A BOLTON doctor is pioneering a unique programme of sex education in an attempt to prevent gym slip pregnancies.

Dr Dominic Stevens has devised a system in which he advises and informs mothers of daughters - aged about 10 years - about problems they may face in the future.

And he discusses the way in which these can be dealt with before more serious predicaments arise.

The GP, who has been based at his Church Road surgery in Smithills for more than eight years, marks the records of mothers of girls approaching the age of 10 or 11. He then waits until the mother needs to attend his surgery and broaches the subject at a convenient moment.

Dr Stephens said: "Mothers on the whole have liked our approach. I explain my attitude to them which is that contraception is better than failed contraception.

"I learn what their attitude is, and so we work in partnership. I am also able to advise mothers on the state of the law, regarding the provision of contraception. The aim is to bring the matter up well before any problems arise."

Dr Stephens has adopted his strategy for a few years, gaining the wholehearted support of his nurses and other female staff at the surgery before taking the initiative.

He said: "It was quite a risky thing to do, but I feel that we are realising an unmet need.

"It is making sure that both the girls and their mothers know they can come here for advice.

"One or two mothers have walked out on me when I have broached the subject, but I feel that it is worth it, as many more are thankful for someone to discuss the matter with.

"Some do not quite like bringing the subject out in the open. But the evidence shows that in more open countries such as Holland, there is a lower teenage pregnancy rate, less cases of sexually transmitted diseases and even the age of when girls first have sex is higher than it is here."

He added: "Girls who do know about contraception and sex are empowered. This gives them the confidence to learn to say 'no' - which is the most important part of all of this."

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