Sexual Health

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

Whether you’re looking to prevent a pregnancy, are worried about a STI or are considering an abortion, at Marie Stopes South Africa we’ve got you covered. This brochure provides a summary of our range of services. To make an appointment at one of our centres book online at: www.mariestopes.org.za or call 0800 11 77 85 to speak to a consultant

PREGNANCY CARE

Pregnancy testing A professional nurse will do a urine test and/or scan which will confirm whether you are pregnant, and if so, let you know the stage of the pregnancy. Safe abortion care We offer two methods of safe abortion- the right one for you will depend on:

the stage of your pregnancy
your general health and medical conditions
personal preference
We seek to support overall health and future fertility planning. Safe abortion services include a free contraceptive method and STI screening as well as the opportunity to talk to a nurse about optional HIV testing.

Marie Stopes Procedure (4 to 20 weeks) is a simple, same-day surgical procedure. The appointment includes a consultation with pre- and post-care. The procedure itself takes between 5 and 10 minutes. You will have to spend some time in the recovery room afterwards. Conscious sedation is an option at some of our centres. We offer pain medication as required and a sedation option at select centres. Marie Stopes Medical Process (4 to 9 weeks only) is a combination of tablets, where the first tablet is taken at the centre on the day of your appointment and the second set of tablets is taken later at home.

SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICES

HIV counselling and testing: Options include a rapid test while you wait, or blood results sent to the laboratory. STI screening and treatment: Can help diagnose a troublesome symptoms such as sores on the genitals, discharge from the vagina, itching or burning during urination as well as provide peace of mind to you and your sexual partner(s). Many people have sexually transmitted infections and never know it because they have no symptoms. You can still get or spread infections without symptoms, so opt for regular screenings. Pap smear: Is a pelvic examination that screens for infections as well as abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer. Recommended annually for women that are sexually active or over the age of 21. Well Woman package: Consists of a contraceptive consultation, breast examination and pap smear along with an optional STI screening.

CONTRACEPTION

Long acting methods An IUD is a hormone-free small plastic or copper device fitted into the uterus for 5 or 10 years depending on the model you choose. An IUD a.k.a. “THE LOOP” can also be inserted as an emergency contraceptive up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. The implant is a matchstick-sized tube under the skin of the upper arm. It is effective for up to 3 years. Short-acting methods The injectable is an injection (to the arm or buttocks) every two to three months at the clinic. This method might affect your period in some cases. The pill is a tablet taken daily, at the same time each day. It doesn’t affect periods. The patch is a one ‘plaster-like covering worn on the skin for three weeks [one week patch free]. It does not affect periods. Emergency contraception Emergency contraceptive tablets are effective for up to 120 hours (approximately 5 days) after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception a.k.a “THE MORNING AFTER PILL” While it doesn’t need to be taken the actual “morning after” the sooner you take it the more effective it is.

MARIE STOPES SOUTH AFRICA

Marie Stopes South Africa is the country’s largest non-profit provider of sexual and reproductive healthcare services. As part of the 38 country-strong Marie Stopes International Global Partnership, we have access to a latest innovations and expertise in the field of sexual and reproductive health. In South Africa, we operate 14 centres across 6 provinces which offer: Safe abortion care A range of long and short acting contraceptives Emergency contraception Pap smears / cervical cancer screening Women’s wellness exams HIV counselling and testing Screening and management of STIs Pregnancy tests and scans The fees we charge are cross-subsidised across our network, meaning centres are able to offer prices that best suit the communities they serve. Any surplus we generate is reinvested back into our core work. This ensures we continue to grow our reach and make women’s health matter. 0800 11 77 85

https://www.mariestopes.org.za/

Medical References

www.mariestopes.org.za or call 0800 11 77 85 to speak to a consultant

October 21, 2021

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