The term “family planning” might have several definitions depending on the way you look at it. In many cases, it refers to the public health service aimed at decreasing unwanted pregnancies and helping women control if and when they have children.
Family Planning Services In South Africa
And it is true there are governmental agencies as well as other organizations that provide family planning services for little or no cost to women who meet certain qualifications. However, family planning services are not just those public health services available through special programs.
Family Planning (Contraception)
Western Cape Government Health offers Family Planning (Contraception) services for free at all primary healthcare clinics. Our Family Planning services include education, counseling and contraception/birth control options to help you decide when or if you want to have children.
We encourage you to visit one of our primary healthcare clinics and talk to a trained healthcare worker about the best options for you.
Methods of contraception
| PROSA single rod implant is used for three years and a A two-rod implant for five years you can use it while breastfeeding is highly effectively cause light or no menstrual periods you can get pregnant immediately after the removal of the implant you can use it while on any antiretrovirals (ARVs) and/or any TB treatment |
CONS
It does not protect against STIs
You may experience nausea, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness and mood changes
Your menstrual cycle may become irregular
How to use male condoms
Make sure the condom is not expired or damaged. Push the condom aside and carefully open the packet. -male-condom-icons_step-3
With your other hand, roll out the condom down to the bottom of the erect penis.
Leave some space near the tip of the condom for the semen.
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Hold the tip of the condom with your thumb and second finger to squeeze the air out of the tip.
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After sex and while the penis is still erect, carefully remove the condom and make sure not to spill any of the semen.
Safely dispose of the used condom in the bin
How to use female condoms
Carefully open and remove the female condom from the package to prevent tearing.
Hold the condom at the thick, inner ring; this inner ring is placed inside the vagina. The thin, outer ring remains outside the body.
wcgh-female-condom-icons_step-5 and 65. The condom will expand inside while the outer ring stays outside the body. Make sure the condom is not twisted.
Stop intercourse if the penis slips between the condom and walls of the vagina or if the outer ring is pushed into the vagina.
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Find a comfortable position and squeeze the thick, inner ring with your thumb and forefinger.
Insert the condom into the vagina using your finger by pushing it up until it rests against the cervix.
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To remove the condom, gently twist the outer ring and pull the condom out of the vagina.
Safely dispose of the used condom in the bin.
Where are these services provided?
These Family Planning services are provided at:
Clinics
Reproductive Health Clinics
The full range of Family Planning services is typically available at all our primary healthcare clinics from 08h00 to 15h30. For a more accurate breakdown, download the list of local clinics with operating times here:
Western Cape Government Health also works with several private providers where you can get contraception. You can find the list of partners
What are some examples of family planning services?
Family planning services include the following:
providing contraception to help women and men plan and space births, prevent unintended pregnancies, and reduce the number of abortions;
offering pregnancy testing and counseling;
helping clients who want to conceive;
providing basic infertility services;
How much does birth control cost in South Africa?
Cost: According to the health department, Implanon costs R1 700 in South Africa’s private sector but is free for all women in the public sector. Efficacy: Less than one pregnancy per 100 women using it for a year. What is it: A T-shaped device inserted into a woman’s uterus.
What are the 3 types of family planning methods for females?
Short-acting hormonal methods, such as the pill, mini-pill, patch, shot, and vaginal ring, prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs or prevent sperm from getting to the egg. Barrier methods, such as condoms, diaphragms, sponge, cervical cap, prevent sperm from getting to the egg.
Do I need a prescription for birth control in South Africa?
It can be obtained with a prescription from a doctor and inserted by a healthcare professional inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is an option for women who have not been pregnant before, and provides immediate protection. All hormonal contraception carries a risk for side-effects – although rare.
Can a GP prescribe birth control in South Africa?
Your family doctor or GP is there to help with period problems or can prescribe contraceptives if you plan to become sexually active. Municipal health clinics provide a reproductive health service by trained nursing sisters and midwives.