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.
Everything you need to know about endometriosis
Endometriosis is a gynaecological medical condition whereby the tissue that forms the lining of your uterus grows outside of the uterine cavity; the lining is known as the endometrium.
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.
‘Female Viagra’ – is it safe?
You may have heard about ‘female Viagra’; Flibanserin (sold under the trade name, Addyi) is an FDA-approved ‘Viagra-like’ drug prescribed for the treatment of female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) in premenopausal women. If you think you may be suffering from this arousal disorder, you can visit one of Marie Stopes South Africa’s women’s wellness clinics where tests can be run to see if there may be an underlying cause.
Early menopause – are you at risk?
Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing a hormone called oestrogen which controls your reproductive cycle. A woman goes into menopause when she has not had a period for longer than 12 months. If you are still having regular periods, it is possible to have an unplanned pregnancy. Marie Stopes South Africa offers a safe abortion service if you choose to terminate the pregnancy.
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.
What you need to know about masturbation
Many people masturbate and there’s no need to be ashamed. In fact, masturbation (the act of touching yourself for sexual pleasure) has health benefits and it’s 100% safe – there’s no chance of catching an STI or falling pregnant.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: What you need to know
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition caused by a hormonal imbalance; this creates problems with your ovaries and can heighten the chances of you becoming infertile (inability to fall pregnant.)
PCOS can either compromise the development of the egg or may cause it to not be released from the ovaries, meaning that it cannot be fertilised.
… Read More
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.
ADVICE: What to look out for when using internet/mobile dating sites
The festive season is a time of merriment and creating wonderful memories with friends and family. If you’re single, watching your married/engaged friends having a wonderful time with each other may cause you to use online/mobile dating sites to find a potential ‘friend’ with whom you can enjoy the season.
4 Ways to become more sex positive in 2018
Being sex positive means having an open-minded approach to everyone’s consensual sexual choices and behaviours, including your own. It means accepting your choices and others’ as healthy and normal, and not judging people for their preferences. It also means being respectful, regardless of a person’s sexual and reproductive choices, and embracing the rich tapestry that makes up the spectrum of human wants and desires. … Read More
Everything you need to know about genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes small, painful blisters that break open and turn into ulcers. There is no cure for herpes, and it’s highly contagious, which means it’s incredibly easy to catch it from a partner during unprotected sex.… Read More
5 Sexual health habits to develop in 2018
Take charge of your sexual health in 2018! Here are the top five habits you should develop in 2018 to get healthy, stay healthy and enjoy a fabulous, infection-free sex life. … Read More
5 Ways to protect your partner from HIV infection
According to Statistics SA, roughly 12.6% of the South African population is HIV positive. That’s around one in 8 people, which means if you’re dating or in a non-monogamous relationship, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll come into contact with HIV positive partners. … Read More
Effects of diabetes on sexual and reproductive health
In one of our recent blog posts, we covered the topic of diabetes, a serious illness that can have dire side-effects on the organs, limbs and nerves. … Read More
What causes pain during sex? 7 culprits that cause discomfort
Have you started experiencing pain or discomfort when you’re having sex? Unless it’s your first time or you have a medical condition you’re aware of, sex shouldn’t hurt. If you’re experiencing any kind of discomfort during intercourse, you should get to your doctor, gynae or sexual healthcare clinic as soon as possible. … Read More
Vagina talk: 5 infections that can be misdiagnosed as thrush
Recently we covered the ways you can help stay clear of yeast infections in summer, but what if your symptoms are telling you something else?… Read More
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