Hi thank you for your question. It is not normal to get headaches every day the best thing to do is to visit your local doctor and they will be able to check exactly what the cause of the headache may be. 

Hi thank you for your question. It is not normal to get headaches every day the best thing to do is to visit your local doctor and they will be able to check exactly what the cause of the headache may be. 

Hi thank you for your question. This can be normal as your body may be still getting back to its normal state after your pregnancy. If you are still concerned it would be best that you visit your local clinic and speak to your nurse so you can get checked

Hi there, thank you for your question, its seems as though you may have an infection that needs medical attention. Its best that you visit your local clinic and get checked so you can get the right treatment. 

Hi, thank you for your question. There are many different aspects that can influence your self-esteem such as friends, family, the people you look up to. It's always good to remember to feel good about yourself https://bwisehealth.com/article/5-ways-to-feel-good-about-yourself 

Hi, thank you for your question. It would be best that you do not kiss your nephew as babies can pick up infections much faster than adults. Its best that you visit your local clinic and speak to your doctor about the sores on your mouth.

HI thank you for your question. It is possible that you may have a yeast infection although because of the bad odor it may be an STI. It would be best that you visit your local clinic to get tested by a doctor or a nurse 

HI thank you for your question. It is possible that you may have a yeast infection although because of the bad odor it may be an STI. It would be best that you visit your local clinic to get tested by a doctor or a nurse

Hi, thank you for your question if you have burning urine it is possible that you may have a UTI. Click here to find out more Urinary tract infections: what's the lowdown? 

Hi, thank you for your question. That must be a difficult situation that you are going through. You can have a baby if you are HIV positive and your baby can be negative, check this article to help you If I'm HIV positive, can I have kids? 

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can check out this article to get more information I have a discharge - do I have an STI?  You can get a full checkup at a clinic or a hospital 

Hi thank you for your question. Its best that you tell your gynecologist so the implant can be removed.  

Hi thank you for your question. It is possible that you have a UTI. You can find out more Urinary tract infections: what's the lowdown? 

Hi thank you for your question. It is possible that you have a UTI. You can find out more here https://bwisehealth.com/article/urinary-tract-infections-whats-the-lowdown

Hi thank you for your question. You can find all your answers on PrEP right here http://myprep.co.za

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can get chicken pox at any age , it is possible that you may have been in contact with a child or another adult that may have had chicken pox. It is contagious so it is best to stay away from others during this period.

Hi there, thank you for your question. Its never easy knowing a positive status, but remember being HIV positive is not a death sentence, you can live a normal, healthy life if you take your medication every day. It is important that you continue taking medication. It can be difficult in the beginning but this article can help up get some of the answers you may be looking for If I'm HIV positive, what does this mean for my future? 

Dear Anonymous. Good question! This B-Wise article will give you a step-by-step guide on using female condoms: How to use a female condom. 

Dear Anonymous. Thank you for your question. There may be a few reasons for this. It is usually a sign that there may be an infection. It may be a bladder infection (usually called a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or a sign of an STI. 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 to you.

Dear Anonymous. The symptoms you described sound like those of ‘peripheral neuropathy’. It is a common symptom of medications used to treat TB, and in some cases HIV. Peripheral neuropathy can also result from use of other medication and chronic diseases. If you haven’t been tested for HIV, make sure you get tested soon and know your status. If it’s a side effect of medication, it usually goes away after some time – but either way, there are medications that can help with your symptoms. It is important to consult with a health care worker to be sure of the reason for the neuropathy and prolonged chest pains, so that you can get the right treatment.  

Dear Anonymous. It’s best you visit your nearest clinic so the doctor or nurse can examine you further. Remember to get tested for STIs and encourage your partner to get tested too. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.  

Dear Anonymous. Different people develop at different ages, so if you haven't yet started to see any changes to your penis size, it doesn't mean they aren't going to happen. The changes also happen slowly over time, so you may not notice immediately.

