Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSIt's sex, kids, but not as you know it
Beyond the Bedpan is left red-faced by a bewildering array of contraception methods
Picture the scene. An amorous young couple relax on the sofa at her place after a tough week of bunking off school and sniffing glue.
Mum is working nights, dad legged it years ago, and they’ve got the place to themselves. After a few alcopops and excruciating attempts at light petting, there is only one thing on their minds - contraception.
Being a thoroughly modern and sensible young couple, they are alert to the dangers of sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancy. But what type of contraception to use?
Tragically, they don’t know, because young people are unaware of the of the full range of contraception options available. The poor things are apparently fumbling along in the mistaken belief that that there are only five contraception options, when everyone else knows there are 15.
Hang on, 5? FIFTEEN?!
What sexual health wizardry has emerged since we last looked? Implants? Injections? Vaginal rings? Whatever next?
And does ‘natural family planning’ really count as contraception?
Ahem. Beyond the Bedpan’s age and ignorance should not get in the way of a quite brilliant project by the Faculty of Sexual Health and Reproduction at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to ensure youngsters are aware of all the options.
Will increased publicity help, or are there other areas the NHS should be focusing resources on?
Ideas from nurses working in sexual health - as well as the usual barrage of well-deserved abuse - are always welcome in the comments box.
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Readers' comments (2)
Joseph Ezie Efoghor | 5-Dec-2009 10:02 am
Education is definitely the cure for ignorance. The NHS needs to step up enlightenment campaign if the rate of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases is to be reduced to the barest minimum.
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Thomas-David Buchanan | 5-Dec-2009 5:41 pm
I agree that education is the way forward however much discussion is necessary as to the correct channel. I would protest that whist teachers in a classroom, whilst I am sure they do their best, cannot be given the sole responsibility of communicating this most important of messages. Nor should we be naiev and trust parents to carry this mantel. Whilst both of these groups are essential key contributors, it is my thought that the message must be delievered in a format that 'speaks' to it's audience; perhaps by peer group training, group discussion and the like. Perhaps the use of popular celebrities to convey the message also has some merit however I am not about to suggest that Cheryl Cole can save our teenagers! In fact what I am suggesting is a 'full frontal' attack; only through a combination of these methods can have any hope of any success.
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