Help women protect reproductive health
Good news: Your female patients are doing a good job in protecting their reproductive health, but you can help them to do even better, a national survey shows.
According to a poll commissioned by Glamour magazine and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation of Menlo Park, CA, 97% of 1,001 women ages 18 to 44 surveyed reported that they had had a gynecologic exam at some point of their lives, and 75% of them have had at least one exam a year. Also, 87% of those who have had some type of reproductive health problem, such as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or contraceptive complaint, received immediate medical treatment.
The survey also discloses some disturbing findings: 42% of sexually active respondents say they have experienced an unplanned pregnancy, and at least 11% have had an STD.
Providers can step up to the plate by providing information on emergency contraception as well as performing STD screening during exams. Results show that 63% of women surveyed were unaware of the availability of emergency contraceptive pills as a means of post-coital contraception. Also, 45% reported that they have never been tested for any STD outside HIV.
Patients need to understand the importance of talking with their sexual partner or partners about the risk of sexually transmitted infections. The survey found less than half the women had spoken with their partners concerning HIV infection, and only 27% had discussed the risk of other STDs.
In the February 1997 coverage of survey results, Glamour offers the following suggestions to readers:
• If you’re not ready for pregnancy, find a method of birth control that works for you and use it every time. No exceptions.
• Don’t wait for your doctor to raise the subject of contraception.
• Know your "morning-after" options.
• Make regular STD tests including a test for HIV part of your routine health care.
• Tell your doctor how many partners you have had and how many you have now even if the doctor doesn’t ask.
For a free copy of the Glamour survey (No. 1205), contact Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2400 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Telephone: (800) 656-4533 or (415) 854-9400. Fax: (415) 854-4800.
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