How we feel inside is often connected to early ejaculation; especially if you feeling nervous, under pressure or stressed out. You can try to stop early ejaculation by distracting yourself with non-sexual thoughts or wearing thicker condoms. But don't use more than one condom at a time, because that will make the condom break. It's best to talk with your partner about how you are feeling but if you don't feel comfortable then talk to a doctor, nurse or counsellor. You can read this article for more information: Penis talk: watch it change.

Dear Anonymous. It’s best you go back to your nearest clinic so the doctor can examine you further and give you the right treatment. The sooner the better. 

Dear Anonymous. Stomach pains 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 examine your symptoms and give you the right treatment. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous. Long term use of any form of contraceptive does not cause infertility, meaning the inability to fall pregnant in the future. Visit your nearest clinic and talk to doctor or nurse about birth control options. Learn more about the different kinds of contraceptives here: Different kinds of contraceptives and family planning: options to prevent pregnancy.

Dear Anonymous. It is possible to have protected sex  (sex with a condom) many times and not to get HIV from your HIV + partner however there is always a risk if the partner is not on treatment and does not have a suppressed viral load.  It is also possible to have HIV for many years and to still be very healthy. You can ask your clinic about providing you with ARVs to prevent you from getting HIV from your partner (called PrEP). 

Dear Anonymous. Having multiple sexual partners increase your risk of contracting HIV and other sexual transmitted infections. The more sexual partners you have, the higher the risk. Here are two informative articles that will give you more information: HIV & AIDS: Get smart & know the facts! and How do you get HIV?

Dear Anonymous. There are many reasons why your period could change such as taking a contraceptive, stress, and change in eating habits or even exercise. If you are still concerned you can visit your local clinic and get checked by a nurse or a doctor. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. You can also read our article When your period signals a problem: Menstrual problems that may need medical attention for more information. 

Dear Anonymous. It’s normal to have sex everyday as long as you and your partner want to have it. Read this article for more information on consent: Consent for sex: Is it a yes or a no? How to ask. The only time it’s not okay is when sex gets in the way of your day-to-day life, like your studies or your job. If you feel like sex is getting in the way of your life, it’s best you seek professional help from a doctor, counsellor or psychologist. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. No matter how much sex you have, remember to always practice protected sex and protect yourself from HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancies. 

Dear Anonymous. There are a few reasons why your girlfriend may have a rash. It could be a sign of an infection. It’s best you encourage her to visit her nearest clinic so they can do an examination. A doctor or nurse can tell her the causes of the rash and give her the right treatment. Remember if it is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can be spread by having unprotected sex. It’s important that you also get tested for STIs. To avoid STIs remember to wear a condom during sex or during sexual contact. You can also read: I don’t want to get an STI- how can i protect myself? for more information. 

Dear Anonymous. It’s normal to have sex everyday as long as you and your partner want to have it. Read this article for more information on consent: Consent for sex: Is it a yes or a no? How to ask. The only time it’s not okay is when sex gets in the way of your day-to-day life, like your studies or your job. If you feel like sex is getting in the way of your life, it’s best you seek professional help from a doctor, counsellor or psychologist. Remember sex isn’t just about penetration (placing the penis into the vagina). There are other super satisfying different types of sex that couples can try, like intimate touching, and oral sex. Oral sex is a great way to stay connected during sex but always practice protected sex, to protect you and your partner. Check out Can I get an STI from oral sex? for more tips to stay safe. 

Dear Anonymous. In order to have the most chance of falling pregnant, one must not be on any contraception and must have lots of unprotected sex about 12 to 18 days after the first day of your period.  The day that you start bleeding you should count as day 1. Women are most likely to ovulate (release an egg) 14 days after the first day after her period.  The sperm is most likely to find the egg if you have lots of sex over the few days before and after ovulation, therefore from around day 12 to 18.  You will not always fall pregnant the first month you try, most people need to have lots of sex for 6-12 months to fall pregnant.  There are many reasons that some people might struggle to fall pregnant.  If you have been on injectable or pill contraception it can take up to 6 months for your period and ovulation to get back to normal.  If you are concerned about your fertility, you should speak to a nurse or doctor. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous. The exact causes of breast cancer is unclear but it is caused by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast. People with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors (such as drinking alcohol) can be avoided. But most risk factors (such as having a family history of breast cancer) can’t be avoided. Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will get breast cancer. Many people who have risk factors never develop breast cancer. Remember, you don’t have to be a girl to get breast cancer. Boys can also get breast cancer! Breast cancer can be treated if it is diagnosed early, so if you notice anything out of the ordinary on your chest or breasts, it’s best that you visit your local clinic and get checked. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous. Yes, it’s very important to practice protected sex at all times. Unprotected sex puts you at risk of not only contracting HIV and other STIs but unplanned pregnancies too.  

