Hi there, what are you protecting yourself from?

Hi there, An STI (sexually transmitted infection) is an infection that is spread from person to person through sexual contact. Visit our STI section and learn more http://ow.ly/hGgx30l1j9u 

Hi there, contraceptives may be given to a anyone on request. A consent of a parent or caregiver is not needed if the person is 12 years or older, learn more here http://ow.ly/OF3b30l1j7B 

Hi there, An STI (sexually transmitted infection) is an infection that is spread from person to person through sexual contact, this is how you can protect yourself http://ow.ly/PI4D30l1iXG 

Hi there, Yes, if you are HIV positive, you can have children and there is a good chance you can have an HIV negative baby. Learn more here http://ow.ly/WE9930l1iV8

Hi there, In situations like this, it’s best to discuss this with a doctor or nurse today, as they will need to understand more about what you are experiencing and do a physical examination, so they can advise you further. You can find your local clinic here http://ow.ly/wD7r30l1gvl

Hi there, It sounds like you could be experiencing constipation, and there can be different reasons that this can happen. Usually, one can prevent constipation by drinking enough water, eating foods that are rich in fibre, such as fruit and vegetables, and avoiding processed foods like white bread. Right now, you can get help and treatment  from your local clinic.  They would see if you are having any other symptoms and guide you on what the cause could be. You can find your local clinic here http://ow.ly/wD7r30l1gvl

Hi there, thank you for your question. If this happens often it is possible that you may have asthma. You can read this article to find out more about what asthma is all about Asthma 411 . It is best that you visit you local clinic so the doctor or nurse can check you up and give you the right treatment that you need. 

Hi there thank you for your question. You can check out our article on How to keep your vagina healthy  for more info .

Hi anonymous, there are several different symptoms a person can have when they are pregnant. Some people have these symptoms and some people don’t. Also, these signs could be caused by other things as well, not only pregnancy. So the best way to find out is to do a urine pregnancy test, which can be done at your clinic, pharmacy or doctor. 

Hi there, even if you and your partner are not living with HIV right now, it is still important to protect yourself by using condoms. They can protect you and your partner from other STIs and pregnancy, or it can protect you if one of you becomes HIV-infected at a later stage.

Hi there, It is important to use a condom every time you have sex so that you can protect yourself and your partner against STIs and pregnancy.

There are a few different things that can cause vaginal itching, so it is a good idea to go to your clinic/healthcare provider so you can be properly assessed and get the right treatment for you. If you haven’t already, while you are there it might also be a good chance for you to find out more about different contraception options, pap smears and HIV testing. Thrush (yeast infection) is one of the more common causes of your symptom, and it is usually quite easily treatable, but a proper discussion with a nurse/doctor is the best way to see what will help you. Visit www.bwisehealth.com  to find a clinic near you. 

Yes, it is possible to fall pregnant even while using contraceptives. Some methods offer a higher protection than others, and generally, contraception is pretty effective, but there is a small chance of falling pregnant. The way you use it may also affect things, for example, if you forget to take your pill, or you go a bit late for your repeat injection. It is usually encouraged to try and use contraception methods and a condom at the same time so you can have double protection against falling pregnant and the spread of HIV and other STIs. If you think you may be pregnant, it is a good idea to go a get a check-up as soon as possible, so you can get the right care you need. To find a clinic near you, visit www.bwisehealth.com

Hi, thank you for your question. Chest pains can be caused by many different things that's why it is important to visit your local clinic and get checked by a nurse or a doctor so they can check you up and tell you exactly what may be wrong. They will also tell you what you should eat and what you can't eat.

Hi there, thank you for your question. If you are allergic to some vegetables you may experience an itchy throat or tongue. Its best that you don't eat vegetables that you are allergic to, if you find yourself in a situation that you may have eaten the vegetables that  you are allergic to then you must go to the doctor or local clinic immediately. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can go to your local clinic and get tested as soon as possible, so you can get checked and get the right treatment 

Hi there, thank you for your question. Depending on what type of problems you are having its best that you visit your local clinic to get checked by a nurse or a doctor, they will also give you the right treatment that you need. You can also check out our Health Issues section

Hi Anonymous. Anti-retroviral medication (ARVs) help to keep the virus under control.  Every time you take your ARVs, you top up the amount of ARV there is in your blood. When you keep your ARV level in your blood high, this pushes the HIV in your body down and stops HIV from attacking and killing your CD4 (soldier) cells. Your CD4 cells need to be able to fight other illnesses and infections so you stay healthy. The ARVs make your CD4 cells stronger, so it's important to take your ARVs every day. Every time you miss or forget to take your ARVs, the HIV level in your body increases.

It’s important to continue taking your ARVs faithfully in order for them to work. If you skip your treatment the ARV drug may not be as effective the next time you take it. We wish you the best with your practical.

Hi Anonymous. Anti-retroviral medication (ARVs) help to keep the virus under control.  Every time you take your ARVs, you top up the amount of ARV there is in your blood. When you keep your ARV level in your blood high, this pushes the HIV in your body down and stops HIV from attacking and killing your CD4 (soldier) cells. Your CD4 cells need to be able to fight other illnesses and infections so you stay healthy. The ARVs make your CD4 cells stronger, so it's important to take your ARVs every day. Every time you miss or forget to take your ARVs, the HIV level in your body increases.

It’s important to continue taking your ARVs faithfully in order for them to work. If you skip your treatment the ARV drug may not be as effective the next time you take it. We wish you the best with your practical.

Hi there Rena, thank you for your question. It is best that you visit your local clinic and speak to a doctor or a nurse. They will be able to tell you what your options are and they will give you the help that you need. You can use the Clinic Finder  

Hi Anonymous. There are a number of healthy ways to increase your body weight. A healthy diet is a good way to start. You can read our articles Dieting: Is it good for you? and Eat well to stay well to understand what a healthy diet includes. Balancing a healthy diet and exercising regularly can also help you achieve your goal. Check out our articles from our Get fit section  for more information on how to get into shape.

Hi there, thank you for your question. Eating on stop can be a problem especially if you are not gaining weight. It is possible that you may have a thyroid problem, its best that you speak to a doctor or s nurse, they will check you up and tell you exactly what the problem may be. 

Even if you and your partner are not living with HIV right now, it is still important to try and protect yourself by using condoms. They can protect you and your partner from other STIs and pregnancy, or can protect you if one of you become HIV-infected at a later stage.

It is important to try and use a condom every time you have sex, so that you can help protect yourself and your partner against STIs and pregnancy. Even one time not using a condom can put you at risk.It is important to try and use a condom every time you have sex, so that you can help protect yourself and your partner against STIs and pregnancy. Even one time not using a condom can put you at risk.

Hi anonymous, there are several different symptoms a person can have when they are pregnant. Some people have these symptoms and some people don’t. Also, these signs could be caused by other things as well, not only pregnancy. So the best way to find out is to do a urine pregnancy test, which can be done at your clinic, pharmacy or doctor. 

Hi Anonymous. There is no need for you to detoxify your body. The liver does this work, and anyone with a healthy liver will be cleansed of toxins by their liver. However, detoxing in a natural way won’t have any effect on your CD4 count. Include lots of veggies and fruits in your diet and it’s best that you drink enough water daily to make sure your body is working well. Drinking a few glasses of water a day is a good way to start. You can also read our article Ways to flatten your belly and Eat well to stay well: Healthy food, healthy life for more information.

Hi there, thank you for your question. Using a condom is very important, it protect you against STI's, HIV and unplanned pregnancies. It is also important that you test regularly to ensure that you get the right treatment if you need it. You can check out our article on Get yourself a condom – it’s still your best protection! 

Hi there, thank you for your question. It is possible to experience symptoms such as irregular bleeding and nausea which are side effects of the injection which may make you feel as if you are pregnant although pregnancy is unlikely to happen. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. This can be the cause of an infection or an STI. It's important that you visit your local clinic and speak to a nurse or a doctor and they will give you the treatment that you need.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It is normal for your period to be painful and heavy when you have your period. You can try using a hot water bottle to help with the pain. For more information you can Menstruation Facts: What is your period?  

Hi anonymous, this is how you can keep your vagina healthy and clean http://ow.ly/Tf4930kOxqO 

Hi thank you for your question. It depends when you had your last injection. The injection needs to be administered every 8 weeks, if you do not stick to the time that you need to take the injection you are not protected against pregnancy. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. For more information on how you can stay strong and healthy you can check out our Healthy Living section 

Hi there, thank you for your question. No it won't be safe for a male to use contraceptive pills because these can change your hormones as these pills were made for the female body. It is best for you to visit your local clinic to talk to a nurse or a doctor about getting treatment for your skin and to gain weight.

Hi, thank you for your question. It is normal to lose weight when you have HIV with a low CD4 count. It may  become necessary for you to monitor your food intake and do some regular exercise. In particular you need to increas your fat and carbohydrate intake and increase protein in your diet.
 

 It is important that you remember to take your medication on time. Its also important to eat healthy, and eat on time even if it is a snack. Skipping meals when you taking your pills can cause you to lose more weight.

Hi there, thank you for you question. With the new medicines in use now (like Tribuss, and many others) the body changes can happen. Although you  shouldn’t expect any major body changes with this medicine.  It is best for you to visit your local clinic to talk to a nurse or a doctor and they will give you the right treatment for your runny tummy.

Hi, thank you for your question.It is very difficult to diagnose your condition based on the above description. It is possible that you may have experienced an episode of broncho-spasm related to the cigarette smoke you inhaled, however, your symptoms could also be related to a panic attack, gastric reflux or a number of other conditions. If you still experience this condition its best that you visit your local doctor to get checked up.

Hi there, thank you for your question. Click here to find out about what virginity is all about and what happens when you lose your virginity What is virginity? 

Hi Anonymous. It is common to experience pain during sexual intercourse (sex) and this might be a result of vaginismus; which is a condition that makes it painful when a penis or tampon enters the vagina. This can be caused by the following:

·         Infections in the vagina area, which are not necessarily STIs like thrush, which is fungal infections. You can read our article What is vaginal thrush or a yeast infection? for more information.

·         When the vagina is dry or lack of sexual arousal. You can read our article Why dry sex is not a good idea for more information.

·         Some medications that you might be taking.

·         Tears in the vaginal wall.

·         Psychological causes: fear of getting pregnant, fear of underperforming, relationship problems, tiredness or depression, religious or cultural restrictions around sex.

 If the symptoms continue, it’s best you visit your nearest clinic to get the medical attention you need. You can find your nearest health clinic here.

Hi there, thank you for your question. This may be a sign of infection, especially if you had any tears or cuts while giving birth . It is best that you visit your local clinic and speak to a nurse or a doctor and they will check you up and give you the correct treatment. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. There can be many reasons why you may not be menstruating. Many medications used to prevent pregnancy work by changing your menstrual cycle (period). This means that the time and length of your period may change. If you are sexually active you may also be pregnant.  The best thing is to go back to the clinic so they can check you and give you the right treatment for you and they will be able to tell you what may be wrong. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can check out our Healthy Living section for more information. 

