Safe sex and effective birth control knowledge for teenagers is important
A survey by Suan Dusit Poll among 1,031 young female students, between the ages of 15 and 20 in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces revealed that 77.69 per cent of respondents have friends or classmates who have already experienced sex, with 72 per cent of respondents who have friends or acquaintances with unwanted pregnancies.
More than half of the respondents also knew people who had abortions, while still in school.
The results of the survey have been an eye-opener into the sexual experiences of teenagers.
The survey showed that Thai teenagers regard having a sexual relationship while still in school as a common practice and pay low attention to ensuring safe and proper sexual behaviour. They often think that the risk of getting pregnant is minimal.
Dr Narongsakdi Aungkasuvapala, director-general of the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health said Thai teenagers are now facing various risks.
In last 10 years, the Department of Health found that teenagers have their first sexual encounter at the age of 19. But the latest survey showed that Thai teenagers have their first sexual encounter between the ages of 15 and 16. The number of unwanted pregnancies is also on the rise.
Realising the seriousness of unprotected and unsafe sex among teenagers, the Department of Health, Asia-Pacific Council on Contraception (APCOC), College of Public Health Science, Chulalongkorn University and Bayer Schering Pharma launched the "My Love My Control" campaign in order to improve sex education among Thai teens.
The campaign also promotes the use of effective contraception among women to avoid unwanted pregnancies and the dilemma of abortion.
Prof Surasak Taneepanichskul, a representative of Asia Pacific Council of Contraception (APCOC) said there are 123 million women worldwide having unprotected sexual intercourse, while 46 million have abortions, 27 million of who live in Asia.
Also, 78,000 women died due to unsafe and risky abortions.
"It is expected that we can reduce the risks down to 150,000 women annually if there was proper protection against unwanted pregnancies," said Prof Surasak.
- The danger of misusing contraceptives
Kittiphong Cheng, head of the Reproductive Health Department, said he was worried about increasing reports on improper use of emergency contraceptive pills or the "morning-after pills", instead of condom use or birth control pills.
He said there are many incorrect and ineffective practices about birth control such as use of the rhythm method, withdrawal method and morning-after pills.
"Morning-after pills are only 75 per cent effective and are only recommended for preventing unwanted pregnancies caused by rape or a torn condom. The pill works only if taken within 72 hours [three days] after having sex. But the earlier you take it, the better: The morning-after pill works best if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex.
"However, if more than four tablets a month are taken, women will be at risk of abnormal menstrual bleeding, ectopic pregnancy and even sexual transmitted diseases such as HIV/Aids," he said.
-
What is the most proper contraception for teenagers?
Dr Nanta Auamkul, director of the Bureau of Technical Advisers, Department of Health, said although most of the parents don't want their teenagers having sex, they should start sex educating their children early. Sex should be discussed openly at home.
Dr Nanta said the main reason that young people were not using effective contraception because they were too embarrassed to ask for advice.
"Parents should tell their teenagers that if they don't want to have a baby, there are two main options abstinence or contraception," said Dr Nanta.
Dr Nanta said parents should teach their daughters to use the birth control pill (oral contraceptive) and advice them that even though they are on the pill, their partner should still use a condom to prevent sexual transmitted diseases such as HIV/Aids.
Don't forget that the contraceptive pill must be taken at the same time every day.
The safe period practice is not usually a reliable method for teenagers.
Dr Nanta said parents should accept that contraception is part of their teenagers' sex education.
-
My Love ... My Control
"My Love ... My Control" campaign also imparts useful information about how to sexual relationships and unwanted pregnancies through http://www.mylovemycontrol.com/.
On the web site, teenagers or parents can ask for the "Love Diary" - a diary with relevant and useful information on proper sexual intercourse, proper contraception and chart their menstrual cycle, along with information and ways women can seek information on unprotected sex. The web site also includes important hotline numbers.
Interesting numbers from the Suan Dusit poll.
77.69 per cent - having friends or classmates who had sex with their boyfriends.
66.15 per cent - don't tell their parents if they have sex while still in school.
71.49 per cent - don't know about the morning-after pill and how to use it properly.
96.02 per cent - think that had abortion is a sin.
51.98 per cent - know of their classmates or friends who have had an abortion.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next