Dear Anonymous. There are many factors that influence teenage pregnancy but the number one cause is having unprotected sex. This could be due to number of factors such as peer pressure, lack of knowledge, substance abuse, socioeconomic status, sexual abuse or rape to name a few. Learn more here: I know being informed helps me keep safe. You can also read: Falling pregnant when you're young is a big deal for more information. 

Dear 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. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Dear Anonymous. Treatment for cervical cancer depends on how far the cancer has spread and there are different treatment options. It is often curable if it's diagnosed at an early stage. When cervical cancer is not curable, it's often possible to slow its progression and relieve any associated symptoms, such as pain and vaginal bleeding.

Dear Anonymous. Most blood pressure medicines are easy to take, but all medicines have side effects. Most of these are mild and may go away over time. Visit your nearest clinic as soon as possible the side effects continue or are causing you problems. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous. Dizziness during pregnancy is quite common. Your growing uterus can put pressure on your blood vessels, especially when you’re lying on your back. If your blood sugar drops or you become dehydrated, you're more likely to experience a dizzy spell. It’s best you visit your nearest clinic so a doctor can examine you further. The doctor might also do a hemoglobin test which is often used to check for anemia, a condition in which your body has fewer red blood cells than normal. This condition can also cause dizziness. 

Dear Anonymous. Different people develop at different ages, so if you haven't yet started to see any changes to your penis size, it doesn't mean they aren't going to happen. The changes also happen slowly over time, so you may not notice immediately. If you are concerned, speak to your doctor so he can advise. 

Dear anonymous. This is how you can keep your vagina healthy and clean: How to keep your vagina healthy.

Dear Anonymous. Different people develop at different ages, so if you haven't yet started to see any changes to your penis size, it doesn't mean they aren't going to happen. The changes also happen slowly over time, so you may not notice immediately.

How we feel inside is often connected to early ejaculation; especially if you feeling nervous, under pressure or stressed out. You can try to stop early ejaculation by distracting yourself with non-sexual thoughts or wearing thicker condoms. But don't use more than one condom at a time, because that will make the condom break. It's best to talk with your partner about how you are feeling but if you don't feel comfortable then talk to a doctor, nurse or counsellor. You can read this article for more information: Penis talk: watch it change.

Dear Anonymous, having genital sores 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 sores 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.

Dear Anonymous. There are a few reasons why you may have a rash. If the rash continues and you are having sexual contact of any kind, it’s best you go back to your nearest clinic so they can do an examination. A doctor or nurse can tell you the causes of the rash and give you the right treatment. Also, remember to ask your partner to also visit the clinic and get tested. To avoid STIs remember to wear a condom during sex or during sexual contact. You can also read: I don’t want to get an STI- how can i protect myself? for more information. 

Dear Anonymous. There are a few reasons why you may have a rash. If the rash continues and you are having sexual contact of any kind, it’s best you go back to your nearest clinic so they can do an examination. A doctor or nurse can tell you the causes of the rash and give you the right treatment. Also, remember to ask your partner to also visit the clinic and get tested. To avoid STIs remember to wear a condom during sex or during sexual contact. You can also read: I don’t want to get an STI- how can i protect myself? for more information. 

Dear Anonymous. Itchiness and sores can be caused by many things. It is a common symptoms of an STI. It’s best you to visit your nearest clinic to get tested and know if there are any possibilities for you to have an STI. You can use our clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you. You can also read more about STI in our STI section and get informed. 