Hi Ano, thank you for your question. That's a very interesting question. Its important to know that you don't have to be a certain blood type to get HIV, anyone can get HIV. It is a myth that people with blood type O + cannot get infected. You can read our article on  HIV Myths & Truths  to read more about myths and truths on HIV. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. It is normal to be scared, this can be caused by HPV but it can be treated.if you want to know more on HPV you can read our HPV section .  It is important that you visit your local clinic as soon as possible to get the right treatment. If you do not get the right treatment at an early stage it is possible that the lesion can lead to cancer. We do understand that this must be very scary for you, but remember the doctors and nurses are there to help you, its best you go visit your local clinic as soon as possible. 

Hi there, please visit your nearest clinic to be tested for HIV. That is the only way you will know your status. You can find and rate your local clinic here.

Remember, if you test negative, you will need to get tested again after 3 months to ensure the result is accurate.

If you are positive, you will be offered treatment (antiretroviral therapy, or ART). You should start this treatment as soon as possible (preferably on the day your HIV is diagnosed) as it will ensure you remain healthy and do not contract an infection related to HIV.  In addition, if you are HIV positive and start ART you will be very unlikely to pass the virus on to any of your sexual partners.

In future, make sure to use a condom each and every time you have sex. Correct and consistent condom use is the best way to ensure your risk of contracting HIV is as low as possible.

Hi there,  the injectable contraceptives available in South Africa are ‘progestogen-only’ injections (the medication included is only progesterone). The 2 options available are depo provera (3 monthly injection) and nur isterate (2 monthly injection). Unfortunately, because of the type of medication included in these injections, a common effect is for a woman’s periods to stop. Periods stop due to the effect of the hormones in the woman’s body – so your periods stopping is not bad for you, and won’t make you sick. After stopping the injectable contraceptive, a woman’s period will come back (although there may be a time lag from the time the last injection is taken to the time the period comes back).

Apart from injectable, there are many different types of contraceptives available in South Africa. Some options include pills, rings, patches, devices that are inserted into the uterus (womb), condoms and permanent contraceptive methods. Learn more about contraceptives here.

It is best to consult a healthcare worker at your nearest facility to understand the different methods available and which would suit you best. You can find and rate your nearest clinic here.

Dear anonymous

Thank you for your question.  Nur-Isterate and Depo Provera both prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (when an egg is released from the ovary) by using the hormone called progesterone.  When you have a papsmear, which is a very important screening test, the doctor or nurse will use a wooden spatula or a brush to scrap off some cells from the cervix to check for signs of infection or cancer. 

A papsmear will not have any effect on the hormones in the Nur-Isterate or the Depo Provera and will not increase the chance of falling pregnant.  Unfortunately, no method of contraception can prevent pregnancy 100%.  It is important that the method chosen is used correctly and at the correct time interval, as missing doses or dates makes them less effective.  Also, some medications can also make hormonal contraception less effective so please check with your doctor or local clinic if you are taking any other medications.  If you are worried that you may be pregnant, then it would be best to go to your local clinic for a pregnancy test.  Also remember that none of the contraceptive methods protect us from sexually transmitted infections and HIV, and therefore one should always use a condom. 

There are now also female condoms available.  It can be normal to have some spotting (a little bit of blood on the panties) when on the injectable contraception and it can also happen after having a papsmear done, but if it continues or gets worse it would be better to have a check-up.  Also remember to go and get the results from your papsmear.

Congratulations on the birth of your new baby!

There are many reasons why you could be having abdominal pain after c-section; 2 of the most common reasons include:

After a c-section body will take up to 6 weeks to fully recover after this operation and during this time it is normal to feel pain.

 Pain can also be caused by contractions of the uterus especially during breastfeeding (as the hormones released during breastfeeding cause uterine contraction) If you are worried about the pain you can visit your doctor or a nurse at the local clinic and they will help you.

Hi there, thank you for your question. The changes that your body is going through is normal because you may be going through puberty. If you want to know more about the changes you can expect during puberty you can check out our Girl's Body Guide section.  

Hi, thank you for your question. You are a really good friend for trying to get help for your friend. It’s important to know that having sex should be an agreement between both partners. It is not healthy to be in a relationship where one partner is forced to do something they are uncomfortable with. Being forced into having sex is rape. You can share this article with your friend and she can also sign up to Bwisehealth.com to get the advice she needs. Click on this link to read the article Dating as an adolescent: Do you feel safe?

Hi there Niky, thank you for your question. Emotions play a big role in your life because they will always be there. For more information on emotions and where you can get help for emotional problems you can read this article Knowing when to get help for emotional problems 

Hi there thank you for your question. You can check out this article to get your answer Dating when you’re HIV-positive 

Hi there, thank you for your question. Remember that Condoms not only prevent HIV and STIs like gonorrhoea and syphilis…they also prevent you from having an unplanned pregnancy. For more information you can read this article Get yourself a condom – it’s still your best protection! 

Hi there, thank you for your question. It must be every difficult for you, you click on this link to find out where you can get help Help & Support: Mental Health & Substance Abuse 

Hi there Maxine, thank you for your question.  It can be very dangerous if your wound hasn't healed as yet, as you can get an infection. It is best that you visit your local clinic to get checked by a doctor or nurse so you can get the treatment that you need. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. High sugar in new born babies are caused when the mother had too much glucose in her body during pregnancy which can cause the baby to have high sugar levels. Certain medication during pregnancy can also cause high sugar levels in a new born baby. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. Its important to know that you do need a positive balance ( some data) to get onto google. Once you are on bwisehealth.com it won't use your data if you are using Vodacom, Cell C and MTN. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. It depends on what type of contraception you are taking, as it is different in every person. For more information on contraceptives you can read this How do I choose the best contraceptive method for me? 

Hi there, thank you for your question. Your hormones can take up to 6 months to get back to normal after using the contraceptive injection, but they can go back to normal much quicker for some people.  If you are having problems with your hormones it would be best to  seeing a nurse or doctor at your local clinic. 

You can also talk to your nurse or doctor about other contraception methods if you did not like the injection but you would like to prevent yourself falling pregnant.  Remember that the injection does not prevent you from getting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections so it is always safer to use condoms as well.  No contraceptive method including condoms is 100% effective however used together,  some can be 99.9% effective.  

Hi there, thank you for your question. If you want to do a DNA test, it is best to talk to your nurse or doctor what you want to test for, and find out how much it will cost. It is also important that you talk the person that you want to have a DNA test with so they understand why you want to do the test.

Hi, thank you for your question. During sex, many people's bodies release a kind of liquid which can help sex to feel more comfortable - this is natural lubrication. When there's not enough lubrication, the friction (rubbing) can feel sore or uncomfortable. If there's not enough natural lubrication, it's a good idea to use lubricants. Silicone-based lubricants and oil-based lubricants can damage condoms, and the condom might break or tear - so when using condoms, it is important to use water-based lubricants such as KY Jelly, as these don't damage the condom.  

Hi there, thank you for your question. If you are pregnant and you are experiencing cramps in your abdomen, it could be from a number of things and it would be best for you go to see a doctor or nurse about it.  It could be the beginning of a miscarriage, this is especially likely if you are bleeding as well.  It could be a normal stomach infection (gastroenteritis) or other stomach problems, or a bladder infection.  Please visit your local clinic so you can get checked by a nurse or a doctor

Hi there, thank you for your question. It is important for you and your partner to use protection to prevent HIV, STI's and unplanned pregnancies. You also have the option of using the female condom. For more information on how to talk to your partner about using protection you can read this article How to talk to your partner about condoms 

Hi there thank you for your question you can go onto google and search www.bwisehealth.com 

Hi there, thank you for your question. If you want to find out how you can stay healthy you can read our Healthy living section  to find out what your health needs are. 

Hi there Ano, thank you for your question. Sometimes it is possible to forget. Its best for you to go to the nearest clinic and you can speak to a psychologist or a counselor who will be able to tell you what may be wrong. 

 Hi there, thank you for your question. If you are talking about the contraceptive implant called implanon then it is a form of hormonal contraceptive very similar to the oral contraceptive pills or contraception injections such as depo provera.  It is a small rod about the size of a match stick which is inserted by a doctor just under your skin.  It releases a hormone called etonogestrel which is very similar to the hormone progesterone which is made naturally by the female body.  The hormone prevents you from falling pregnant in two ways. 

1. It prevents your ova (eggs) from being released from your ovaries each month and,

2. It thickens the mucus plug in your cervix which helps to prevent sperm from entering the uterus (womb). 

The implant is a great method of contraception as long as you are not on any other medication which may interfere with the hormones. 

  This means that if you are taking any other medicine you should talk to a nurse or doctor about other methods of contraception as you may still fall pregnant.   Please remember  that no contraceptive method is 100% effective and there is always still a small chance of falling pregnant if you are sexually active.  Implanon will not protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted infections so it is always best to use condoms as well.  

Hi thank you for your question. For more information read this article I have a discharge - do I have an STI? 

Hi there thank you for your question. Its important that youare ready first before you have sex. You can check out this article to help you decide Sex on the mind: are you ready? 

Hi, thank you for your question. Usually during a C-section the doctor will do a spinal anaesthetic.  A spinal anaesthetic is when the doctor gives the mother a type of injection in the spine (back) that makes the tummy and legs numb so that the mother does not feel pain. 

With a spinal anaesthetic the mother is awake the whole time, but will not feel any pain.  It takes a few hours for the numbness of the tummy and legs to go away .  Only if the spinal anaesthetic doesn’t work, which does happen sometimes, but not often, or if the mother cannot have a spinal anaesthetic will the doctor make the mother sleep for the C-section. This is called a general anaesthetic, but the mother wakes up a few minutes after the operation.  After a general anaesthetic some people can be drowsy for a little while. After a C-section most mothers stay in hospital for about 3 days.

Hi there. Thank you for your question.  There are so many reasons why a woman may have difficulty falling pregnant. The first step is go to your clinic and be seen by a healthcare provider who will try and see if there anything preventing you from becoming pregnant, and give you advice about what you can try.

If you are using contraception then you should not get pregnant. If you have been on the injectable contraception (DMPA, depo provera or norestirate) then it may take a few months after your last injection before your able to get pregnant. Contraceptives don’t cause infertility, but the long term injections can delay how quickly you become pregnant after you stop them.

 It can help to pay attention to the woman’s monthly cycle, as this can tell you when you are most fertile and able to get pregnant. If you have a smartphone, you can use free apps such as https://www.cyclebeads.com/period-tracker-app" These help you to track your menstrual cycle (when you go on your period) and provide dates when you are more fertile. Your healthcare provider will also be able to help you understand which days are best for fertility.

An STI can cause problems with fertility and can also be a risk for miscarriage or complications during a pregnancy if you do get pregnant. If you or your partner have an STI, make sure you are both fully treated before you carry on trying for pregnancy. And if either or both of you are HIV-positive, make sure you get treatment and speak to your doctor FIRST before trying.

Remember that if there is a problem with getting pregnant, it could be due to an issue with the female/ the male partner, so you should both get checked out. Also know that not being able to fall pregnant doesn’t mean you are unhealthy. Even healthy couples with no problems can take time to get pregnant.

Hi Anonymous. Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. The contraceptive effects usually wear off 12 weeks from your last injection. It's very important that you go back to your doctor now that the 3 months has passed to get further guidance. Let the doctor know that there has not been any changes so further examination can be done on you. You can also read our Different kinds of contraceptives and family planning options to prevent pregnancy for more information.

