tgr.ph/y6upNw -> www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9068843/Contraception-row-I-had-implant-because-I-felt-like-having-sex-says-girl-13.html
Health News Contraception row: I had implant because I felt like having sex says girl, 13 A 13-year-old girl who had a contraceptive implant fitted at school without her mother's knowledge said she wanted the procedure because she "felt like having sex". Girls, 13, given 'secret' contraceptive implants Parents have complained that their daughters were being fitted with the implants, that are designed to stay in place for a number of years, without their knowledge Photo: ALAMY 2:00PM GMT 08 Feb 2012 The teenager is one of 33 schoolgirls who have been fitted with the device in Southampton, Hants, as part of a controversial government initiative to drive down teenage pregnancies. Now she has broken her silence to defend her actions, saying she believes she acted responsibly by taking measures to stop herself getting pregnant. And her mother insisted she was "proud" of her daughter, although she claimed performing a minor surgical procedure at school without parental consent was "morally wrong". The girl said: "The implant works really well and I think it is a good service.
Girls, 13, given 'secret' contraceptive implants 08 Feb 2012 "I think it has really helped me because if I am with my boyfriend and we feel like having sex, I have the peace of mind knowing that I am OK. "At the time I didn't want to tell my mum because there are some things you don't want to talk to your parents about. I'd rather tell her I've had an implant than tell her I was pregnant. "If I was told I couldn't have the implant unless I told my mum, I probably would have gone away to think about it and would have eventually got my mum involved. "But I think there should be the option to have full confidentiality because some children just can't speak to their parents. "I do get where my mum is coming from and maybe it shouldn't be done in school." She added that she spent an hour discussing the issues of an implant with a health expert at the school and was told to speak to her mother. She was fitted with the Nexplanon device at a meeting a week later and told she could book a follow-up appointment if she had any worries. Her mother said she was proud her daughter has taken responsibility to protect herself. But she is now demanding an apology from health bosses at the Solent NHS Trust and a review of the service in schools. She said: "I believe they have neglected my daughter by not making sure she had a follow-up appointment. I know I may not be able to stop this surgical procedure being carried out on school grounds altogether. "But, I at least want changes to be made to ensure every girl that has one is given a compulsory follow-up appointment." Health chiefs have defended the scheme, saying letters were sent to parents at all nine participating schools in Southampton when the service was launched. It was then left to individual schools to inform parents of all future students joining, either by letter or in the school prospectus. The NHS Southampton and Solent NHS Trust has said the number of teenage pregnancies has dropped since the sexual health service was introduced. A spokesman added: "We have a responsibility to provide a confidential service that ensures young people have access to professional advice and information as well as contraception, if appropriate. "Full assessments are undertaken to ensure young people are mature enough to understand their choices and are safe. "School settings offer an opportunity to engage young people in sexual health and relationship information, as part of their overall health and wellbeing." They added that the service is fully compliant with national safeguarding legislation and guidance. As many as 770 pupils have used the sexual health service since 2009. Nexplanon is the only contraceptive implant currently used in the UK. The device is a 4cm thin tube which is placed under the skin of the upper arm. Once inserted it steadily releases hormone progestogen in to the bloodstream which stops monthly ovulation. It also helps prevent sperm passing through the womb and makes the lining of the womb thinner so it is unable to support a fertilised egg. The implant does not need to be replaced for three years and is considered more than 99 per cent reliable in preventing pregnancy. Simon Blake, chief executive of sexual health advice service Brook, said it was vital for younger people to have access to advice about sex. He added: "Most young people under the age of 16 are not having sex. "But we believe it's vital all young people, particularly those who are younger and may be more vulnerable, have a safe, confidential place to access advice, information, and support around sexual health and relationships. "In some cases, this may include access to contraceptive implants from an appropriately qualified professional working within strict legal protocols. "In these circumstances, we would include appropriate discussion and support for the young person in making that decision, during the fitting and in follow up afterwards. "Young people may also need wider emotional and practical support in managing relationships, particularly where they are more vulnerable either because of their age or other personal circumstances."
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