It was. Since its inception more than 73,000 people have dialed 64749014 for help, and hopefully found solace.

On Monday, doctors who handled calls said they have come out with a publication of their experiences that generally covers all aspects of our intimate lives.

Their first and foremost advice is: Let’s be broad-minded and discuss sex freely.

Despite authorities’ efforts to weed out much of the taboos and misunderstandings that go with sex, much of the distrust still remains.

Many people are still too shy to look for advice and ask doctors for help. So the hot line provided relief.

“Protected by the privacy, most callers welcomed the service,” said Hu Xiaoyu, a spokeswoman for the Shanghai Center for Reproductive Health Institution, the founder of the hot line.

The hot line provides consultation on reproductive health and any general information relating to sex. It covers such subjects as puberty, fears about marriage, pregnancy and menopause.

Hu said maternal and neonatal health, sexual dissatisfaction and family planning were the top topics of interest among callers.

Statistics showed that men and women were evenly balanced in seeking help, but their interests differed. About 54 percent of men asked about their sex life, while only 4 percent of women's inquiries covered the same subject.

“Most men complained about their sexual dysfunction and his or his wife’s dissatisfaction during intercourse. Compared to women, they wanted to improve the quality of their sexual life and are eager to try out new and exciting methods," said Dr. Dong Chuanliang.

For instance, Wang, 26, sought help on his premature ejaculation during copulation, and was worried that it could spell the end of his marriage of two years.

“We allayed his fears and gave him professional help, and also suggested hospitals that could be of assistance if he needed any medical help,” said the doctor.

(eastday.com 07/10/2001)