Hi Anonymous, thank you for your question. You can take a look at our section on HIV "HIV Section" to find out more information. 

Hi there, when taking any form of chronic medication (such as ARVs) it is best to get advice from your healthcare worker (nurse or doctor) or pharmacist before you take any type of over-the-counter medication. Please tell your nurse or doctor that you are taking ARVs. They can then prescribe medication that will not interfere with the ARVs. If you’re just going to the pharmacy, any pharmacist working at a private pharmacy will be able to advise you on the best medication to take for flu that will not interact with your ARV medication. 

Hi Anonymous. Breast milk is usually the best milk for your baby but considering the circumstances it's best you stop breast feeding as it may put your baby at risk. You can go back to your nearest clinic so they can give you further options. Babies need plenty of nutritional support so your doctor or nurse can advise on other best options for your baby so you can have a healthy baby. Make sure you keep taking your ARVs all through and the rest of your life.

Hi Anonymous. A cold will get better on its own if you rest and treat the symptoms, but if you have flu, it’s important that you treat it quickly. If you have a cold, you may have a blocked nose, sneezing, coughing or headaches, but flu is worse, and it happens quite suddenly. You would usually have a high fever, painful cough, a very sore body, sore throat and a blocked or runny nose. Flu can be treated with medications called antivirals (e.g. Tamiflu), but it is best if you see a doctor or a nurse for further help. You can find your nearest clinic here. 

Hi Anonymous. We are sorry to hear that. The contraceptive effects usually wear off 12 weeks from your last injection. It's very important that you go back to your nearest clinic to get further advice. You can also read our article

Different kinds of contraceptives and family planning options to prevent pregnancy for more information.

Hi there, a tooth pain can be caused by many things, so we recommend you see a dentist, doctor or a nurse as soon as possible. You can find and rate your clinic here.

Hi there, thank you for your question. You seem very concerned, but  It's important to know that the only way you will know if you have HIV is if you go to the clinic and do a blood test for HIV. You get HIV from another person’s body fluids (body liquids). This means their blood, semen (sperm), the fluid in their vagina and breast milk. You cannot get HIV from another person’s saliva (spit) or tears. For more information you can read this article Find out how you get HIV & stay safe! 

Hi there. Pregnancy can happen when a man and woman have sex that is not protected (i.e. without using a condom or contraception). The man's sperm enters the woman's body through her vagina, then travels through her cervix and womb to the fallopian tubes, where the sperm meets the woman's egg – this is called fertilisation. If you are thinking of getting pregnant, make sure you’re ready! And if you’re on ARVs, speak to your doctor before you start trying. You can learn here about reproductive or sex organs, and you might also want to check out this article: What to expect from pregnancy.  

There are many different causes of lumps. They can be either cancerous or benign (non-cancerous). Benign lumps can be caused by infections like TB and other bacteria.

 The only way to know what is causing a lump is for it to be examined by a doctor. So it’s best for you to go to your local clinic if you have a lump. You can find your local clinic here.

Hi , thank you for your question. The most common cause of stomach cramps and burning urine is a bladder infection. It is best to go to your nearest clinic and get checked by a doctor or a nurse so they can check you up and give you the right treatment. You can also drink lots of water to help clear the infection.  You can also drink citro soda to help with the burning urine.

Hi there, Itching after sex could be caused by many different kinds of genital infections – for example, some people have mentioned that eating a lot of starchy foods makes them develop thrush (yeast infection). When a man has sex with a female who has yeast infection without a condom, his penis may start itching. Often when a pap smear is done, the healthcare workers concentrate on reporting the fact that there is no cervical cancer, and that’s why they report the results are NEGATIVE. It may be that there were vaginal infections though. Remember, NOT all vaginal infections are STIs.

Here are a few things you can do to avoid itching:

•                    After peeing, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus getting into the vagina.

•                    Avoid using chemical products such as vaginal douches, these chemicals can upset the vagina by making it acidic.

•                    Avoid using scented feminine hygiene products (panty liners, pads, soaps).

•                    Wear loose, natural-fibre underwear and clothing. Change your underwear at least every 24 hours.

•                    Keep the genital area clean and dry. Use mild soap and rinse well.

•                    Use mild, unscented laundry detergents to wash your underwear.

•                    Dry off thoroughly after bathing and swimming. Avoid staying in wet clothing for long periods of time.

•                    Avoid unprotected sex, especially if you are worried that you or your partner might have an infection.

Most importantly, you and your partner must see a doctor or nurse if you suspect that you might have an infection. You can locate your local clinic here.

Hi there, HPV often doesn't have any symptoms. Or symptoms might only develop years later. So people don't even know they have it most of the time! You get all the information you need on HPV on our HPV section here

Hi there, HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It's a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which means you get it through sexual intercourse (and sometimes other kinds of sexual contact). You can get HPV even from having sex with just one person. Get all the information you need on HPV on our HPV section here 

Hi there, the best way to know if you have HIV is to go for an HIV test. These tests are done for free at your local clinic. This way, if you are HIV positive, you can get treatment as soon as possible.

It is very unlikely to get HIV through kissing though. To learn more about HIV, check out our HIV Section. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. Babies under the age of 6 months need milk only. You have two options you can feed the baby breast milk or you can feed the baby formula.

Breast feeding: It is best to only breast feed your baby for the first 6 months because it has many benefits such as it is good for the baby’s immune system, it is convenient, you don’t have to pay for it. If you are concerned about giving the baby HIV, if you are taking ARVS then your viral load is supressed and the risk of the baby getting HIV is low.

Formula feeding: This can be expensive, because as the baby gets older the baby will need more formula. There is no risk of the baby getting HIV if you chose this option.

Hi there, thank you for your question. Sperm is the liquid or fluid that comes out of the penis when a boy organism (cums). You can read this article for more information Wet dreams are completely normal 

Hi there, thank your for your question.  Sex drive differs from person to person. Different people find different types of sensual touching arousing. You and your partner can try different things, this way you both can discover what you may like and what you may not like. 

Hi there, if you mean what causes flu or what can you do to recover from the flu. There are many different causes of flu for example staying outside in the cold, or if you sit near someone that has the flu it is possible for you to catch the flu. It is best for you to visit a local clinic to get checked out and treated for the flu

Hi there, thank you for your question. The blood donation banks would like to get blood which is free from diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and other infections which can be sexually transmitted, because they do not want to give blood to someone in a hospital and give them HIV or another infection.   Blood banks do the best they can to test for these  diseases but sometimes they can be difficult to find especially in the early period of infection.  Some of these infections take a while to show up in your blood stream or to test positive in your blood.  Some blood tests look for antibodies to diseases.  Antibodies are produced by your immune system in response to a disease in your body but they can take a few days to a few months to be produced.   Blood banks  do not want to take blood from someone who has had a new sexual partner in the last few months as there is a chance of them having an infection which may not yet show up as positive on the tests.  It is important to always be honest when donating blood as it would be terrible and unethical to put someone else at risk of getting an infection when they are a patient needing a blood transfusion.  

Hi. Thank you for your question. Remember it is rape if you say NO to having sex with your partner. It is important that your partner respects your decision to stop especially if you are in pain. For more information you can read our Abuse Alert Section.

In terms of the pain that you experience during sex, it is best that you go to the local clinic to get checked by a doctor or a nurse. They will check you up and give you the right treatment. 

Hi Anonymous. Thank you for your question. The only way to know your status is to get tested, whether it’s for HIV or STIs. Knowing your status allows you to protect yourself and your partner. Remember to always practice protected sex at all times by using a condom. You can visit your nearest clinic and they will give you further advice. You can find your nearest clinic here. Check out our articles Know your status? Get tested! What to expect , Why is it important to test for HIV and I don’t want to get an STI - How can I protect myself? for more information.

Hi there! Thank you for your question. You can buy a pregnancy test from a pharmacy to check if you are pregnant or you can go to your local clinic and get tested by a nurse or a doctor. They can tell you if you are pregnant or not. 

Hi Anonymous. Thank you for your question. The only way to know your status is to get tested, whether it’s for HIV or STIs. Knowing your status allows you to protect yourself and your partner. Remember to always practice protected sex at all times by using a condom. You can visit your nearest clinic and they will give you further advice. You can find your nearest clinic here. Check out our articles Know your status? Get tested! What to expect , Why is it important to test for HIV and I don’t want to get an STI - How can I protect myself? for more information.

Hi Anonymous. Some over-the-counter medication at the pharmacy can help (like Panado), but getting the right treatment depends on the cause and the type of headache you have. Drinking water and getting enough sleep also helps. If the headache pain is too much and is ongoing, it’s best you see a doctor or nurse at your nearest clinic so they can further advise you. You can find your nearest clinic here.

Hi Anonymous. Itchy feet can be caused by many things. It could be a fungal infection usually called athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot can easily be treated with a medicated cream. You can get this cream from your local pharmacy. Painful, itchy, hot or cold feet can be the result of diseases such as diabetes, or it could also be the result of alcohol use or medications. It’s best you visit a clinic near you so they can do an examination. Use our Clinic Finderto help you find a clinic near you.              

Hi Anonymous. We understand it can be hard to tell someone that you love about your HIV status. It is very important that you are honest with your partner about your HIV status, especially because you are involved in a sexual relationship. Sharing your status with him shows not only that you are responsible, but that you care about him and his health. It will also give him a chance to disclose his status to you. Not sharing your status with him will put him at risk of also getting the virus. Give him a chance to understand your fears and concerns. The sooner you tell him, the better for you and him as you don’t want to invest your time with someone who may reject the virus. Remember it’s the virus they reject, not you... but it can still be very painful. You can check out our article Dating when you’re HIV positive to give more information.

Hi Anonymous. It is difficult to say what could be the cause without a doctor doing a full examination on you. There may be many reasons, from posture (the position in which you hold your body when standing or sitting), spinal injuries, vitamin deficiencies (not enough vitamins) and medication side effects. It would be best for you to visit a clinic near you so they can do an examination. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Hi Anonymous. There could be a number of reasons for this. Firstly, his penis may be larger than before and may have hurt the wall of your vagina. If this is the case, it’s best you try a different sexual position that doesn’t allow for deep penetration (when penis deeply enters the vagina). Secondly, it could be that the wall of your vagina was dry and you were not sufficiently aroused before you started having sex. You may then be are suffering from vaginal dryness. Check out this article for more information: Why dry sex is not a good idea . To improve this, you could use a lubricant such as KY jelly. Lastly, you may also have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or vaginal condition which got worse during sex. It’s best you visit your local clinic and get tested for STIs. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Hi Anonymous. There is no need for you to detoxify your body. The liver does this work, and anyone with a healthy liver will be cleansed of toxins by their liver. However, it’s best that you drink enough water daily to make sure your body is working well. Drinking a few glasses of water a day is a good way to start.

Hi Anonymous, Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. There are a number of things that could cause burning urine. It could be caused by a bacterial infection, or by an STI such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. It may also be a bladder infection (usually called a Urinary Tract Infection or UTI) which is very common during pregnancy. It’s best to see a nurse or doctor to get tested and treated. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. Our articles can also give you more information about STIs and bladder infections: I have a discharge - do I have an STI? and Urinary tract infections: what’s the lowdown?

