Alert! COVID-19 seriously affects the sexual and reproductive health of young people!

26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- During the COVID-19 pandemic, limited social distance and access to contraception and abortion care are affecting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young people, according to a new study by researchers at Columbia University's Melman School of Public Health and Rutgers University.
researchers explored these challenges and how to properly handle peer and relationship relationships.
results were published in the journal Perspectives on Sexual and Health.
huge changes for teenagers and young people include school closures, the possibility of more time with their families, the disruption of normal tracks of increased independence, and, for many, very limited or non-existent physical contact with sexual and romantic partners.
photo source: NIAID, the authors point out that while the pandemic may lead to fewer sexual opportunities among young people, the interruption of contraception and abortion can be an extremely serious problem for adolescents and young adults, as they are still able to maintain physical intimacy with their partners during the pandemic. "The good news is that some services, including access to multiple forms of contraception and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, can be treated through telemedicine," said Leslie Kantor, director and professor at Rutgers University's Department of Urban Global Public Health at
.
young people's access to sexual and reproductive health may actually improve if telemedicine remains as widespread as it was during the coronavirus pandemic.
," however, Kantor and his colleagues say that the lack of privacy and confidentiality -- which many adolescents and young people are experiencing while they live with their families -- can prevent them from accessing the necessary sexual and reproductive health care.
there is not much data on young people in detecting sexually transmitted infections or seeking abortion care.
but many states are trying to limit access to abortion, arguing that abortion is not a necessary service, even though it is clearly necessary and needs to be done in a timely manner.
the decline in vaccinations for children over the age of 2 is also a cause for concern, as is the use of HPV vaccines to prevent cancer-causing infections and precancerous lesions.
While the social disruption caused by pandemics affects the health and well-being of young people, a positive aspect is that young people are familiar with online platforms and social media.
young people should be independent at this time, so for those who have to go home after a while away, maintaining a relationship with a friend and lover in the distance can be particularly challenging.
researchers think that previously they had been connected through the Internet was negative, but now they are positive for them.
() References: Laura D. Lindberg et al, The Sexual and The Health of The And Eron Health and Young Adults the CoVID-19, Perspectives on Sexual and Health (2020).
DOI: 10.1363/psrh.12151.