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.
HIV testing: What you need to know
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.
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.
The different types of childbirth methods
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.
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.
Dangers of drinking alcohol when you’re pregnant
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.
International Women’s Day – #BalanceforBetter
‘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.
High-risk pregnancy – what you need to know
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.
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.
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.
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
Safe Abortion Methods: Which is Best for Me?
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.
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.
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.
16 Days of activism – #CountMeIn
It’s time to for our voices to shout from the rooftops: ‘No more violence against women and children!’ The 16 Days of Activism campaign endeavours to spread awareness, discuss the causes and find solutions to curb this epidemic. Show your support by wearing a white ribbon and using the hashtag, #CountMeIn on social media platforms.
What you need to know about cervical cancer
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.
… Read More
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 5
- Next Page »