Hi there, thank you for your question. Read our article on  Does 'love' have an age? Relationships with someone older for more information 

Hi there, thank you for your question. For more information, please read our article on I have a discharge - do I have an STI? 

Hi Anonymous. Herpes is an infection caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV) which can affect the genital area (private parts) and other parts of the body. There are two types of herpes: genital herpes and oral herpes. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is passed on through having sex with someone who has/had the infection. Oral herpes can be spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex, and can also spread by kissing or sharing toothbrushes or cutlery. Herpes symptoms include sores (usually on the genitals or mouth), blisters, ulcers and vaginal discharge. Many people don’t show these symptoms even though they may be carrying the virus. That’s why it’s important to get yourself tested to make sure you don’t have the virus. Remember to always have protected sex at all times by using a condom to protect yourself against HIV and STIs. Check out our articles STI questions? All the answers and Can I get an STI from oral sex? to learn more.

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can read this article to answer your question Sex on the mind: are you ready? 

Hi there, thank you for your question. Its best that you visit your local clinic and speak to a nurse or a doctor and they will be able to tell you on what your options are.

Hi there, how can we help you?

Hi, how can we help you?

Hey here, thank you for your question. You can access contraceptives at your local clinic, you can also read this article for more information Contraception: When should I start? 

Hi, Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a short course (28 days) of anti-retroviral medication that is taken soon (within 72 hours) after exposure to HIV to reduce the chance of contracting HIV.

Hi Anonymous. Sounds like you started your period that day, so it is unlikely that you were pregnant.

It takes about two weeks for the birth control to be working after you have had an injectable contraceptive. This means that you were not protected when you had unprotected sex. However, the risk of falling pregnant during your periods are low… but it is still possible. It’s best you visit your nearest clinic and talk to a doctor or nurse about an emergency contraception that you can take. There are pills you can take after having unprotected sex to decrease the chance of falling pregnant. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Please also remember that injectable contraceptives (e.g. Nur-isterate) do not prevent against HIV or STIs and that you will still need to use condoms as well.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It  seems as though you are really confused. Its great that you and your partner are both using condoms when you have sex. Remember condoms are your best protection against HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancies. 

Well done for taking your medication on time! It is best that you tell your partner your HIV status especially if you do not know his status.This way he will be able to protect himself as well. It is wise to disclose your status to every guy you have sex with, so you both can protect yourselves. 

Read this article to help you make the right decision Dating when you’re HIV-positive

Hi there, It would be best for you to get checked by a nurse or a doctor at the local clinic so they can tell you what causes these headaches, they will give you the right treatment. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you here

Hi there, thank you for your question.Having pimples on the vagina (or outside of the vagina) does not always mean one has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI). If the pimples continue and you are having sexual contact of any kind, visit the nearest clinic to be tested and treated for an STI. Also, remember to ask your partner to also visit the clinic. To avoid STIs remember to wear a condom during sex or during sexual contact.

Hi there, you can find a clinic near you here – don’t forget to rate it!

Hi there, thank you for your question. We can understand why these pimples may worry you. It is possible that they could be normal pimples or ingrown hairs. But it could also be an STI like syphilis or genital warts. It would be best for you to visit your doctor at the local clinic so they can check you up and give you the right treatment that you need. Remember to always use condoms every time you have sex. You can use the Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you here

Hi Anonymous, STIs can have a lot of different symptoms – and some don’t have any symptoms at all, so you will only know if you test for STIs. You can learn about STIs here. You can also ask our health experts questions here.

Hi anonymous, it would be best for you to visit your doctor at the local clinic so they can check you up and give you the right treatment that you need. You can use the Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you here.

Hi there. Anyone can get listeriosis. However, those at high risk are newborn babies, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and their unborn babies; and those with underlying conditions such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, chronic liver or kidney disease.

Hi there, ready-to-eat, processed meat, especially polony, can put people at high risk of listeriosis. At this point it’s best to avoid such products until we have more details.

Diarrhoea (runny tummy), nausea and vomiting, fever, stiff muscles in your neck, feeling weak, body pains are some of the main symptoms you would have if you had the disease.

Hello Anonymous. There are a number of ways to avoid getting listeriosis. 
These include:
•Shopping carefully. Keep raw meats and fish in bags separately from other foods. Make sure all foods that need to be in the fridge are stored there as soon as possible
•Wash your hands at all chances you get, from food preparation to bathroom use
•Cook, refrigerate, or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and ready-to-eat foods within 2 hours of getting them. Make sure your refrigerator is set at 40°F (4°C) or colder
•Keep your fridge clean. Don’t leave any spills or liquids there to linger
•Cook food thoroughly, and reheat leftovers at no less than 74C / 165F
•Follow labels and instructions on food packaging carefully 
•“If in doubt, throw it out” – don’t take any risks
•Ensure that you follow good basic hygiene

Hi there, Listeria can be found in soil, meaning that it is possible for vegetables/ fruit to have the bacteria. If we eat foods that have this bacteria, it can make us sick. People who do not wash their fruits and vegetables well can put themselves at risk of getting listeriosis. Animals can also carry bacteria, so if you eat meat it is very important to cook the meat properly to make sure you are not at risk of getting listeriosis. Eating certain foods, like soft cheeses and processed meats, can also be risky.

Hi Anonymous. Listeriosis is a disease caused by a kind of bacteria that can live in food, water, animals and soil.

If listeriosis doesn’t get treated, it can make someone seriously sick, and there is even a chance they could die.

Listeriosis symptoms are a lot like flu symptoms, so if you feel like you have the flu, ask your doctor if they can check for listeriosis as well. Remember you can find and rate your clinic on B-Wise here.

Hi Anonymous. Listeriosis treatment depends on your signs and symptoms. People with mild symptoms might require no treatment. People with serious infections can be treated with antibiotics. It is important for pregnant women to quickly start taking antibiotics after being diagnosed with listeriosis, as this may keep the infection from affecting the baby.

Hi there. Those at high risk of listeriosis should avoid the following foods:

•Milk that come straight from a cow or unpasteurised milk, or dairy products like yoghurts that contain unpasteurised milk

•Soft cheeses like feta and cream cheese

•Foods from shops that sell prepared foods (e.g. prepared salads, polony, Viennas, Russians or cold meats) that have not been heated

Hi Anonymous. Here are the symptoms of listeriosis:

Diarrhoea (runny tummy), nausea and vomiting, fever, stiff muscles in your neck, feeling weak, body pains are some of the main symptoms you would have if you had the disease.

Hi there, thank you for communicating with us. It seems like you are really concerned about your brother. He can have some alcohol while he is  on ARVs, however, this needs to be done in moderation (small amounts) because heavy alcohol intake may have many negative effects such as:

1.forgetting to take  ARVs at the correct time.

2.With certain ARVs, there may be more side effects like drowsiness (shared side effect of the two combined)

3.General health may be affected (poor appetite may happen as a result of heavy alcohol intake and weight loss.

Hi Anonymous. Many things can cause a rash. It would be best for you to visit a clinic near you so they can do an examination. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. A doctor or nurse can tell you the causes of the rash and give you the right treatment.

Hi Anonymous. There are a few reasons you may not be getting your periods. It’s best to know as soon as possible what the cause is, in case it is pregnancy. You can buy a pregnancy test, or visit your local clinic as soon as possible and ask the nurse or doctor at your local clinic to test you for pregnancy. You can find your nearest clinic here.  Check out our article Different kinds of contraceptives to give you more information about the different kinds of contraceptives. You can also read: When your period signals a problem: menstrual problems for more information.

Hi Anonymous. There are a number of healthy ways to lose weight. A healthy diet is a good way to start. You can also read our articles Dieting: Is it good for you? and Eat well to stay well to understand what a healthy diet includes. Balancing a healthy diet and exercising regularly can also help you achieve your goal. Check out our articles from our Get fit section  for more information on how to get into shape.

Hi there Anonymous. Good question! An STI (sexually transmitted infection) is an infection that is spread from person to person through having sex. Different STIs are spread in different ways, but most of them are spread through some kind of touch, whether it’s on the genitals, mouth or anus. If you're going to have sex, protect yourself from getting STIs by using a condom every time you have sex. Check out our article for more information: I don’t want to get an STI - How can I protect myself? You can also read our articles from our STI Section to learn more.

Hi there, and thank you for your question. If you want to protect yourself from getting an STI you can check out this article: I don't want to get an STI- How do I protect myself . 

And if you want to protect yourself from getting pregnant you can check out our article on Protect yourself from getting pregnant   

Hi, thank you for your question. You must be a great brother since you are seeking help for your brother. It is possible that your brother may be allergic to something he is eating.

It would be best to take your brother back to the local clinic and tell the nurse or doctor who is checking your brother all the correct information. By telling the healthcare worker all the necessary details they will be able to give him the right treatment. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. It would be best for you to do the following:

·         Use compression stockings during the day (you could buy this at a pharmacy or ask at your clinic where you can get some)

·         Lift your legs up for 30 minutes a few times during the day

·         Take antibiotics and make your dressings on your ulcers moist (slightly wet) 

It may take 3-4 months for your ulcers to heal, it would be best for you to visit your local clinic or hospital to get the treatment that you need. You can use the Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It would be best for you to visit a nurse or a doctor at your local clinic so they can check you up and tell you what the problem may be. They will also give you the right treatment that you will need. 

You can use the Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. 

Hi, thank you for your question. You can read our article on I don't want to get an STI - how can I protect myself? 

Hello Anonymous. Having unprotected sex increases your chances of getting an STI and other infections. You can also fall pregnant. Just because you are both HIV positive, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect yourself from other risks. There are also chances of being infected with a different strain of HIV, and the risk is higher if you aren’t both on ARVs and don’t both have an undetectable viral load. It’s important to practice safe sex at all times. Using a condom can help protect you from STIs and other infections. Check out our articles from our Basics of S-E-X section and get more information on how you can protect yourself.

Hi Anonymous. Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. It’s best if you visit your local clinic so you can get the medical help you need. The sooner you get help the better. It is also important to do a health check-up at least once a year. Check out our article for more information: Going for that yearly check-up. You can find your nearest health clinic here. Hope you feel better soon!

Hi Anonymous, check out our “Get Fit” section on bwisehealth.com and learn about how to build a fit and healthy body without going to the gym, and dancing to keep fit and healthy. We have more tips on getting fit and staying fit here.

Hi, thank you for your question.  It would be best for you to visit a nurse or a doctor at your local clinic so they can check you up and tell you exactly what the problem may be. You can use our Clinic Finder  to help you find a clinic nearest to you. 

Hi, thank you for your question.  It would be best for you to visit a nurse or a doctor at your local clinic so they can check you up and tell you exactly what the problem may be. You can use our Clinic Finder  to help you find a clinic nearest to you. 

Hi thank you for your question. Tt would be best for you to visit a clinic near you so they can do an examination. They can tell you the causes of the rash and give you the right treatment

Hi there, depression is a very serious issue. However, you are not alone. You can get help here.

Hi Anonymous.

It depends on how long it has been since the stitches were removed. Any bruising, tears and stitches will be painful for a few weeks after giving birth. Infection of the wound might make the pain worse. If you notice a bad smell, discharge from the wound or feel otherwise unwell, this may mean you have an infection; in which case you should consult at your nearest clinic. You can find and rate your nearest clinic here. 

