At Marie Stopes, we understand that many people avoid getting an HIV test because they are afraid of the result. There’s no need to be afraid; get tested and know your status. HIV is preventable, and you can reduce your risk by knowing your status. Early detection means early treatment and better outcomes. In this article, we explain the different methods of HIV testing.
What you need to know about the morning-after pill
The reality is that accidents happen. If you have unprotected sex, forget to take birth control pills or a condom breaks during sex, emergency contraception is available to you through Marie Stopes South Africa to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. This type of emergency contraception is known as the morning-after pill. Learn more about the availability of the morning-after pill in South Africa.
HIV, AIDS and STIs…explained
‘I’m HIV+, I have AIDS.’
‘All contraception prevents STIs.’
There is unfortunately a lot of false information regarding HIV, AIDS and STIs, which can lead to unnecessary infection. Marie Stopes South Africa is dedicated to ensuring you have access – and resources – to safeguard your sexual and reproductive health.
The different types of female contraceptives
Marie Stopes South Africa is driven to provide knowledge to the public about sexual and reproductive health. We’ve compiled a quick-study guide about the different types of female contraception.
The different types of female contraceptives
9 tips for a healthy sex life
Experiencing problems in the bedroom? There are physical and psychological factors that can contribute to a low sex-drive such as medical conditions, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Marie Stopes South Africa’s Women’s Wellness services are here to help you.
Home pregnancy tests – what you need to know
Have you missed your period and think you may be pregnant? A home pregnancy test will help determine whether you’re pregnant or not. According to Cleveland Clinic, ‘most tests are 99 percent effective if taken after a missed period.’
If you’ve never used a home pregnancy test before and have no idea what to do, don’t worry. We’ll explain the steps in this article.
Am I ovulating? Understanding your menstrual cycle
While safe abortions are legal in South Africa, understanding your menstrual cycle will help you determine when you’re ovulating. In this article, we outline everything that you need to know about menstruation.
Explore your body: How safe are sex toys?
You don’t need to be embarrassed about using sex toys. Much like the topic of safe abortion, there is a certain, unwarranted stigma attached to sex toys. There is nothing wrong with enhancing your sexual pleasure.
5 sex positions to make you go ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’ this Christmas
The holiday season is finally here. For the majority of us, the office is closed and work-life goes on the back-burner. This is the perfect time for you and your partner to take some time and re-ignite your sex life by trying these intimate sex positions.
Addiction and pregnancy: Is your baby at risk?
The life-threatening risks of abusing any type of drugs e.g. heroin, painkillers such as oxycodone, cocaine, methamphetamines (crystal meth, ecstasy) and marijuana are well documented. However, if you abuse these drugs while pregnant, you’re risking your baby’s health too.
MSSA – World AIDS Day 2018 – ‘Know your Status’
World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December 2018 – a day when people from around the world unite in order to support, fight, educate and spread awareness about HIV/AIDS.
This year, the theme is ‘Know my Status’, aimed at encouraging everyone to get tested for HIV/AIDS and depending on the outcome, have the knowledge to take the appropriate action. It’s vital to understand that with the right treatment, anyone with HIV can live a long and happy life.
What age is ‘too late’ to have a baby?
Every woman’s fertility timeline is different, but the short answer, according to experts, is that the ability for a woman to become pregnant decreases quite dramatically after the age of 35 – but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to have a baby.
Do antibiotics really affect the efficacy of the pill? Here’s what you need to know
Is it true that antibiotics can affect the efficacy of the pill? Common antibiotics like penicillin and amoxicillin are prescribed regularly for a wide range of ailments, and if you’re on the pill, you’ve probably been advised by your doctor to use back-up protection while taking antibiotics. You’ll probably also notice that the information leaflet that comes with your medication offers the same advice. … Read More
Holiday sex tips to keep you safe & satisfied this festive season
Holiday nookie, summer flings… these are some of the best things about the festive season. As the partying hots up, so do our hormones, which might be why sexual health issues tend to increase at this time of year.… Read More
The dangers of HIV stigma
We may be well into the 21st century, but widespread stigma still exists around HIV/Aids – and, according to Huffington Post, may be even more dangerous than the disease itself. … Read More
Female condom: 5 reasons we love using them
When it comes to sex, there’s no such thing as too much protection. If you want to be doubly sure you’re protected against STIs and unplanned pregnancy, consider the female condom. Used in conjunction with your regular birth control method, you’ll be twice as safe – which means double the fun!… Read More
Condom conversations: 6 easy ways to discuss safe sex with a partner
If you’re not in a monogamous relationship with a partner, you should be using condoms every time you have sex.
Condoms aren’t only there to protect against unplanned pregnancy, and HIV isn’t the only sexually transmitted infection (STI) you could contract. In fact, incidences of chlamydia and syphilis are on the rise among sexually active adults, and HIV/Aids is still one of the top causes of death among South African adults across the age spectrum.… Read More
Anal sex foreplay tips for beginners
You’ve probably heard some hectic stories from friends about anal sex, which means that even if you’re wanting to try it, you’re probably pretty nervous (even without the hectic stories, that’s normal though).… Read More
Anal sex tips for your first time
Here’s the very first thing you need to know about anal sex: it’s is not the kind of thing you want to rush into.
Anal sex, without the proper preparation, can be painful, risky and unpleasant. However, if you know what to expect and you prepare yourself properly, you may actually enjoy it – after all, plenty of people do!
Before you get down to the deed, here are five critical ways to warm up. … Read More
Sex and protection: How to talk to your partner about condoms & STIs
You probably already know that when it comes to having sex, you should be using protection every time. But you might not know the golden rule about protection: if you aren’t comfortable enough talking condoms, STIs and sex risks with your partner, you shouldn’t be having sex with them in the first place. … Read More