South African women will have to wait before laying their hands on the newly-approved dapivirine vaginal ring (DPV-VR – while the National Department of Health assesses the effectiveness of the HIV prevention device. Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson, Foster Mohale,…
An expert in reproductive health has given women peace of mind as myths continue to do the rounds during the ongoing pandemic – the COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t affect your menstrual cycle. Professor Helen Rees, head of the Reproductive Health and…
The Health Department and sexual and reproductive health NGOs are urging South Africans to use condoms to avoid contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). South Africa is marking STI/Condom Week which highlights the importance of condom usage and also educates people…
Being intimate with your partner might seem strange now that you’re pregnant. But don’t stress – there is nothing to worry about when having sex during pregnancy, and most importantly, your baby is safe. It’s understandable if you’re feeling uneasy…
New mothers often dread returning to the office after having a baby. Being able to bond with your new bundle of love somehow changes everything – but believe it or not, it’s possible to juggle motherhood and your career guilt-free.…
The spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to be an urgent public health issue in South Africa. While prevention will always be better than a cure, the prevalence of STIs, especially among women, makes it important to understand early…
A grieving brother has called on the National Department of Health to make cancer treatment accessible within all corners of the country, especially rural communities. Muntu Nyathi lost his sister to breast cancer two weeks ago and in light of…
A triple breast cancer survivor who gave birth to a baby girl just six months ago wants to instill hope in fellow women who are fighting the disease. She is a firm believer that the dreaded ‘c-word’ will never be…
South Africa is experiencing an upward trend in unplanned pregnancies and unwanted births leading to the question: When will SA men start taking responsibility? Statistics reveal that fewer than 1% of men aged between 15 and 49 have had vasectomies.…
Risha Naidoo has been suffering from pain caused by her uterus since the age of 12 – but after almost a decade, her wish of having a hysterectomy has finally been granted. Her grounds for wanting the procedure weren’t only…
No one ever squeals with delight when they have to go for annual health checkups – but this is no reason to dread or avoid them. They are designed to assess the risk of potential medical conditions and allow a…
It’s 3am and I am sitting up on the edge of my bed, woken up by a sharp pain in my abdomen. It’s a familiar pain but I never get used to it. The pain is as regular but far…
The cramps that come with a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle are uncomfortable and can be a serious joy killer especially when painful and persistent. Around 80% of women experience period pain at some stage in their lifetime which can last…
Many pregnant mothers in South Africa have experienced a form of obstetric violence – a specific type of violation of women’s rights in medical practice during health care related to the child birth. At 23, *Nthateng discovered that she was…
More than half of South African women have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) and the impact on their mental health is devastating. Studies show that these survivors are three times more likely to contemplate suicide as an outlet. GBV is a…
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