Increasingly, cases of extremely early pregnancy are observed in Bulgaria – in girls aged 12–13, which poses serious medical and social risks. This was stated by Prof. Assen Nikolov from SBALAG “Maichin dom“ during the scientific meeting on obstetrics and gynecology in Sofia.
“The fact that a girl can get pregnant does not mean that her body is mature enough. When children give birth to children, this poses serious risks for both the mother and the baby“, emphasized Prof. Nikolov. According to him, the problem is related to both social and living conditions and the lack of targeted education and prevention.
Along with early pregnancy, specialists also noted another opposite trend - more and more women are postponing motherhood and encountering difficulties in getting pregnant.
“The problem of difficulty getting pregnant is pan-European and does not bypass Bulgaria. On the one hand, this is due to environmental factors that damage reproductive health, and on the other - to the increasingly frequent decision to get pregnant later“, commented Prof. Nikolov.
The experts also drew attention to an often underestimated factor - bacterial vaginosis, which is of significant importance for the course of pregnancy and reproductive health.
“Disorders in the vaginal microbiome are related not only to the health of the woman, but also to the outcome of the pregnancy. In these conditions, there is a risk of premature birth, low birth weight babies, as well as miscarriages“, explained Dr. Silvia Savova from SBALAG “Maichin Dom“.
She emphasized that the lack of awareness and the late seeking of medical help are among the main causes of complications.
“We advise patients to observe proper intimate hygiene and, above all, to seek medical advice in a timely manner“, added Dr. Savova.
Within the scientific discussion, emphasis was placed on modern therapeutic approaches, with local therapy with clindamycin being defined as the “gold standard” in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
„For five years, a local vaginal gel has been used on the Bulgarian market, which is easily and effectively applied and supports the treatment of this problem“, pointed out Dr. Savova.
The history of the creation of this therapeutic approach is an example of a successful dialogue between medicine and the pharmaceutical sector.
„Five years ago, in a conversation with Prof. Asen Nikolov, it became clear that there was no convenient mechanism for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Then the Bulgarian manufacturer „Antibiotic“ – Razgrad in cooperation with „Sting“ AD created this formula. Thanks to this professional dialogue, we were able to offer a solution that already helps hundreds of women“, said Adelina Lyubenova, Chairwoman of the Initiative Committee of Master Pharmacists.
In her words, it is precisely the cooperation between doctors and the pharmaceutical sector that leads to real results.
“When there is a constructive dialogue between practice and business, we can create effective therapies and solutions for patients“, she added.
Adelina Lyubenova also emphasized the growing problem of pathological pregnancy: “In recent years, we have been faced with an increase in cases of premature babies and complicated pregnancies, one of the reasons being bacterial vaginosis.“
In response to the need for better information, the digital platform on the ikmf.bg website was also presented – section “Intimate Health“, which collects reliable information in one place and provides access to specialists.
The Initiative Committee of Master Pharmacists and the Association of Family Pharmacies “Alliance Service“ support the initiative as part of their mission to increase health culture and promote prevention. The organizations stand behind causes that put the patient at the center of attention and support access to timely and quality health care.
Within the framework of the scientific forum held with the participation of metropolitan obstetricians-gynecologists and pharmacists, bacterial vaginosis was outlined as one of the leading clinical problems in the context of intimate and reproductive health. The discussion emphasized not only the medical aspects of the condition, but also the need for a broader public approach, including prevention, awareness and early referral to a specialist.
The specialists discussed the established approaches to diagnosis and behavior in such conditions, emphasizing that the main challenge remains not so much the lack of therapeutic options as the late seeking of medical care and low health culture. Particular attention was paid to the social environment and insufficient sexual education among adolescents, which leads to incorrect habits, self-medication and an increased risk of complications.
In this context, the need for a closer partnership between doctors and pharmacists was clearly highlighted. The participants in the forum united around the position that when medical practice identifies a specific problem, it should be solved through constructive dialogue and joint actions. Pharmacists were identified as a key intermediary in the process of primary contact with the patient – with an important role in informing, prevention and referral to a specialist.
During the discussions, it was emphasized that a longer-term vision is needed, aimed at building a sustainable health culture. The participants stated that efforts should be directed towards creating a constructive, family-oriented policy that emphasizes prevention, early care and a responsible attitude towards intimate health.
In conclusion, the integrated approach was highlighted as a key factor - a combination of clinical practice, active prevention and health education. Only through coordinated actions between the medical community and the pharmaceutical sector can better control infectious and inflammatory diseases be achieved and the long-term health of patients be improved.