If you do not notice any signs of infection and are feeling well (apart from pain during sex), wait some more time before having sex again and by that stage hopefully the vagina will be fully healed and sex will no longer be painful.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It would be best for you to go to the local clinic and get checked by a doctor or nurse. They will examine you and tell you what the problem may be, they will also give you the right treatment. You can use the Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. 

Hi there, check out a list of food groups you can try here.

Hi Anonymous, TB is something which requires daily and continuous treatment for at least 6 months before you can be cured. Some types of TB may need treatment for even longer than this.

Did they find the TB on the sputum the first time? If so, then you definitely have TB. If you take TB treatment then the TB in the sputum can disappear when they check later – this is usually a good sign. Lung infections can still happen though, whether or not there is TB treatment.

It is best to continue the TB treatment unless it has been stopped by a health worker. People living with HIV also need to get ARVs so that they don’t get other health problems. Always ask your health worker to explain your medicines and health problems in a way you are comfortable with, so you understand everything. Remember, this is your right!

Hi thank you for your question. If you are worried that you may be pregnant it would be best for you to go visit another doctor or nurse so they can check you up and let you know why you may still feel that you are pregnant. You can use the Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can check out our article on https://bwisehealth.com/article/is-there-a-cure-or-vaccine-for-tb for more information. 

Hi, thank you for your question. The symptoms that you are describing may be a urinary tract infection. Common symptoms of STIs are discharge from the vagina, growths, blisters or sores on the vulva (outside of the vagina/ vagina ‘lips’) or the anus, and pain during intercourse. You can take a look at our article on Urinary tract infections: what's the lowdown? For more information on STIs you can check out our STI Section. It would be best for you to visit your clinic to get checked by a doctor or a nurse so they can tell you what may be wrong, and they will give you the right treatment. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic nearest to you.  

Hi there, thank you for your question. Stomach cramps can have many different causes – they can be linked to your organs, illnesses  (such as diarrhoea), muscle strains or other conditions. It would be best for you to get checked by a nurse or a doctor at the local clinic so they can tell you what is causing your stomach cramps and they will give you the right treatment. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.  

Hi there, thank you for your question. We can understand why these pimples may worry you. It is possible that they could be normal pimples or ingrown hairs. But it could also be an STI like syphilis or genital warts. It would be best for you to visit your doctor at the local clinic so they can check you up and give you the right treatment that you need. Remember to always use condoms every time you have sex. You can use the Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can check out our article on https://bwisehealth.com/article/what-is-vaginal-thrush-or-a-yeast-infection for more information. 

Hi, thank you for your question. Having a baby is a big life decision to make and I think it would be best if you felt ready to make such a big change. This would mean that your relationship should be stable with both of you being committed to each to each other and you should both have good jobs with maternity leave available for you. You should also both test for HIV and make sure you are in good health. Until then, continue to use family planning and condoms until you are ready.  

Hi, thank you for your question.Having a baby is a big life decision to make. You need to make sure your family/partner would be able to support you and that you can afford to have a baby. You and your partner should also both be tested for HIV and make sure you are in good health.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It would be best for you to visit a doctor or nurse at your local clinic so they can check you up and tell you exactly what may be wrong. You can use the Clinic Finder  to help you find a clinic near you. 

Hi, thank you for your question. If you’ve sprained your ankle, it’s natural for it to swell as part of the healing – but it needs rest, elevation (to be as high up as possible) and ice packs (bags of ice or frozen foods) for the swelling to go down. It’s also helpful not to walk on it any more than you need to, and for some people a brace or crutches help. It would be best for you to visit a nurse or a doctor at your nearest clinic so they can check your ankle and see what the best treatment would be. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Hi there, thank you for your question. This seems to be a serious problem, it would be best for you to go to your nearest clinic so you can get checked by a doctor or nurse and they will tell you exactly what the problem may be. You can use the Clinic Finder  to help you find a clinic near you. 

Hi thank you for your question. Having the flu for more than six months can be a concern. It would be best for you to visit a doctor or a nurse at your local clinic so they can check you up and let you know if it is the flu or something else. 

Hi thank you for your question. Remember that you should always use a condom every time you have sex to protect yourself from STIs, HIV and unplanned pregnancies. In terms of the itchiness it would be best for you to visit a clinic near you so they can do an examination. They can tell you the causes of the itchiness and give you the right treatment.

Hi, thank you for your question. There are many reasons why your periods may change for example if you are on a contraceptive such as the family planning injection. If you are very fit, or if you have an eating disorder such as anorexia, this usually affects your menstrual cycle (check out our article on What is anorexia nervosa?  . Sickness or gynaecological problems are another reason for irregular periods. It would be best for you to visit your local clinic to get checked by a doctor or a nurse so they can tell you exactly what the problem may be.

Hi , thank you for your question. You can take a look at our article I am HIV positive, can I have kids?  

Hi, that’s a good question! If you mean you don’t feel any emotions during sex, it might be because you don’t have feelings for the person you’re with, or there might be a reason that your mind tries to cut off from feelings (like a bad experience in your past, or a fear of something). To figure out what it is, it might help to speak to someone like a counsellor or a psychologist.

If you mean you don’t feel anything in your body or any pleasure during sex, it could mean that you need to see a doctor or a nurse at your clinic to check if anything is wrong. If you have a partner you trust and feel safe with, you can also try different ways of having sex (e.g. oral sex) to see if you feel anything. Remember to use a condom every time you have sex. 

· i, Hi, thank you for your question. There are many reasons why your periods may change for example if you are on a contraceptive such as the family planning injection. If you are very fit, or if you have an eating disorder such as anorexia, this usually affects your menstrual cycle (check out our article on What is anorexia nervosa?  . Sickness or gynaecological problems are another reason for irregular periods. It would be best for you to visit your local clinic to get checked by a doctor or a nurse so they can tell you exactly what the problem may be.

Hi there thank you for your question.

If you want to protect yourself from getting an STI you can check out our article on I don't want to get an STI. How can I protect myself?

If you want to protect yourself from getting HIV you can check out our article on Find out how you can get HIV. Stay safe

If you want to protect yourself from getting pregnant you can check out our article on Protect yourself from getting pregnant

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can check out our section on Healthy living Healthy Living

Hi, thank you for your question. There can be many different why your urine may be smelling. It would be best for you to visit a doctor or a nurse so they can check you up and tell you what may be the problem and they will give you the right treatment.  

Hi there, thank you for your question. Check out our section on STI's to answer your question https://bwisehealth.com/category/sti

Hi, thank you for your question. Check out our section on HIV https://bwisehealth.com/category/hiv

Hi, thank you for your question. The problem that you are describing is called secondary amenorrhoea. This can be caused by different things such as:

·         using contraceptives (like the injection)

·         medication used to treat other illnesses such as cancer

·         Hormonal imbalances

·         Being severely under or overweight

It would be best for you to visit a nurse or a doctor at your local clinic so they can check you up and give you the correct treatment that you need. You can use the  Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.  

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can take a look at our article https://bwisehealth.com/article/if-i-m-hiv-positive-can-i-have-kids 

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can go onto bwisehealth.com and sign up  to B-Wise. 

Hi Anonymous. If you have a thick green, yellow or brown discharge then that could be a sign of an infection. If there is an itchy cream discharge this could be a sign of thrush. It’s best if you visit your local clinic to seek further help. You can find your nearest health clinic here. You can also read our article I have a discharge-do I have an STI and what is vaginal thrush or a yeast infection? for more information.

Hi Anonymous, good question. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. When someone has AIDS it means that their body can get sick more easily and they can even die if they are not treated. You can also read our article: HIV & AIDS: Get smart & know the facts! to give you more information.

Hi Anonymous, thank you for your question. There are a number of reasons that could cause burning urine. It could be caused by a bacterial infection, or by an STI such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. It’s best to see a nurse or doctor to get tested and treated. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. Our articles can also give you more information about STIs: check out I have a discharge-do I have an STI and I don’t want to get an STI-How can I protect myself?

Hi Anonymous, Yes a dental dam, if used correctly, can stop the spread of STIs during oral sex. There are however a few Do’s and Don’ts.  They should never be used more than once. Most dental dams are made of latex, the same material used to make condoms, so you should definitely not use with oil-based lubricants such as baby oil or petroleum jelly. Avoid stretching a dental dam as it may tear. Make sure that your dental dam is used in such a way that it won’t slip out of place and allow accidental contact between the genitals and the mouth.

Hi, thank you for your question. This sounds like an infection in the genital area, you can get this infection by having sex. It is very important that you visit a doctor or a clinic to get treated so that the infection can go away. Your sex partner(s), also need to go to the clinic to get treated as well

Hi, thank you for your question. Remember, even if both of you are HIV positive, you still need to use condoms to protect yourself from STIs and unplanned pregnancies 

Hi there. Thank you for your question. Menstrual cramps (period pains) are related to prostaglandins (hormones that are produced naturally in the body), and they can be treated with pain pills you can get at a pharmacy or clinic. But if you have cramps and also pain in your pelvic area, this could be because of a disease in the pelvis. It would be best for you to visit your local clinic to make sure that it’s not something more than normal period pains. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.

Hi. Thank you for your question. It is difficult to say if it is normal or not, because it depends on what your baby eats. It’s more likely to be a problem if your baby has other problems like stomach cramps, blood in the poop, or crying while he poops. It would be best for you to take the baby, along with baby’s dirty nappy, and show it to the nurse or doctor at the local clinic so they can check your baby to see what the problem may be. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.

Hi there, thank you for your question. We can understand why these pimples may worry you. It is possible that they could be normal pimples or ingrown hairs. But it could also be an STI like syphilis or genital warts. It would be best for you to visit your doctor at the local clinic so they can check you up and give you the right treatment that you need. Remember to always use condoms every time you have sex. You can use the Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.  

Hi there, thank you for your question. There are different causes of epilepsy depending on the person. Some of the causes are

         Genetic (some people are born with it),

2.       Trauma (when epilepsy develops after a brain injury), and

3.       Brain infections or diseases (like tumours). 

Hi there, thank you for your question. Check out our articles on Contraception-When should I start and https://bwisehealth.com/article/how-do-i-choose-the-best-contraceptive-method-for-me

Hi there, thank you for your question. Contraceptives can cause different side effects and it can be different for each person. It also depends on what type of contraception you use, some of them can cause you to gain a bit of weight but not very much. This can be managed by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. 

Hi, thank you for your question. Yes, it is possible for you to get pregnant if you have skipped your oral contraceptive that day. If you think you may be pregnant, you can get a pregnancy test at a pharmacy or get tested at your local clinic. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.

Hi there thank you for your question. Check out our article on Contraception- When should I start

Hi, thank you for your question. It is possible that the discharge can be caused by an STI (sexually transmitted infection) even if you have one sexual partner. It would be best for you to get checked by a doctor or a nurse at your local clinic so they can tell you exactly what it is. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you. Remember to always use a condom every time you have sex, even after you have been treated.  

