Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers because of its slow growth rate and the preventative methods that are available.

The disease is most commonly caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). The risk of cervical cancer is exacerbated by early sexual contact and multiple sexual partners. There are many different forms of HPV (100 numbered genotypes); 14 of these genotypes are associated with cervical cancer.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Through education, early detection and support services, Marie Stopes South Africa aims to help those affected by breast cancer.

In our endeavour to provide essential awareness about breast cancer, here is a five-step guide explaining how you can perform a breast self-exam to check for symptoms of breast cancer.
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Endometriosis is a painful reproductive system disorder in which the tissue that usually lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Millions of women around the world suffer from endometriosis, which is the leading cause of infertility and chronic pelvic pain.… Read More

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections that women experience, with roughly one out of two women affected at least once in her life. That means if you’re a woman, there’s a fifty percent chance you’ve either had a UTI or will be affected by one in your lifetime.… Read More

Rape is one of the prevalent crimes in South Africa, with horrifying statistics growing each day. You may be shocked to learn that even the stomach-churning stats you see in the news don’t accurately reflect the extent of this crime in South Africa – or perhaps you wouldn’t be. Perhaps you, like thousands of other victims every year, are afraid or unwilling to report your rape for a multitude of valid reasons.… Read More

We heard a lot about diabetes on World Diabetes Day on 14 November, but how much do you actually know about the disease that affects around 3.5 million South Africans – and more critically, are you at risk? There are another estimated five million South Africans with pre-diabetes – that is, the propensity to develop type 2 diabetes at some point in their lives. It’s possible that you’re one of them.… Read More

The term ‘human rights defender’ sounds very official, but you, in fact, might be one without even realising it – and if you aren’t, it’s something you could be at any moment.… Read More

With summer in full swing, you may be looking for an alternative to your sanitary pad. Don’t sweat it – we’ve got you covered! Here are some great alternatives to see you through the summer and beyond.… Read More

Postpartum depression, also known as post-natal depression, affects around 10% to 40% of new mothers.

Ironically, despite its prevalence, there still exists a great stigma around postpartum depression – the feeling that you’re so overwhelmed or depressed by motherhood, that you have no interest in caring for your child, or feel completely unable to. It’s a mental illness that women are afraid to talk about or even admit to, yet it affects millions every year.… Read More

Being overweight or obese can significantly increase your chances of many serious diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. This is because the extra fat in your body can have harmful side effects, like producing hormones and proteins that affect how your cells function. Cancer is the result of abnormal cell growth, and studies have found that many types of cancer are more common in people who are overweight or obese.… Read More

A douche isn’t just a jerky guy in a Hollywood movie. ‘Douching’ also refers to the practice of washing out your vagina with homemade cleansers (such as a mix of water and vinegar) or off-the-shelf feminine products and washes. The implication is that the vagina is a dirty, smelly organ that requires manual cleansing in order to be ‘clean’ and appealing for sex.… Read More

Most of us experience anxiety from time to time, but for some, that anxiety can end up destroying our quality of life. It’s normal to worry about certain things, but when that worry consumes your thoughts, affects your sleeping and/or eating patterns, and generally becomes all-consuming, it’s time to do something about it.… Read More

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, and you’re never too young or too ‘low-risk’ to pay attention to the facts. Here are 10 facts about the disease that could save your life.… Read More

In South Africa, one in 26 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her life. Knowing the facts about the disease can help you stay healthy, and to detect it early if it strikes. Remember: early detection is key to beating breast cancer.… Read More

Some days it feels like we have our emotions perfectly in check, but other days, it seems like they drive us to make knee-jerk decisions. Fear, anger, bitterness, elation, over-excitement and euphoria – these kinds of extreme feelings can lead us to make spur-of-the-moment decisions that don’t always serve us in the long run.… Read More

Nothing puts a handbrake on summer sexy times like a yeast infection. Itchy, irritating and sometimes painful, it’s the last thing you want when you’re looking to have carefree fun in the sun – and under the sheets! … Read More