Adolescents and sex
Castro, C.; Palomar Castro, Y.
Newsletter 1992(39): 3-6
1992
PMID: 12285922 Document Number: 322579
Adolescent health problems in the Philippines are identified as follows: adolescent unwanted pregnancy, early marriage, abortion and sometimes death, sexually transmitted disease (STD), AIDS, inadequate knowledge about sex and reproduction (population education), taboos, inadequate resources directed to youth, and personnel insufficiently trained for gender sensitive and adolescent sensitive counseling. A recent University of the Philippines Population Institute survey reported that only 10% of urban respondents and 8.1% of rural respondents considered virginity to be unimportant. 33% in urban and 29% in rural areas consent to premarital sex if the couple were "in love" and there was a promise of marriage. Premarital sex is increasing, but was lower among those who grew up with their parents. Population education is compulsory but teachers are ill equipped, unknowledgeable about the latest technology, and biased. Human reproduction is taught but family planning methods are frequently ignored. The topic is taboo between parents and children. Acquisition of knowledge is haphazard at best. Government resources are directed to adult reproductive women. Emphasis needs to be placed on the importance and proper use of pills, condoms, IUDs, and diaphragms. Vasectomy and tubal ligation should be readily available. Youth should be taught rhythm, basal body temperature, and Billings ovulation methods. Misconceptions should be debunked. Sex education, STD prevention, and counseling for adolescents are available in only 5 centers in the Philippines, as reported by the International Center on Adolescent Fertility; this is adequate to serve the almost 50% of the population 18 years.