preventive gynaecological examinations (Pap test, breast examination).

Catherine Papakosta announced the development of targeted policies for health prevention and promotion for families, women and young people. According to her, a nationwide campaign will start via social structures to inform women and young people on the prevention of cervical and breast cancer and conducting preventive examinations. The beginning is made today by the Second Obstetric Clinic in Areteion Hospital, where a free breast examination and Pap test were performed on more than 120 poor and uninsured women.

"Prevention keeps gynaecological problems out", professor Kreatsas says, noting that in the light of recent events it is necessary for all women to follow prevention programmes and for the health care system to cover preventive examinations.