Also known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), it is a mental condition where the individual cannot stop thinking about supposed flaws in their appearance. There are a variety of causes: from genetics to the skewed societal pressure of what is considered ‘beautiful’. Marie Stopes South Africa is dedicated to women’s wellness and will help you every step of the way.
Sleep plays an essential role in your mental, physical and overall wellbeing. If you don’t get enough sleep, you leave yourself susceptible to a plethora of health risks, including heart disease, kidney disease. Mental symptoms such as angry and impulsive behaviour (this could include not thinking about using contraception when you have sex.), depression, lack of motivation and suicidal thoughts.
Any drug that makes it easier for sexual assault or rape to take place is known as a ‘date rape’ drug. It has a myriad of harmful effects, one of which can be an unplanned pregnancy. Marie Stopes South Africa specialises in women’s healthcare services and is equipped to provide you with available options should you wish to terminate the pregnancy.
If you smoke, drink or are malnourished during pregnancy, it increases the risks of harming the baby, sometimes to such an extent that you may have no option but to terminate the pregnancy.
It’s essential for women to know how to optimise their health during pregnancy. Here are five ways that will contribute towards having a healthy baby.
Has your sex drive dwindled? A low libido can be caused by a number of factors including stress, hormonal imbalance, and drinking too much alcohol. The good news is there are ways you can heighten your libido and bring the spark back into your sex life. Marie Stopes offers Women’s Wellness services that can help recommend the best course of action.
‘…and they lived happily ever after.’
Unfortunately, storybooks have skewed our perception of relationships – they’re not as easy as you may think. Here are some signs that may indicate you’re in an unhealthy relationship.
Severe depression during pregnancy, premature birth, labour complications – these are all effects of eating disorders that can cause serious, potentially fatal, health issues for you and your baby. If you have an eating disorder and want a healthy pregnancy, it’s essential that you seek treatment. All Marie Stopes clinics and HCUs offer a comprehensive pregnancy care service.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the two most common eating disorders: anorexia and bulimia.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the arteries as it travels through your body. If the force gets higher, it leads to hypertension (high blood pressure) which can cause damage to the arteries, resulting in pregnancy complications for you and your baby; other life-threatening issues include stroke, aneurysm and heart attack.
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.
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.
Childbirth is possibly the most personal experience for women. Today, there are more childbirth options for expectant mothers than ever before including: vaginal births, home births, elective Cesarean section and even water births which can be performed at home – let’s explore the different options for you to decide which one suits you best.
‘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.
Your doctor has told you that you’re pregnant. Congratulations! Celebrate with friends and family into the early hours of the morning…but don’t drink any alcohol; consumption of alcohol can cause irreparable damage to your unborn baby.
‘Better the balance, better the world.’ This uplifting statement expresses the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day which takes place on 8 March 2019. The theme focuses on the need for continued efforts by everyone, no matter where you are, to create a gender-balanced world.
Generally, pregnancies follow their natural process and a healthy baby is born. However, sometimes there are factors that can cause risks to the mother and unborn baby. Doctors refer to this as ‘high-risk pregnancy.’ Are you at risk? Here’s what you need to know.
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.
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.
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 (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.
Choosing what to do about an unplanned pregnancy takes its emotional toll. If you decide to terminate the pregnancy, ensure that you opt for a safe abortion procedure. ‘Backstreet’ abortions are not only illegal, but they are also often ineffective and can even be fatal. In this article, we discuss the differences between the two safe abortion methods that are available, so that you have the information you need in order to decide which one is best for you.
