Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNESCO, the interest of male and female students in issues related to reproductive health, contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is increasing every year. The experts who are recruited to inform them correctly are doctors, nurses and psychologists or teachers who have been certified through special postgraduate programs. In our country, wanting to participate in this effort, the state included the Sexual Education course in the skills workshops of High School students. However, many parents as well as educators raise questions and concerns about whether students should be aware of these issues, whether they have the basic maturity to manage the information provided and whether the information can act as an incentive for the early initiation of sexual contact.

According to the international literature, both the percentage of teenagers with a diagnosed sexually transmitted disease and the corresponding percentage of unwanted teenage pregnancies are increasing every year and more. The average age of sexual initiation is decreasing internationally, with the average age of initiation currently recorded as under 15. Teenagers mention the internet and social media as their main source of information, putting their health at risk in the majority of cases. A typical example is the careless and unsupervised taking of abortion medications. It is therefore understood that proper information from experts is necessary and should precede the initiation of sexual contact, with the ultimate goal of protecting the reproductive and physical health of underage teenagers.

Finally, we should also mention the increasing number of incidents of sexual abuse. The abuse usually concerns young victims and in several cases the perpetrators are the caregivers or members of the family environment. The prevention of these incidents requires the correct and timely information of children from an early age about their body, how it works, how they can take care of it and protect it.

What is the role of the Gynecologist?

The role of the Gynecologist is very important in properly informing children and adolescents, in matters related to Reproductive Health and her Sexual Education. The Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology MOTHERthrough the program “Reproductive Health and Prevention of Sexual Abuse” has as its ultimate goal the information of both parents and students of Primary and Secondary Education. The program is supported by Gynecologists specializing in Child and Adolescent Gynecology, Reproductive Gynecologists and Psychologist-Drama therapistwho visit the schools, with the aim of fully informing and preparing the students both in matters of reproductive health and protection from potential incidents of physical/sexual abuse. At the same time, through the program, an effort is made to inform parents and teachers, given that the environment in which the minor student lives and socializes plays a decisive role in his/her psychological and social formation. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the objective of this program is also the physical health of children and adolescents. And for this reason, a specialized clinical nutritionist and a fitness trainer have edited a section of the informational material provided to the public.

What does this information for children include?

Starting from the youngest ages, the role of nutrition and exercise in the proper development of the reproductive system and the concept of puberty (beginning of puberty within normal age limits) are emphasized. Also, emphasis is placed on recognizing and understanding the “private” parts of the body and how to achieve their protection. Research has shown that knowledge of the above has contributed to the prevention of incidents of sexual abuse and to their timely communication if they occur. At the same time, at this point, the value of informing parents about the points that mark the beginning of puberty, as well as their education with the aim of cultivating strong emotional bonds with their children, should be emphasized. These elements lay the foundations for the development of a healthy parent-child relationship in this sensitive transitional phase.

What does this information for teenagers include?

Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system, learning to correctly record menstruation and early recognition of disorders in the external genitalia equips the adolescent with useful information regarding the proper functioning of the reproductive system.

Information on sexual health issues such as contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted diseases and explaining the concepts of self-determination and consent should ideally be done before the initiation of sexual contact. The valuable knowledge of the above contributes to the reduction of incidents of sexually transmitted diseases, to the prevention of unwanted teenage pregnancies and also to the reckless use of pharmaceuticals for emergency contraception. The timely search for medical guidance from specialized health providers is emphasized.

Additionally, through the information program parents and teenagers are made aware of the necessity and safety of vaccination against the HPV virus in both sexes. Vaccination prevents cervical, nasopharynx, anus and prostate cancer.

Finally, important axes of the program are on the one hand self-awareness of the body and the elimination of guilty feelings of shame and on the other hand the awareness of children and teenagers in the protection of their “private” parts of the body.

The purpose of the Child and Adolescent Gynecology Department of MITERA is to provide correct information, to promote the prevention of sexual abuse and to be close to families, through responsible and scientifically trained specialized partners of various specialties, constantly upgrading the level of its services.