Romanian FPA (SECS) starts sexual and contraceptive consultations on the Black Sea coast
Vinereanu, D.
Planned Parenthood in Europe 20(1): 24-25
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 1017-8538 PMID: 12343176 Document Number: 315066
The youth activities of the Romanian family planning association, the Society for Education on Contraception and Sexuality (SECS), center on a youth camp at the seaside resort of Costinesti. A very small consulting room set up 1) to supply education information on contraceptive methods, family planning, STDs, and major sex problems, and 2) supplying condoms. Staff included 11 physicians of whom 3 were obstetrics specialists, 4 nurses, 1 biologist, 1 demographer, 2 economists, and 1 engineer. Within an 80 day period, there were 1345 consultations, or 17/day. 72% were males and 28% females. The explanations for the higher male rate were attributed to reservations of women toward sexual issues, a higher number of sexual problems and STDs among males, and the perceived need for condoms by men. 33.8% were 20-24 years and 17.5% were less than 20 years. 80% of the sexual problems were related to anxiety about unwanted pregnancy and the natural method of coitus interruptus. 77.4% had questions related to contraception. The next highest concern was for STDs at 12%; the negative image of STDs prevails. Other concerns were for sexual problems, anatomy and physiology, pregnancy and birth, and demographic problems in general. AIDs was a disputed topic. 1121 out of 1345 client acquired condoms, 95% of the men and 53% of the women. The requested purpose was primarily contraceptive; men were more worried about STDs than women. A workshop for girls 14-16 was conducted separately which discussed anatomy and physiology. Effective broadcasting from the local radio station increased the number of consultations. Another workshop with representatives from a yoga school also was held; topics were yoga as a contraceptive means, therapy for sexual problems, and benefit to AID's sufferers. The author concludes that knowledge is low and interest high for contraception.