Dear 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. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Dear Anonymous. Most early pregnancy symptoms occur within the first four weeks and first signs of pregnancy may include:

·         A late period

·         Slight bleeding or cramping as the embryo implants in your uterus (implantation bleeding)

·         Sore breasts that seem to be growing already!

·         Extreme tiredness

·         Backache

Remember not all women experience the same symptoms and symptoms vary in severity.

Dear Anonymous. The window period is time between potential exposure to HIV infection and the point when the test will give an accurate result. During the window period a person can be infected with HIV and be very infectious but still test HIV negative. The window period can take up to 3 months. Learn more about HIV here.

Dear Anonymous. Terminating a pregnancy can leave you worried about the impact on future pregnancies. It’s completely natural to worry about how an abortion may have affected your chances of getting pregnant again but it's important to know that it doesn’t mean it will affect your chances of one day being a mum. After having an abortion, you should wait at least a month before getting pregnant again – your body has gone through a lot and needs time to recover. Read this article for more information about termination of pregnancy: Termination of pregnancy: The facts. 

Dear Anonymous. Genital warts can go away on their own without treatment, but in your case this can take a few months or a couple of years. Even when the warts are gone, the virus will still be in your body and skin. This means that even if you can't see any warts, you can still pass it on to your partners. The only way to protect your partners from HPV is to always use a condom when you have sex. It’s best you go back to your nearest clinic so they can examine you further and give you the right treatment to manage your symptoms. 

Dear Anonymous. The trauma of being raped can leave you feeling scared and alone and ashamed. Recovering from rape takes time and the healing process can be painful. You can speak to a rape counsellors, social workers, psychologists at your nearest clinic who can help you through the process. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you. SADAG can also connect you to groups in your area, or numbers to call for support.  Call 0800 21 22 23 to find a support group. You can also find more contacts in this article: Help & Support: Mental Health & Substance Abuse.

Dear Anonymous. The main goal of HIV treatment is to fight the virus in your body. Almost as important is trying to do this without causing unpleasant, unhealthy side effects. Side effects vary from person to person. For some, they're mild. For others, they get in the way of daily life. These include loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, mood changes, depression, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and a rash. 

Pain on the abdominal area could be caused by different medical problems, it best you visit your nearest clinic a doctor or nurse will be able to tell you what's wrong. You can find or rate your local clinic here https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/

Hi there, thank you for your question. There can be many different reasons why you may be experiencing pains. It would be best for you to visit your local clinic and get checked by the doctor.

Gender-based violence is violence directed against someone based on his or her gender. Reed this article to learn about abuse https://bwisehealth.com/article/abuse-is-not-normal-behaviour

Hi there, you can report this clinic here https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/

Hi Lerato, why did you stop taking treatment? 

This is how you can handle the ups and downs of erection https://bwisehealth.com/article/erection-alert-handling-the-ups-and-downs

Hi there, it depends on your morals and values. It is OK for some and not for others. Read this article to learn more https://bwisehealth.com/article/what-is-porn-is-it-healthy-to-watch

Hi there, masturbation is safe, fun and natural, read this article to learn more https://bwisehealth.com/article/masturbation-and-orgasm-touch-play

Hi there, Second-hand smoke is a serious health risk for both those who smoke and those who do not. Children are at risk of serious health effects from second-hand smoke. Here are a few tips that can help you to stop smoking https://bwisehealth.com/article/how-to-quit-smoking

Hi there, please visit your nearest clinic and ask for a pregnancy test, this test will show if you are pregnant or not. Click here to find or rate your local clinic https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/

Hi there, you can get dagga/weed facts here https://bwisehealth.com/article/smoking-dagga-the-facts

Hi there, read this article to get all the answers you need https://bwisehealth.com/article/binge-drinking-and-alcohol-poisoning

Check out these study tips https://bwisehealth.com/article/4-good-study-habits-you-can-try-today

Hi there, visit our STI section to learn more about STIs https://bwisehealth.com/category/sti

Hi there, you can learn about STIs here https://bwisehealth.com/category/sti

Hi there, menstruation is a normal part of a girl's life as she grows up. However, sometimes periods can become abnormal: you can have no bleeding, too much bleeding or extremely painful bleeding. Learn more here https://bwisehealth.com/article/when-your-period-signals-a-problem-menstrual-problems-that-may-need-medical-attention 

Hi there, please visit your nearest clinic a doctor or nurse will be able to tell you what causes the blister. You can find or rate your local clinic here https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/

Hi there , thank you for your question. Yes it is possible for one partner to test positive or even both. Remember there are other ways that a person can get HIV , not just by having sex.