Hi Anonymous, becoming an egg donor is not an easy decision. It’s important you are told everything about the risks and side effects before you agree to it. There may be a chance that the medication you would need to use to become an egg donor may have side effects, and you would have to go under anaesthesia (be put to sleep) for the eggs to be removed. Some women have had more complications in their pregnancies after becoming egg donors, but fertility problems are not one of the most common problems for egg donors. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. It’s possible that you could be pregnant. It would be best for you to get a pregnancy test to be sure. If you can’t buy a pregnancy test, you can visit your local clinic to get tested. If you are not pregnant, the doctor or nurse will be able to find out why you are not getting your period. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.

Hi there, thank you for your question. There are many different causes of flu for example staying outside in the cold, or if you sit near someone that has the flu it is possible for you to catch the flu. It is best for you to visit a local clinic to get checked out and treated for the flu. 

Hi, thank you for your question. It sounds as if you are doing the right things to prevent contracting HIV.  If your partner has an ‘undetectable’ viral load, then the chance of you contracting HIV from her is very very small .In order to have an undetectable viral load, she must use her medication every day as prescribed by her healthcare worker and she must also attend all her clinic appointments. If she does not know what her viral load is, she can ask her healthcare worker for this information.

If you do not have any fresh wounds (such as cuts) on your fingers or scrotum then any HIV that may be in her vaginal secretions(discharge) will not be able to enter your body

Remember to  continue to use a condom correctly with every sexual encounter. Remember to test for HIV regularly (every 3 months)

Hi Anonymous. A cold will get better on its own if you rest and treat the symptoms, but if you have flu, it’s important that you treat it quickly. If you have a cold, you may have a blocked nose, sneezing, coughing or headaches, but flu is worse, and it happens quite suddenly. You would usually have a high fever, painful cough, a very sore body, sore throat and a blocked or runny nose. Flu can be treated with medications called antivirals (e.g. Tamiflu), but it is best if you see a doctor or a nurse for further help. You can find your nearest clinic here. 

Hi Anonymous, sorry to hear about how you’re feeling. Removing your teeth will not harm your new-born baby. There aren’t too many medications you can take if you are breastfeeding, but go to your nearest clinic and check with a doctor or nurse what you are allowed to take. Pain medications like Panado and mouthwashes like Andolex-C are fine if you’re not allergic to them, and they will also not harm your baby if you are breastfeeding.  You can find your nearest clinic here. Our article Taking care of your teeth can also give you more information about how you can look after your teeth. Feel better soon.  

Hi, thank you for your question. It is best for you to visit your local clinic and get checked by a local dentist

Hi Anonymous. Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. Because you have been taking the medication for 3 months, it’s probably not the medication that’s giving you these symptoms. It sounds like you may have an infection. Although you are using medication, you can still catch illnesses. It’s best if you visit your local clinic to seek further help and remember to let the healthcare worker know that you are using ARVs and medication to prevent TB. Hope you feel better soon!

Hi Anonymous, male circumcision has a lot of benefits, which includes reducing your chances of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Read our articles, All the facts about medical male circumcision exposed and Circumcision and condom use to learn more about male circumcision.

Hi Anonymous, the best option you can use to protect yourself during sex is to use a condom. Take a look here to know more about how you can protect yourself from STIs and HIV. You can also read articles in our KNOW YOUR BODY section for more information.

Hi Anonymous, there are lots of options available for you that can help prevent pregnancy. Please read our article Different kinds of contraceptives to prevent pregnancy for more information. It’s also a good idea to visit your local clinic to get further advice on your options. You can find your nearest clinic here.

Hi, thank you for your question. You can take a look at out section on HIV to find out more information https://bwisehealth.com/category/hiv 

Hi there, it is good that you want to take this step. You can start by reading these two articles which will give you information on medical male circumcision: All the facts about medical male circumcision exposed; Medical male circumcision: What to expect. It is also a good idea to go to your local clinic to get further help. You can find your nearest clinic here.

Hi there - sorry you are having pains! It is not normal for sex to be painful, and there could be many different causes, depending where the pain is, what your gender is, what other symptoms you have, and other factors. It's an issue that a nurse or doctor would need to check you for. Be sure to tell them if you have any sores, or bleeding, or discharge. It's best to go to your nearest clinic for a proper check, so you can get the help and treatment you need.

Hi there - sorry you are having pains! It is not normal for sex to be painful, and there could be many different causes, depending where the pain is, what your gender is, what other symptoms you have, and other factors. It's an issue that a nurse or doctor would need to check you for. Be sure to tell them if you have any sores, or bleeding, or discharge. It's best to go to your nearest clinic for a proper check, so you can get the help and treatment you need.

Hi thank you for your question, you can read our article on How to keep your vagina healthy  

Hi Anonymous. Your diet should not affect the smell of your vagina. When the smell of the vagina changes to a bad smell, it is usually a sign that there may be an infection. It’s best if you visit your local clinic to seek further help. You can also read this article: How to keep your vagina healthy to give you a few tips on how to keep your vagina healthy. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. 

Hi Anonymous, the sores you are talking about might be pearly penile papules, which are common in uncircumcised boys and men. They are not sexually transmitted and have no risk of becoming cancerous.

However, if there are sores, a discharge, pain or itchiness, we recommend you visit your nearest clinic to get checked. You can find your local clinic here.

Hi there, sweating a lot can be caused by different illnesses. Please visit your local clinic to get checked by a nurse or doctor. You can find your nearest clinic here.

Hi there. People have sex for many reasons, but if you do have sex, it should be your choice. Thinking about having sex? Learn more here.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It would be best for you to go to the local clinic and get checked by a doctor or nurse. They will examine you and tell you what the problem may be, they will also give you the right treatment. You can use the Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Hi there, HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Aids stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Learn more here.

Hi anonymous, there are many possible causes of tooth pain, and it is difficult to say what would be needed without knowing what is causing the pain. How it will be treated depends on the cause. Sometimes fillings or other treatments may be what’s needed, and not extraction. The best idea would be to go to a dentist for them to check properly what is going on, and they will be able to explain the different options to you.

Hi, thank you for your question. This is a difficult situation! It's important to know that before you and your girlfriend have sex you both need to give consent (meaning both of you need to say "yes" to having sex). If one of you says no, they are not ready to have sex and if you still have sex after the person said no, that is called rape. To understand more about rape, you can take a look at our article: https://bwisehealth.com/article/rape-it-could-be-a-stranger-or-a-friend. If you feel like you need to talk or you need support, call Lifeline on 0861 322 322. 

Hi, thanks for your question. Being HIV positive can be hard sometimes, but it does not mean your life is over: http://ow.ly/bxzi30iraPX

Hi there. Thanks for the question. It could be a pimple or it could be a skin lesion (skin injury). It would be best for you to visit your local clinic and get checked out by a doctor or a nurse so they can tell you exactly what the problem may be. They will also give you the treatment that you will need. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.

Hi there, heavy periods are normal if it’s normal for you – but if your period has become a lot heavier lately or you are bleeding for more than 7 days, go to your closest clinic and ask a nurse or a doctor for a checkup. Check out these menstruation facts: http://ow.ly/X2ay30irbgV

Hi, and thank you for your question. There are many different reasons why you may not have an appetite. If you are losing weight or if you are sick, then not having an appetite may be a problem. If you want to increase your appetite, try to drink at least 2 litres of water a day and do lots of exercise. If you have any other symptoms or if your appetite doesn’t improve after doing exercise, it’s best for you to see a nurse or a doctor at your local clinic. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. If you mean you'd like to protect your baby from getting HIV if you are HIV positive, you can take a look at this article: I am HIV positive. Can I have kids?

If you meant, can STIs infect your baby? The answer is yes. STIs can have a bad effect on your baby and may cause a miscarriage, depending on what STI it is. It would be best for you to visit your local clinic so you can get checked out by a doctor or a nurse and get the right treatment.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It would be best for you to visit your local clinic and get checked by a nurse or a doctor so they can find out why you still have breast milk and they can give you the right treatment. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. Check out our section on Basics of S.E.X

Hi thank you for your question. Take a look at our article on

Sex on your mind? Are you ready?

Hi there, thank you for your question. Take a look at our article on If I'm HIV positive, what does it mean for my future?

Hi thank you for your question. Check out our articles on https://bwisehealth.com/article/i-tested-hiv-positive-what-do-i-do-now and https://bwisehealth.com/article/eat-well-to-stay-well-healthy-food-healthy-life

Hi thank you for your question. Check out our article on https://bwisehealth.com/article/-i-have-a-discharge-do-i-have-an-sti-

Hi, thank you for your question, many women have similar struggles.  This can be caused by different factors. The vagina is a flexible, muscular canal that can stretch, but it can also contract (get tight)  when you are tense and anxious and cause difficulty with penetration.  Not being lubricated enough is another reason why penetration may be difficult.

Some women also have a condition called Vaginismus, which is an involuntary tightening of the muscles around the outer third of the vagina.  This can cause  pain during sex. 

It is best for you to visit a counsellor, psychologist or a nurse at your local clinic, they may help you more in this matter. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. It would be best for you to go to the local clinic and get checked by a doctor or nurse. They will examine you and tell you what the problem may be, they will also give you the right treatment. You can use the Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Hi there, thank you for your question. Check out our article on https://bwisehealth.com/article/if-i-m-hiv-positive-can-i-have-kids

Hi anonymous, foul smells from the ‘private parts’ could be a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It’s best to have it treated by a doctor or nurse at the clinic. They’ll give you some treatment to help clear it out.

Hi, pimples on your private parts could be caused by different things, like STIs or ingrown hair. It's best you go see a nurse or a doctor, and they will be able to tell you what could be the cause of these pimples. You can find your nearest clinic here.

Hi, a rash inside your vagina and pain during sex could be caused by different kinds of infections. Please go back to your nearest clinic and ask to be checked by a doctor or nurse. You can report good or bad clinic service directly to the Department of Health here 

Hi, Please check out our Help & Support section on bwisehealth.com and get all the help you need on depression and other mental issues: http://ow.ly/cYCd30iedmx 

Hi there, thank you for your question check out our article on https://bwisehealth.com/article/sex-on-the-mind-are-you-ready

Hi there, thank you for your question. A lot of people still have periods even though they are taking family planning (contraceptives). It depends on the type of contraceptives that you use and their side effects. It would be best to visit your local clinic to talk to a doctor or a nurse about different family planning options, and they can help you decide which would be best for you. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Hi , thank you for your question. Check out our article on https://bwisehealth.com/article/how-to-quit-smoking

Hi there

Thank you for your question. Take a look at our article on https://bwisehealth.com/article/what-to-expect-from-pregnancy

Hi there, thank you for your question.

Check out our article on https://bwisehealth.com/article/what-to-do-if-you-have-unprotected-sex

Hi there, thank you for your question. Discharge can be caused by a few things depending on what the problem is. It is best that you go to your local clinic to get checked by a doctor a nurse so they will tell you what the problem may be and they will give you the right treatment. You can use our clinic finder to help you find a clinic near you 

Having a baby is a big life decision to make. You need to make sure your family/partner would be able to support you and that you can afford to have a baby. You and your partner should also both be tested for HIV and make sure you are in good health. You can visit a nurse at the local clinic and they will be able to tell you what you can do to help you conceive. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. It would be best for you to go back to the clinic and get checked by a doctor or a nurse as it is possible that you have an STI. It is also important that you tell your sexual partners to go to the clinic to get checked out as well because they may be infected even if they don’t have the same symptoms you have. You and your partners should avoid having sex until you have been checked by a doctor. Don’t forget to get tested for HIV because having an STI gives you a higher risk of contracting HIV. If you are HIV positive, having an STI gives you a bigger chance of you transmitting HIV to your sexual partners. Remember to use a condom every time you have sex, to protect against STIs.

