Do they have a doubt about the pill or the correct use of condoms? They do first to “query” an online search engine than to go to the gynecologist.
The young and especially the very young, according to a research presented by the Italian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Sigo) choose the Net as a place to find news and information on contraception.
22% of them rely on the web doctor, followed closely by the best friend (20%), the gynecologist (16%), the teacher (13%), the partner (12%) and the counseling center (11%).
Alarming data, according to Italian gynecologists. Because even if in Italy unwanted pregnancies among the very young are decreasing, there is still high concern about the quality of the information found on the net. Especially in blogs and forums where the content is created by the users themselves.
False myths die hard
Many of the 20-30 Italian women say they grew up surrounded by false myths and prejudices about contraception.
Among the most widespread hoaxes are those on coitus interruptus, according to which it would be an effective contraceptive method. Or the myth of “the first time you can’t get pregnant”.
To address this lack of accredited information, Sigo has launched the new minisite contraccezionesmart.sceglitu.it, where boys and girls can find useful information on all available methods, including the most recent ones.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.