Pill ‘should be available over counter’

Teenagers say prescriptions should not be needed for morning-after pill.

THE morning-after pill should be easily accessible and made available over the counter, according to 73% of teenagers questioned in a sexual health study.

The emergency contraception pill is prescribed by GPs on a case-by-case basis.

However, male and female respondents aged 16 and 17 told researchers it should be available to buy in chemists without prescriptions or the approval of a doctor.

The study of 166 teenagers in Waterford city focused on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), contraception, menstrual cycles and information for young

people. While a majority favoured easy access to the morning-after pill, only a third knew it was effective up to 72 hours after sexual intercourse.

Up to 37% did not know if a woman could get pregnant during her period.

The research by Waterford GP Dr Yvonne Kearney suggests “teenage clinics” should be set up to help educate about sexual health.

“In planning such a clinic it would be worthwhile considering easy accessibility with after-school hours,” she said.

“Staff need to be committed and seen to be welcoming and cheerful, with a non-judgmental approach. It is important to establish confidentiality early. Young people can be seen alone or in groups as necessary.”

The study also found about 30% of those queried had not heard of the

STD chlamydia. Nearly half of the teenagers had never heard of syphilis. Trust between young people and doctors was crucial, the study said.

“The advantages to teenage clinics in practice would be that they can bridge the gap between childhood and adult consultations. They also provide a safe place for young people to discuss issues that are important to them. Disadvantages would include the cost and time involved in providing such a service.”

The study also highlighted the ability of teenagers to choose a doctor’s gender and the availability of relevant leaflets on contraception and diseases in practices.

While 91% of young people questioned said you could get pregnant the first time you had sex, 9% said you could not, or didn’t know if you could.

On obtaining information about contraception and sexual health, about 60% of young people said it came from their friends, while 46% were educated through magazines.

The study focused on teenagers attending St Paul’s Community School, a local adolescent centre and a medical practice.

Overall, it found female teenagers knew more than males. Furthermore, embarrassment was a key issue associated with STDs and accessing information. The majority would prefer to see a female GP without an appointment and at no cost.