Hi there, It would be best for you to visit a doctor or a nurse at your local clinic to get checked and to get treatment that you need. You can use the Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.  

Hi there, after you stop taking the contraceptive, it can still take a few months for it to totally leave the body. Some women wait up to 9 months before they start getting menstrual periods again. But remember, you become fertile BEFORE you have your period, so you can still fall pregnant at any time. If you think you may be pregnant, visit your local clinic for a pregnancy test.

Hi there, Thank you for your question. A smelly discharge is often a sign of an infection. If there is an infection, it will need to be treated for it to go away. Please go to your nearest clinic. They will ask some questions and examine you and most likely give you some medicine for it to go away. Remember if it is an sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can be spread by having unprotected sex. It is important that your partner is also treated to prevent repeat infection. Using condoms every time you have sex will stop this from happening again.

Hi there, after you stop taking the contraceptive, it can still take a few months for it to totally leave the body. Some women wait up to 9 months before they start getting menstrual periods again. But remember, you become fertile BEFORE you have your period, so you can still fall pregnant at any time. If you think you may be pregnant, visit your local clinic for a pregnancy test.

Hi there, visit our HPV section to learn more about HPV https://bwisehealth.com/category/hpv

Hi, thank you for your question. You can find out about HPV here https://bwisehealth.com/category/hpv

HI, thank you for your question. There are many reasons why early ejaculation may happen such as stress, anxiety or depression. 

Hi, thank you for your question. Yes, it is possible for your girlfriend to be pregnant. If you are concerned it would be best to get a home pregnancy test. 

Hi thank you for your question, it is possible that you could be bloated or you may have picked up a bit of weight. If you are still concerned that you may be pregnant you can visit your local doctor to get checked 

Hi there, it is possible that we think we doing something right but we may have missed a step or we may be doing something incorrectly. Find out how to use a condom here How to use a male condom  

Hi, it's normal to have a relationship with a partner who is HIV positive and the other partner is HIV negative. Although it is important to wear a condom every time you have sex and it's important that the partner that is HIV positive take their ARV's.

Hi, thank you for your question. The condom could be breaking most of the time because you probably not using the condom correctly. Here's  How to use a male condom 

Hi there, you can find out more information here https://myprep.co.za/ 

Hi there. Sorry to hear you are going through this. It sounds like this keeps happening and it doesn’t get resolved. It might be helpful to ask yourself: what is keeping you in this relationship? What are the good things about it? Are they worth the pain and anger you are going through? If the answer is yes, and you want to stay with your boyfriend, it would be a good idea to find new ways to show him what you need from him. If not talking isn’t showing him what you need, how can you tell him clearly that you need support, and that you’re not comfortable with him talking to other girls in the way he does? Try to show him why it hurts you, rather than just why it angers you. He doesn’t have to do what you ask – that’s his choice – but if he keeps doing these things knowing they hurt you, you also have choices. Counselling can also help you to work through your choices and manage your anger.

Hi there, thank you for your question. That can be a difficult situation, it's best that you speak to a trusted family member who can help you, or if you are comfortable to talk to your fiance about how you are feeling and talk about the situation 

Dear Anonymous. Thank you for your question. It can be frustrating when you take care of your teeth, but you aren't sure where bad breath is coming from. There are many causes of bad breath, like tooth decay, thrush in the mouth, and a throat infection like tonsils and a chest infection. It's a good idea to visit a dentist or speak to your doctor or a nurse for a check-up. They will be able to find the cause of your bad breath and bleeding gums. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It is possible to get pregnant again, it would be best for you to first go to your local doctor and get checked and they will give you the right advice based on your body.

