Galery

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Anastasia Balezdrova

Each year, 41% of a total 208 million pregnancies worldwide are unwanted. The number of young girls and women who are part of these statistics is large. As shown by the figures from the statistics on the international website of the campaign to promote contraceptive methods, Your life,

23% of girls use contraceptive pills

18% of teenagers think they know enough about sex and contraception

15% of girls first had sex before the age of 14 years

43% of teenagers have had unprotected sex.  

There is no specific data on Greece yet but this year for the first time Greece has joined the international campaign "Your Choice" that aims to inform young people about contraception at the places where they meet, talk with each other and have fun, namely on the Internet through profiles on the social networks Facebook and YouTube.

Obstetrician - gynaecologist in the first obstetric clinic of Athens University in Alexandra Hospital, Dr. Panagiotis Antsaklis, talks with GRReporter about the degree of awareness of the Greeks regarding contraceptive methods, the health risks for women due to the absence of contraception and about the safest contraceptive method and how it should be chosen.

Are women in Greece aware of all the methods that could prevent an unwanted pregnancy? What is the profile of those who do not know how to protect themselves and resort to abortion?

There is no official data on the degree of awareness of Greek women regarding contraceptive methods. Our experience shows that the rate of unwanted pregnancies and of the subsequent abortions continues to be high. These data are sufficient to demonstrate the absence of awareness of contraceptive methods among women. A recent survey shows that almost one in five women resorts to abortion each year. However, the issue of contraception is still serious in other Western countries too. In developing countries, the number of unwanted pregnancies is disturbingly high and this shows how important it is to inform young people about the different contraceptive methods. Studies show that 41% of 208 million pregnancies worldwide are unwanted.

What measures are being taken in this direction?

We endeavour to inform young people about the importance of contraceptive methods and of the protection from sexually transmitted diseases by including the issue in the official curriculum of secondary schools.

The role of private initiative and cooperation with state authorities is important too. An information campaign, "Your Choice: Contraception or Uncertainty" is organized within this context, which is conducted under the auspices of the first obstetric clinic of Athens University and Alexandra Hospital, and is sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Bayer. The campaign aims to inform young people about the contraceptive methods, to advise them on how to choose the right option and how to protect their health and body by preventing an unwanted pregnancy.

What are the health risks for women?

Regarding young girls, and especially teenage girls, the most preferred method is combined pills. At the same time we recommend that they use a condom because it is the only method, that provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

An unwanted pregnancy has many consequences like abortion which puts at risk the reproductive system of the woman and her mental health, and the dangers connected with sexually transmitted diseases.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the various contraceptive methods?

There are many contraceptive methods. The choice should be based on the needs of the woman or couple, depending on the woman’s lifestyle and age, on her general state of health, etc. The most suitable and most secure contraceptive method should be chosen with the help of a gynaecologist.

Contraceptive methods can be divided into two main categories, namely, methods to stop the penetration of the sperm into the egg (condom, spiral, diaphragm, vaginal spermicides) and hormonal contraceptives.

Which method would you recommend as the safest for women's health?

As already stated, the best method is the one that is most appropriate for the woman depending on her age, lifestyle (for example, if she is a smoker), health status, family history and on her requirements in relation to the contraceptive method.

Regarding young girls, and especially teenage girls, who do not have children in the majority of the cases, and in the absence of contra-indications, the most preferred method is combined pills. This is the most popular method among the specific age group in Europe and the USA. At first, birth control pills should be used on prescription and always after consulting a doctor. At the same time we recommend that they use a condom because it is the only method, that provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

What is the role of men in contraception?

It is very important, although it is usually limited to the use of condoms whereas the whole burden of avoiding unwanted pregnancy falls on the woman. Contraception, however, must equally concern representatives of both sexes. They should be well informed and choose together the most appropriate method of contraception.

As of October the campaign will involve some of the schools in Attica. Specially trained doctors and medical staff will inform students about contraceptive methods and sexual health. Parents will be able to consult on how to discuss the matter with their children in order to be the first to inform and guide them in the right way.