Materia Medica Malaysiana

Women, take charge!

The Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia is on a campaign to get women to take charge of their reproductive health. KASMIAH MUSTAPHA writes.
Be aware that there are various methods of contraception to protect them against unplanned pregnancies or sexually-transmitted diseases.
This is the message that the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM) wants to tell women. It wants couples to practise responsible family spacing which can protect the reproductive health and well-being of women.
OGSM president Dr Ravi Chandran says cases of unwanted pregnancies and sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise in this country. Unfortunately most women are not in control when it comes to using contraceptives.
“Women are aware that there are various contraceptives that they or their partners can use. However some women cannot take charge of the situation for social and cultural reasons.”
He says there are 5.42 million fertile women in Malaysia. Of this figure 48 per cent are using some form of contraceptives.”The rest are not taking any precautions against unwanted pregnancies or even protecting themselves against diseases. They need to know that effective contraceptives save lives,” says Dr Ravi, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist.
He says there are various methods of contraception including oral contraceptives, condoms, female sterilisation and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
“We are especially targeting women because we feel women are still the cornerstone of the family’s health. We believe if we look after the woman’s health, we look after the family’s health, society’s health and even the country’s health. That is why we keep saying women’s health is important.
“To take better care of women’s health, it is important that they practise family planning by using the right contraceptives.”
OGSM is embarking on a public education programme aiming at giving women comprehensive and accurate information on family planning.
Called “Yasmin Take Charge!”, the programme includes public forums and education outreach to women and their partners. It is organised with the co-operation of Schering (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.