Hi there,  it can be normal to experience spotting in the beginning but if you are concerned its best to visit your local doctor at the local clinic

Hi there, an implant is a type of contraceptive that is inserted in your body and can last up to 3-5 years to prevent pregnancy. 

Hi thank you for your question. There is no problem admiring women, it becomes inappropriate when you start giving inappropriate comments or even touching them 

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can find your answer here https://bwisehealth.com/article/what-is-diabetes 

Hi there, thank you for your question. Remember ARVs help reduce your viral count and it can help you live normal and do things you always do without feeling sick. If you stop taking your ARVs you can start feeling sick again

Hi there, yes it can be normal to masturbate  everyday as long as you are not harming yourself. You can check out this article for more information Pleasuring Yourself 

Hi there, yes it is possible to get pregnant even if you didn't ejaculate in her, sperm can also be present in pre-cum. It is best to get a home pregnancy test

Hi, thank you for your question. You can find out more in this article What is PEP and how can it help me?

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can check out this article to answer your question Peer pressure: Dealing with it 

Dear Anonymous. It is possible to have unprotected sex many times and not to get HIV from your HIV + partner however there is always a risk if the partner is not on treatment and does not have a suppressed viral load.  It is also possible to have HIV for many years and to still be very healthy. Your partner can also ask his clinic about providing him with ARVs to prevent him getting HIV from you (called PrEP).  After 6 months of being on ARVs, the clinic will test your blood for your HIV viral load and if you have been taking your tablets every day, your viral load test should show that your HIV virus is suppressed.  If your viral load is suppressed then your partner will not get HIV from you so if he wants to and trusts that you will continue to take your tablets every day, then he can stop PrEP and choose not to use condoms if he wishes.

Hi there, you can find your answer here http://myprep.co.za 

Dear Anonymous. We’re sorry you feeling this way. It’s best you visit your nearest clinic and see a doctor or nurse for further advice. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous. The only way to know whether you are pregnant or not is to get tested. It’s best you go to your nearest clinic and get tested for pregnancy. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you. You can also learn about the different kinds of contraceptives here. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. It would be best for you to visit your local clinic and get tested by your doctor so they can give you the right treatment 

Hi there, thank you for your question. There are many reasons why your period could change such as taking a contraceptive, stress, change in eating habits or even exercise. If you are still concerned you can visit your local clinic and get checked by a nurse or a doctor. 

Dear Anonymous. Learn more about masturbation here. 

Dear Anonymous. Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. There could be a number of reasons for this. 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. You may also have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or vaginal condition which got worse during sex. If the pain is ongoing its best you visit your local clinic to see a doctor or nurse for a further examination. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).  HPV is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. HPV may also be passed on during oral sex and genital-to-genital contact. Most infected people do not realize they are infected or that they are passing the virus on to a sex partner. People who share needles with others are at higher risk of contracting or transmitting HPV. You can also read this article: How do you get HPV?, for more information.  

Dear Anonymous. Having a smell from your vagina is normal. It can change slightly throughout the menstrual cycle or after sex.  In your case since it’s a foul smell, it could be a sign of a vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is not an infection caught from your partner but caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that are normally present in the vagina. We advise that you do not use anything like soaps and douches to try and change it as this can change the normal smell of your vaginal flora (this helps to keep your vagina healthy). If it smells strong and has a thick green/yellow/brown discharge then that could also be a sign of an infection. Also if there is an itchy cream discharge this could be a sign of thrush. Read this article for more information: What is vaginal thrush or a yeast infection? 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.

Dear Anonymous. Thank you for your question. If there is an adult you know and trust, tell them and if you are in danger or worried about your safety right now, call the police on 10111. Remember, abuse is never OK, and it is never your fault. If you call Childline on 08000 55555 you can also ask them about your options for reporting and getting help. Check out this article for more information: Am I in an unhealthy relationship?