Hi there, thank you for your question a normal pregnancy lasts from 37 weeks to 40 weeks, if you count from the first day of your last normal period . This is just a bit more than 9 months.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It is not normal to bleed for 6 weeks non-stop. It is possible that there could be some of the after-birth still left in the wound, or the bleeding could be due to hormonal imbalances. It is best that you visit a clinic near you so you can get examined by a doctor or a nurse. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you. 

To gain weight you need to follow a healthy and balanced diet, ensuring that you are eating enough protein as well as three meals a day. If you are feeling concerned, please speak to your nurse or doctor for other possible reasons as to why you are not able to gain weight. Also check this article and it will help you to make the right choice, which will suitable for you. 

https://bwisehealth.com/article/bodies-are-different-whats-your-shape

It is unlikely that you would fall pregnant while using petogen, even during breastfeeding. Remember that petogen will prevent pregnancy, but does not protect against STIs and HIV. You should still use condoms as well.

It is unlikely that you would fall pregnant while using petogen, even during breastfeeding. Remember that petogen will prevent pregnancy, but does not protect against STIs and HIV. You should still use condoms as well

Thank you for your question. Here is an article on HIV, which also explains what ARVs are and how they work.

https://bwisehealth.com/article/have-more-questions-about-hiv

Thank you for your question. Fruit is healthy if you eat it in moderation, and if it's part of a balanced diet. For more about how to eat healthy and balance your diet, click here: https://bwisehealth.com/article/eat-well-to-stay-well-healthy-food-healthy-life

Hi, this sounds serious! It is important that you go to your nearest health care facility so you can get the right diagnosis and treatment

Contraceptives, especially those that work for a longer time such as the implant, are really important for us as they allow us to take more control of our lives by giving us some power over when we want to have children. They can, however, have some side-effects, which some women don’t experience or find to be a problem, while others do. One of the known side-effects of the implant contraceptive is that it can affect your periods. It could cause them to come less often or more often, or to be heavier or lighter than before, or to have spotting in-between periods. Side-effects may improve with time or some side-effects remain. If you feel your bleeding is too heavy/prolonged, or have any other concerns about what you are experiencing, you can visit your nearest clinic/doctor for them to give you more information. Also remember that contraceptives protect you against pregnancy and not sexually transmitted infections, so its always a good idea to use your chosen contraceptive method plus condoms.

There are 2 types of injection that have that effect, Depo-Provera or Noristerate, which you can get every 2 or 3 months. The effect of this can be that the body stops producing eggs and you don’t get your period. But that doesn’t mean that there is something wrong with your body. It is normal.

Don't forget to sign up on B-Wise, https://bwisehealth.com/ it's FREE!

Pains around your tummy area in pregnancy can have a few different causes, including ‘practice contractions’ (known as ‘Braxton-Hicks contractions’), real contractions (when labour starts), problems with internal organs (such as the appendix), urinary tract infections and many others. If you are pregnant and experience pains in your tummy, please go to your nearest health facility so you can be checked by a healthcare provider and given the care you need. 

Dear Anonynous, thank you for this important question! Here are two informative articles that will help in answering your question:

https://bwisehealth.com/article/hiv-aids-get-smart-know-the-facts and https://bwisehealth.com/article/find-out-how-you-get-hiv-stay-safe

Don't forget to sign up on B-Wise, where you can read as many health related articles as you want and ask questions, and all this won't use your data, as B-Wise is FREE!

Congrats on choosing to live your life in a healthy way! In general, to help one stay at a healthy weight, a person should eat a balanced diet that has different food groups in it, making sure they eat enough vegetables and fruit, try and limit the amount of ‘junk’/processed foods such as cakes, sweets, chocolates and sugary foods, limit salt intake, to drink enough water and follow a healthy exercise routine, such as walking or going to gym regularly. If you have concerns about your weight, need advise on exercise that is right for your, or just want to find out more, you can get more information from your clinic/doctor on how to check what is a good weight for your, how to incorporate the right foods into your diet, and the right portions of different foods to choose. They can also advise if there are any specific things you could do, considering any other health factors you have 

There are a few possible causes for this, including hormonal changes (sometimes to do with your periods), growths in the breast (which could be cancer but also may not be), or problems with your skin or muscles. It's best to go to your closest clinic or hospital to see a healthcare provider, who can help you to understand what the problem is and what treatment you need.

Dear Anonymous, Thank you for this very important question! It’s best for you to take your ARV tablets at the same time every day because this prevents viral replication (multiplication of the virus). If you take your medication late, the virus starts replicating and the viral load can start going up. But even when you are late, you still have to take your treatment, better late than not at all! Just make sure you are not late very often.

Hi there, thank you for your question. Check out our article on https://bwisehealth.com/article/find-out-how-you-get-hiv-stay-safe

Hi there, thank you for your question. This could be an STI (sexually transmitted infection). It would be best for you to go to your local clinic to get checked by a nurse or a doctor. You can use the Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. It would be best for you to visit you doctor or nurse at your local clinic and they will give you the correct information 

Hi, thank you for your question. If a condom is used properly and it's not expired, it usually won't break. Check out our article on how to use a male condom. https://bwisehealth.com/article/how-to-use-a-male-condom But remember, it's always best to use dual protection when you have sex, so even if the condom breaks you are still protected against pregnancy. 

Hi, thank you for your question. It’s great that you and your boyfriend are using condoms every time you have sex - it’s a good way to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancies. You can go to the clinic near you to talk to a nurse or a doctor about using a different form of contraception as well as condoms (dual protection). In terms of the rash, it would be best for you to visit a clinic near you so they can do an examination. They can tell you the causes of the rash and give you the right treatment. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you, and don’t forget to rate the clinic you have chosen to use. 

If you are taking chronic medication and you stop using it, it can cause your disease to get worse. For example, if you are taking medication for high blood pressure and you stop taking your medication, your blood pressure will stay high and that can cause damage to your kidneys, and it can cause blindness or a stroke.

If you are taking medication for HIV, not taking your medication means the virus will again start to grow in your body. If the amount of virus (viral load) is high in your body, your CD4 count will start to go down. If your CD4 count is low, you are at risk of getting HIV-related diseases such as TB, pneumonia and even HIV-related cancers. And even if you start to take your medication again, it may not work properly anymore. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. Check out our article on https://bwisehealth.com/article/how-to-use-the-female-condom

Hi there. Thank you for your question. When you see a healthcare worker it is important that you trust the person and you feel comfortable with the person during your pregnancy. If you have a bad experience you can report your experience on the Clinic Finder. If you want to see a different healthcare worker you can use the Clinic Finder to find another clinic near you. You can also take a look at our article on Know your rights! Consenting to health services

Hi. Thank you for your question. People can have sex when they are pregnant, as long as you are both comfortable and not in any pain. Its best for you to use a condom every time you have sex because you can still get an STI when you are pregnant and this can harm you or your baby. You can ask a healthcare worker about what is safe for you during pregnancy.

Hi. Thank you for your question.  Check out our  https://bwisehealth.com/category/get-fit on how you can get into shape.

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can get medicine from a doctor or a clinic to make you feel better and to make it go away quicker, but it will take time (up to 2 weeks) before you fully recover. If you go near people it’s possible for them to get the disease as well. So while you have the rash, it is best to stay away from babies, people who have never have chicken pox before and people who have weak immune systems (like people who are HIV-positive). It’s also best that you try not to scratch, because it can leave scars if you do. You can use the Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you, and don’t forget to rate the clinic you have chosen after your visit.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It's a good idea to share your status with your partner but only if you feel safe. It's important that you know the risks and benefits so speak to a counselor at the clinic to help you. It is also best to tell a friend or a trusted adult first before you tell your partner about your status. 

Hi, thank you for your question. It is best for you to visit your local clinic so you can get checked by a nurse or a doctor, they will check you up and they will give you the right treatment if you need it. 

Hi Anonymous, thanks for your question. Whether you reach orgasm during sex depends on many things. There are lots of factors that could make it more difficult, like:

·         Medical conditions, such as diabetes.

·         The use of certain medications, particularly for depression.

·         Feeling shy or nervous.

·         Guilt about enjoying sexual activity.

·         Sexual abuse in the past.

·         Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

·         Stress.

·         Poor self-esteem (feeling bad about yourself).

·         Relationship issues, like problems with trust.

·         Any surgery in your reproductive system.

It’s best to go to your nearest clinic or a doctor to find out what the issue could be. You can also read this article if you want to learn more about how to have an orgasm.

Hi, Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a short course (28 days) of anti-retroviral medication that is taken soon (within 72 hours) after exposure to HIV to reduce the chance of contracting HIV.

Hi, thank you for your question.  It would be best if you stay away from smoking especially if you have lung and heart disease, because it can really harm your health.

Hi, thank you for your question. Yes, older people can get infected with worms. Some of the symptoms include rectal itchiness (itchy bum), abdominal pain, colic, cramps, nausea, fever, blood in your stool (poo), a loss of appetite or an itchy rash. If you have any of these symptoms, it would be best to get checked by a doctor or nurse at your local clinic. 

Hi, check out our STI section on B-Wise and learn more about STIs here: http://ow.ly/P3uK30hjuzL

Hi, thank you for your question. 

It sounds as though you are suffering from conjunctivitis. It would be best for you go to you local clinic or pharmacy to receive some drops to treat it.

In the meantime, please make sure you wash your hands after touching your eye or face and try not to spread the infection to your other eye.

Hi, AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Learn more here: http://ow.ly/EJia30hju81

Hi thank you for your question. The best way to solve your problem with your partner is to talk to you partner about what is bothering you. By talking to your partner, it allows for better communication in your relationship. If by any chance you feel unsafe talking to your partner about your problem, its best to tell a trusted adult or a friend you trust first before you tell your partner. 

Hi, thank you for your question. Yes, it is possible to buy oral contraceptives over the counter at a pharmacy

Hi, thank you for your question. There are many different medical reasons why it may be painful or why you get a burning feeling when you pee. It can be related to the bladder or the vagina, and it could be caused by infections, sores or injuries. It would be best for you to visit a doctor or a nurse at your local clinic to get checked and to get the treatment that you need. You can use the Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.  

Hi there, thank you for your question. It is normal to be interested and curious about sex, although it depends on how, when and what kind of porn you watch. Many people use porn just to enjoy themselves on their own or with a partner who enjoys it too. But some people become addicted to watching porn, which is not healthy, and there are some types of porn that are illegal - for example, child porn. This type of porn is definitely not good for you or anyone else.

Thank you for your question. STIs can be treated, but you need to visit your nearest doctor or clinic to get treatment. Read our article STI questions? All the answers... to know more about STIs. You should not be embarrassed or scared to seek help from your health provider. In fact, you can report the kind of service you receive when you visit your health provider by rating the service on B-Wise’s Clinic Finder  

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can protect yourself from catching TB. Read our article Ways to avoid catching TB to learn how.  

