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o.k. i'm sure this subject is bound to get a little action. i'm just curious of course. i've searched the archives and no can find. how do the fsu women take care of the birth control issue? is it the man's responsibilty? for those of you have spent several days with your beloved, what's the answer?

... in response to BIRTH CONTROL, posted by FLASH2D on Apr 19, 2003

I don't think birth control is all that popular there, from what I have heard about it.

... in response to BIRTH CONTROL, posted by FLASH2D on Apr 19, 2003

My experience is clearly quite different than that of JohnK.

I've 'known' a few girls from Ukraine, and am, of course, married to a lovely Ukrainian lady now.

I've also had occasion to discuss some of these matters  with girlfriends/wives of my colleagues in Ukraine and with the colleagues themselves.

I presume the situation is similar in Russia - but have no direct experience.

Most girls, in fact, do practice some form of birth control. The most common in the use of a spermicide called Pharmatex. It is manufactured (IIRC) in Germany and comes in both cream form and suppositories.

There are also birth control pills - some manufactured in one of the FSU countries and some are available from Germany. The FSU form are unpredictable and likely contain too large a dosage of hormones. Most women don't like to take these because of the possible health consequences (yes, they clearly ARE aware of them).

The German form of birth control tablets are readily-available and are high-quality, albeit somewhat expensive (about $1 per tab).

Another common form is an IUD (called a "spiral"). And, of course, the condom.

I strongly disagree with what many have written about irresponsible men in Ukraine. My direct experience is quite the contrary. In my travels to Ukraine, I am regularly offered condoms from men that think I may be interested in some 'action' with the ladies - or are suggesting it to me. BTW - it is commonplace in business meetings over dinner to be offered the company of a lady - and along with it comes the offer of the condom.

The women I have known are all quite aware of health consequences of practicing unsafe sex as well as the problems of an unwanted pregancy. I expect you will find the girls there at least as concerned about those possibilities as you will with American girls.

Having said all that, it is also true that abortion rates are unusually high in Ukraine.

If there is a correlation between abortion rate and rate of birth control use, it is a loose one and has little to do with women prefering that men not use condoms etc.

FWIW

- Dan

... in response to BIRTH CONTROL, posted by FLASH2D on Apr 19, 2003

Pregnancies and abortions are commonplace.  While safe sex items are available over there, they are rarely used.  

I think it's a combination of economic and societal reasons.  Given the 40% unemployment rate in Ukraine, it is quite possible that many people can't afford it.  For my wife, the issue was more of a societal reason.  Women can feel offended over there if a man puts on a condom.  It often implies that the womann is somehow unclean.  Also, most men aren't happy wearing a condom anyway, so there is a lot of unprotected sex going on over there.

It also may be partly an issue with education/media saturation.  While most people over there are familiar with sexual protection, there isn't any emphasis on it.  In America, we strongly stress the dangers of unprotected sex in our media on a regular basis.  Over there, such issues are rarely, if ever, discussed in their media.  Without strong public media backing, the widespread use of sexual protection isn't likely to happen anytime soon.

As always, this is simply my 2¢ and strictly my own opinion.  Do not take this while operating any heavy machinery...

... in response to BIRTH CONTROL, posted by FLASH2D on Apr 19, 2003

Abortion is a very common form for young women. If you want to play safe bring your own equipment. Don't rely on the other person. Some understand about safe sex and some don't care.