Reproductive health care of teenagers
P.N. Krotin, T.Y. Kozhukhovskaya, N.A. Fedorova, L.V. Merkulova, E.A.
Tovstukha, I.G. Sharanova
St. Petersburg, Russia
For the first time in Russia a city consultative and diagnostic center of
reproductive health of teenager ‘Juventa’ was opened in St. Petersburg in
1993 on the basis of functioning from 1991 gynecological department. The working
schedule of specialists of the center ensures that consultations tests and
treatment are provided to the patients any time at their convenience. In
conformity with the regulation all patients in need of help get it the day they
come to the center. All services provided by the Center are free for children
and teenagers under 18 living in St.Petersburg. The total number of visits has
grown three times: from 76924 in 1994 to 266764 in 2003 10 doctors –
gynecologists, 3 dermatologists-venerologists, 2 andrologists, 2 therapists, a
cosmetology, an endocrinologists, a mammologist, an oculist, a dentist, an
otorhinolaryngologist, a neurologist, a room of functional diagnostics and
ultrasonic tests, laboratories and a medical physical culture department are at
the disposal of young patients.
Early sexual life, spread of sexually transmissible infections among
teenagers, undesired pregnancy and venereal diseases are powerful factors which
prompt a strong need in the opening of a psychotherapeutical room in the
specialized Center. Alongside with the treatment of out-patients, round the
clock counseling of teenagers in need of help is provided by the center ’Juventa’
as well as there is a ‘hot line’. Quite often the ‘Hot line’
conversation is the first link with doctors and teenagers. They are not so
afraid to talk to the doctor and can get qualified advice. Such conversation
without seeing the person you talk to sometimes is followed by visits to doctors
and becomes one of important factors in prevention of various diseases as well
as abortions including criminal, late and sexual violence. The work experience
of doctors of ‘Juventa’ on early diagnostics and treatment of reproductive
system diseases of children and teenagers show that many problems can be solved
in out patient clinics. In the course of implementation of the Russian-Swedish
project ‘13’ started in 1997 youth counseling centers were founded in
conformity with the European standards and principles of clinics amicable to
youth in six districts of the city. Six more youth clinics will be opened in the
city with the support of UNICEF in 2002 since 1999 jointly with UNICEF. Youth
center ‘Juventa’ and Petrograd district youth center have given training to
more than 300 teenagers – leaders which actively participate in popularization
of healthy way of life, protection of reproductive health, prevention of
sexually transmissible diseases, HIV and drugs. The work is carried out in
summer camp and youth clubs in the city.