Hi there, please read our article I tested HIV positive, what do I do now? and learn more about what you can do  when you test positive. 

Hi, thank you for your question. The cause of a vaginal discharge can be because of a sexually transmitted infection or due to thrush. If you are sexually active and not using condoms, it may mean that you have an infection. This means you and your partner(s) need to be treated for the STI, otherwise if you only treat yourself and not you partner(s), there is still a risk of getting the infection again. It is best you visit your nearest clinic for a check-up. For more information please read “What is vaginal thrush or a yeast infection?”

The aim of ARVs is to get a low viral load (100 or less). The best viral load result is undetectable. It doesn’t mean you are HIV negative, but there is so little HIV in your blood that the test can’t pick it up.  In your first year of treatment, you should have your viral load tested every 6 months. After that, clinics usually test viral loads once a year. BUT if your viral load is higher than what it should be, then it will need to be repeated sooner. Getting your viral load tested is the only way to know for sure how much HIV is in your body. And knowing gives you power! Even if your viral load is high, it means you can do something about it. Ask your nurse or doctor when you are getting your next viral load test done, and don’t be afraid to remind them when it’s time to test. 

Hi, thanks for your question. Check out our article Can you tell that someone is HIV positive just by looking at them to find out more.

Hi, thanks for your question. Check out our article Can you tell that someone is HIV positive just by looking at them to find out more.

1.       Hi Anonyms, fertility testing for men can be done at any public tertiary hospital. But there are a few basics to rule out before jumping to fertility testing. Having sex without a condom doesn’t always result in pregnancy. The woman’s menstrual cycle will determine whether it’s the right time to conceive or not. A couple is only infertile if they can’t get pregnant after 12 months of regular sex without contraceptives. Once this has been ruled out, you can then seek fertility testing.

Hi Anonyms, It would be best for you to get checked by a nurse or a doctor at the local clinic so they can tell you what’s rash around the opening of my vagina, they will give you the right treatment. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you here

Hi thank you for your question. If you are talking about the family planning injection (nur isterate or depo), then that’s the correct method that will work to prevent pregnancy after 10 days. It is important to remember that the family planning injection does not protect you against STIs or HIV. To protect yourself from these infections, it’s best to either abstain from sex or use a condom every time you have sex.

Hi thank you for your question. If you are talking about the family planning injection (nur isterate or depo), then that’s the correct method that will work to prevent pregnancy after 10 days. It is important to remember that the family planning injection does not protect you against STIs or HIV. To protect yourself from these infections, it’s best to either abstain from sex or use a condom every time you have sex.

Hi thank you for your question. If you are talking about the family planning injection (nur isterate or depo), then that’s the correct method that will work to prevent pregnancy after 10 days. It is important to remember that the family planning injection does not protect you against STIs or HIV. To protect yourself from these infections, it’s best to either abstain from sex or use a condom every time you have sex.

Hi there, this is how you can build a fit and healthy body without going to the gym http://ow.ly/ylIt30jlA3g

Hi thank you for your question. Take a look at our article on how to manage your stress.

http://ow.ly/Y7XN30gQnkT

Hi, and thank you for your question. There are many different reasons why you may not have an appetite. If you are losing weight or if you are sick, then not having an appetite may be a problem. If you want to increase your appetite, try to drink at least 2 litres of water a day and do lots of exercise. If you have any other symptoms or if your appetite doesn’t improve after doing exercise, it’s best for you to see a nurse or a doctor at your local clinic. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. Don’t forget to rate the clinic that you have chosen to use.  

Hi anonymous, periods are normally a sign that you are not pregnant, however, It would be best for you to get checked by a nurse or a doctor at the local clinic so they take pregnancy tests and tell you if you are pregnant or not. You can use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you http://ow.ly/9UqR30jkWvq

Hi Oratile, what type of injection are you are talking about? Is it the injection that you get to stop you from getting pregnant like Depo? 

Hi Anonymous. Some girls and women do experience strong pain and feel unwell during their periods. It’s probably normal, but it would be best to check at the clinic if you are anaemic (this is when one’s blood is low in iron). Using a contraceptive such as the implant, injection or pill may help you with these symptoms. Speak to the nurse at your local clinic about the best options for you. Need help locating a clinic near you? You can search for clinics here.

Hi Anonymous, Craving ice cubes, and other things which don’t have a nutritional value such as sand and chalk, can be a sign of iron deficiency. Iron deficiency affects your blood, and if severe this can place strain on your heart. Please consult your nearest clinic or a doctor, as they might need to check you and do some blood tests, as well as give you treatment to help you feel better. Need help locating a clinic near you? You can search for clinics  here

Hi thank you for your question. Check out our article on If I'm HIV positive, what does this mean for my future?  http://ow.ly/9YVv30gCQLV

Hi thank you for your question. Check out our article on Different kinds of contraceptives and family planning: options to prevent pregnancy http://ow.ly/xifp30gCQvd

Hi thank you for your question. Take a look at our section on healthy living. http://ow.ly/85aW30gCQmO

Thank you for your question. Please take a look at our Protect yourself from getting pregnant! http://ow.ly/pTnJ30gCeNX

Hi, thank you for your question. Flakka is dangerous because it may lead to aggressive behavior, increased heart rate, people also become delusional.

In the long term, using this drug may lead to death.

Hi, thank you for your question. It’s good to know that you are concerned about your friend. If she is having pain during sex and when she is on her period, she needs to be checked by a nurse or a doctor at the local clinic to find out what the problem is.  You can use our clinic finder to find a clinic near you. 

Hi there. That’s a tough situation to be in! Ethics and the law say that healthcare workers must keep patients’ HIV status confidential. It would be best to counsel the patient to disclose their status to their partner, and encourage them and their partner (your son/daughter) to use condoms every time they have sex. The National Disclosure Guidelines can help you find ways to start the disclosure process. Remember, if your son or daughter is brought in for disclosure, they would just have to be seen by a healthcare worker other than you. If you are struggling, speak to your colleagues or supervisors for help. Good luck! 

Hi anonymous, this bleeding is most likely due to the injectable contraceptive you are using. If this keeps happening, then you may have to change to a different contraceptive. Refer to B-wise article on contraceptives here

Hi Anonymous. There could be many reasons for this. Is she\he eating well? Or refusing food and complaining about pain? If the throat is sore, he\she would likely be complaining and not willing to eat. The best option is for you to take your child to the nearest clinic, the nurses will be able to tell you what’s wrong. You can locate your nearest clinic here: http://ow.ly/SJxa30gsP6B

Good luck with everything 

Hi Anonymous.Firstly, well done for voicing your fear around testing, it’s quite a common feeling to have. I would suggest you try your best to go for the check-up – it’s always a good idea to go for regular health checks for HIV and other things, even if they can feel be scary. The good thing about knowing your HIV status is that whatever you find out will give you more power to take control of your health– either to get onto treatment if its positive or to practice prevention if its negative, so I would recommend it. About the traditional circumcision, I think that the most important thing to know is whether it is done safely and hygienically, whether a person is living with HIV or not. If it’s not done in this way, a person could be at risk of getting an infection, which could be more likely to happen in someone who has anything which affects their immune system, like HIV.

Hi there, thank you for your question. Tinnitus is when people hear noises or ringing in their ears. It’s actually not an illness itself, but a sign of something else going on. It can be caused by hearing loss (which often happens when people get older), an ear injury or a problem in the circulatory (blood) system. Even though it can be irritating, it usually isn’t a sign of something serious, although it can get worse with age and can improve with treatment. It’s best to see a doctor at the local clinic if the tinnitus came suddenly or you don’t know the cause. You can use the  Clinic Finder to find a doctor near you.

Hi, thank you for your question. If you’re taking ARVs, we don’t advise that you use traditional remedies at the same time. The remedies may have an effect on the medication and it can weaken the effect of the ARVs. If you are struggling with side effects like vomiting, it is best to speak to your doctor or nurse and get advice or treatment which can help you.

Hi there, thank you for your question. There are many different reasons why you may be losing weight even though you are on ARVs. Some people lose weight because they have another medical condition like TB. To see if you have any symptoms, you can take a look at our article All you need to know about TB. What you eat (and how much you eat) can also affect your weight, so it’s important that you eat healthy food and don’t skip meals. This can help you gain your weight back. Check out our article Eat this, not that: good food rules to live by to find out more. Back pains can have many different causes. It would be best to visit your local clinic so that you can be examined and find exactly what is causing the back pains, and get advice from a nurse or dietitian who will help you with your weight problem. You can use our Clinic Finder  to help you find a clinic near you. 

Hi, thank you for your question. If you mean your girlfriend has been bleeding for three months continuously, this can be a sign that something is wrong either with her reproductive organs, or with her hormones.  A woman can bleed when she is pregnant, but this usually means that something is wrong with the pregnancy (like a miscarriage) or there might be an infection in the genital tract (such as vaginitis). It would be best for your girlfriend to go to the nearest clinic as soon as she can, to get help to manage this problem. 

Hi Sipho

Thank you for your question. It seems as though you have been going through a lot, and you have been brave through it all! Well done on having a positive attitude through your difficult time. Depression and anxiety is not easy to deal with, we would recommend getting help by seeing a counsellor or a psychologist at your local clinic who will be able to help you through your mental illness. You can also make use of our clinic finder on our B-Wise website on bwisehealth.com to help you find a clinic close to you.

You and your nephew need to get in touch with organisations that provide help people with depression and anxiety, such as:

·         Suicide crisis line: 0800 567 567 or sms 31393

·         Depression and Mental Health Helpline: call 0800 567 567 daily between 8am and 89pm for counseling and referral if you're suffering from depression, anxiety or mental health issues

·         The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 011- 262-6396

·         Mental health line: 011 783 1474

 You can also take a look at our article on How to find a job in Mzansi, this will give you tips on how to find the right job for you.

All the best to you and your nephew, and good luck with a job! 

Hi anonymous, it would be best for you to visit your doctor at the local clinic so they can check you up and give you the right treatment that you need. You can use the Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you here

Hi, thank you for your question. You can take aloe or any other supplements, as long as they don’t interfere with your ARVs. Most medication will have a leaflet that will tell you which other medication it will have a bad reaction with if they are taken together. It’s best to take your supplements in the morning, and not to drink them at night because they could keep you awake at night.

Hi, thank you for your question. You can take aloe or any other supplements, as long as they don’t interfere with your ARVs. Most medication will have a leaflet that will tell you which other medication it will have a bad reaction with if they are taken together. It’s best to take your supplements in the morning, and not to drink them at night because they could keep you awake at night.

Hi Anonymous. You have made a brave and important decision – well done for making the choice to live healthy! It can be scary to start treatment but it does protect your health, even when your CD4 is above 700. With the new medicines in use now (like Tribuss, and many others) the body changes don’t happen very often. You shouldn’t expect any major body changes with this medicine. Of course, exercise and a balanced diet are always important to keep your body fit and in shape.

Hi Anonymous. You have made a brave and important decision – well done for making the choice to live healthily! It can be scary to start treatment but it does protect your health, even when your CD4 is above 700. With the new medicines in use now (like Tribuss, and many others) the body changes don’t happen very often. You shouldn’t expect any major body changes with this medicine. Of course, exercise and a balanced diet are always important to keep your body fit and in shape.