The young sexual health center of the Lleida City Council has served more than one hundred people since it opened its doors on November 16.
The average age of the users, 80% of them boys, is 16 years old, although people aged 13 or 30 have also used the service.
The main reasons for consultation are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially the human papillomavirus (HPV), or the demand for contraceptives, explained the care manager of the facility, Aranzazu Nieto, who has also shown herself “surprise” at the volume of interventions completed now. The center offers in-person consultations individually or in groups, with or without an appointment, and also online care. It is totally confidential.
Since it began operating, the center has served more than a hundred people in person, by telephone or through other platforms, such as the website, email or social networks. Users have an average age of 16 years and boys represent 80%.
The main reasons for consultation are the demand for emergency contraceptives, pregnancy tests and rapid STI pots. On seven occasions referrals have been made to other resources such as Primary Care.
“We have really been surprised by the number of young people who have requested the service. We have done more than a hundred care and 30-40% have asked us for a second consultation. This gives us a lot of hope because it seems that we are doing well and “The users feel comfortable and safe, which is why they have also brought friends or acquaintances,” said the center’s care manager, Aranzazu Nieto.
In this sense, he explained that the facility wants to be an “open door so that young people have easy, confidential and comfortable access to the health system. To visit us they do not have to make an appointment nor do they need a health card.” “The objective is to carry out a comprehensive approach from the point of view of preventing risks related to sexuality. Users come with many doubts, when we detect their need, if necessary, we coordinate with other city resources, such as Attention to Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASSIR), so that they can access it more easily and comfortably,” added Nieto.
Youth have also been educated about the sexual issues that most concern them. “What worries them most are STIs, especially the human papillomavirus,” said Nieto, who also made reference to other areas of consultation such as HIV, contraceptive methods, sexual pleasure, first times, oral sex, self-knowledge, management emotional, social pressure, menstruation, alcohol consumption and sexual practices and sexual violence.
In addition, the facility has dispensed more than 700 condoms, lubricants and menstrual cups free of charge. “We have also held workshops on how to put on a condom correctly. This and the distribution of prophylactic material are aspects that have also generated a lot of interest,” concluded the person in charge of the center.
The service has been presented to different educational and health resources in the city, with which we work in a network to promote comprehensive care for young people and several group workshops are planned over the coming months.
The center is located at Calle Nou, 14, Bajos, in Lleida. Its public opening hours are Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Q
