DESCRIPTION: |
The service offers counselling on and provision of a range of safe, effective and acceptable contraceptive methods from which women, men and teenagers can freely choose to prevent unwanted pregnancy. INFORMATION AND COUNSELLING Information on the various contraceptive methods is given to help individuals make informed choices based on their personal history and physical examination. If a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is detected, it will be treated with medication at the clinic or a referral letter may be given to a special clinic. Once a contraceptive method has been chosen, the client is monitored for possible side effects in follow up visits to the clinic. Any girl or woman can decide if she wants to use contraception. She does not need the permission of her partner or parents. Many clinics now have a dedicated youth service so that young people can get information about family planning in a comfortable environment. METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION Oral contraception for women: Pills come in packets of 28 and must be taken once daily at the same time. There are two main types: Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) pills and Progestogen-only Contraceptive (POP) pills. They are free of charge at clinics and hospitals and can also be bought at pharmacies without prescription. This form of contraception does not prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI/HIV/Aids). Contraceptive injection for women: There are two types: Nur-Isterate, which is given every two months (8 weeks) and DMPA (Depo Provera or Petogen ) which is given every three months (12 weeks). This form of contraception does not prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI/HIV/Aids). Intrauterine device (IUD): An IUD is a small device that is put into a women's uterus (womb) by a specially trained health worker. An IUD can prevent pregnancy for at least five years. It does not prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI/HIV/Aids). If a women or her partner has multiple sex partners, the IUD should not be the method of first choice unless condoms are also used, to protect against STI/HIV transmission. Women are required to go to the clinic for a check up six weeks after the IUD has been inserted. It is also advisable to go for a check-up every year. The IUD is available at some clinics only but can also be bought at pharmacies. Emergency contraception: This method can be used by women who want to prevent pregnancy because they have had unprotected sex, been raped or they suspect that the contraception they used during sexual intercourse did not work properly. Emergency contraceptive pills can be taken 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but the earlier the pills are taken the better they work. Pills are free of charge at clinics and hospitals and can also be bought without prescription at pharmacies An IUD can also be inserted within five days of unprotected sex to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If it is too late for these emergency contraceptive methods, and an unwanted pregnancy is suspected, a Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) is available as a last resort. TOP is legal in South Africa. Condoms: Female and male condoms are the only single method that offer dual protection from both unwanted pregnancy as well as Sexually Transmitted Infections including HIV/Aids. Male condoms are free of charge at clinics and some public venues. Condoms are also sold cheaply at most pharmacies and shops. Female condoms are available free of charge at a few designated clinics and for sale in some pharmacies. Sterilisation: This is a permanent contraceptive method for both women and men. Any person 18 years or above who is capable of consenting may be sterilised at his or her request. Counselling should be given before the procedure. It is a short and simple operation that does not affect one's sex life, other than giving peace of mind about unwanted. A booking for sterilisation can be made at the local clinic. Counselling is provided and a request form will need to be signed. The operation is free of charge at some community health centres and hospitals at every level (primary, secondary and tertiary). The doctor who does the operation will ask the client to sign a consent form. The operation for females is called a tubal ligation. The fallopian tubes that carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus (womb) are tied or blocked. The eggs are prevented from becoming fertilised by the sperm and pregnancy is prevented. The procedure for males is called a vasectomy, which is usually done while the man is awake, using local anaesthetic, or a general anaesthetic. One or two very small openings are made in the skin near the testicles. The vas deferens (sperm tube), which carries sperm from each testicle, are cut and tied. The operation is not immediately effective and another contraception method is needed for three months after the operation, or for the next 15-20 times that the man has sex. A confirmatory test (sperm count) is necessary to ensure that the sperm is cleared from the tubes. Sterilisation does not prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI/HIV/Aids). Mentally disabled people can be sterilised in terms of the Sterilisation Act, 1998 (Act No. 44 of 1998). The parent, guardian, curator or spouse can request the sterilisation of a person who is incapable of consenting due to mental disability. An application must be made and sent to the relevant hospital. An appointment will be made for a panel consisting of three mental health professionals to assess the client, who must be accompanied by the applicant. Depending on the circumstances, the panel will decide on whether or not to proceed with sterilisation. USEFUL CONTACTS The following private organisations can also help:
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INSTRUCTIONS: |
You should be able to get this service at most clinics. If the method you want is not available, ask to be referred to a health facility where it is.If you are a first-time visitor to a health facility you will be asked to fill out a form and a folder will be opened. Bring your referral letter (if relevant), any medication you are taking and your clinic/hospital card if previously registered at the facility. |
PROVIDED AT: |
These facility categories: |
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GOVERNMENT BODY:
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Department of Health (Provincial Government of the Western Cape) |
PRICE: |
There is no charge at primary health care facilities and when referred up the line. Ambulance Services are free of charge for clients who undergo sterilisation. |
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Cape Gateway is a government service aimed primarily at citizens of the Western Cape, providing information on local, provincial and national government |  |