Dear Anonymous. Knowing you’ve had an abortion can leave you worried about the impact on future pregnancies. It’s completely natural to worry about how your abortion may have affected your chances of getting pregnant again but it's important to know that it doesn’t mean it will affect your chances of one day being a mum. After having an abortion, you should wait at least a month before getting pregnant again – your body has gone through a lot and needs time to recover. Read this article for more information about termination of pregnancy: Termination of pregnancy: The facts. 

Dear Anonymous. Having a miscarriage is a physically and emotionally difficult experience under any circumstance. The loss is painful. Though time and comfort are often the best healers, it helps sometimes to understand the grief and mourning process that can accompany a miscarriage, and to know what you can do to start coping with your loss. The important thing to remember is that mourning is a process that takes time. You can speak with your doctor, who can refer you to a counsellor or psychologist. They can support you through the process and give you some guidance.  

Dear Anonymous. There could be many reasons for your condition. It’s best you go back to your nearest clinic so they can examine you further. 

Dear Anonymous. The exact causes of breast cancer is unclear but it is caused by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast. People with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors (such as drinking alcohol) can be avoided. But most risk factors (such as having a family history of breast cancer) can’t be avoided. Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will get breast cancer. Many people who have risk factors never develop breast cancer. Remember, you don’t have to be a girl to get breast cancer. Boys can also get breast cancer! Breast cancer can be treated if it is diagnosed early, so if you notice anything out of the ordinary on your chest or breasts, it’s best that you visit your local clinic and get checked. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear 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. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Dear Anonymous. High blood pressure means your heart has to work harder than normal. This can lead to heart problems and heart failure. Swollen ankles, fatigue (feeling tired all the time), feeling dizzy or nose bleeds are common signs of high blood pressure.

Common causes of high blood pressure include:

·         Smoking

·         Drinking too much alcohol

·         Too much salt in food

·         Being overweight

·         Not exercising

Testing for high blood pressure is free at your local clinic. The nurse or doctor can help you understand how to control your blood pressure using medication and lifestyle changes. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous. We understand you may be feeling anxious but It's hard to say exactly when your periods will start again. The timing is different for every mum, and it depends on your body, as well as how you're feeding your baby. Your periods will take longer to come back if you're breastfeeding. It can be up to a year before you have a period, as long as you're breastfeeding round the clock. If you're formula-feeding your baby, your periods usually start again between five weeks and three months after giving birth. Your periods usually come and go if you’re breastfeeding and formula feeding your baby.

It’s best you see a doctor or nurse for a further examination. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.  

Dear Anonymous. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) are medications that treat HIV. The drugs do not kill or cure the virus. However, when taken in combination they can prevent the growth of the virus. When the virus is slowed down, so is HIV disease. ART helps people living with HIV live longer, healthier lives and reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Read this article for more information: Have more questions about HIV?

Dear Anonymous. Genital warts are caused by a virus known as Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Usually, the body immune system will fight the virus, but there is no cure for HPV. Most people get HPV from unprotected sex. The actual warts can be treated, though the type of treatment just depends on where the warts are, how big they are, and how many there are. Treatment options include putting medication onto the wart for a few sessions until the wart falls off, and having surgery to remove the wart. It is best to talk to a healthcare provider so that they can recommend the best treatment for you. HPV can lead to serious diseases like cervical cancer, so please also speak with your healthcare provider about screening for diseases caused by HPV.

Dear Anonymous. Thank you for your question. There many reasons for ladies to have irregular menstruation's and it would be best to go and have a check-up and a pap smear to make sure it isn’t something serious. It is also a good idea to do another pregnancy test if there is a possibility that you might be pregnant. If everything is fine, then the doctor can start you on oral contraceptive to regulate your periods. You can also get screened for HIV and STIs. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous. It is very difficult to tell if you are going through  menopause if you have the injection. Menopause starts around the age of 51 when it happens naturally. But it can happen before you turn 40. The age at which yours will start is mostly determined by your genes. Some of the symptoms are, mood swings, hot flashes, sweating, racing heart and headaches. Speak to a doctor or nurse for further advice. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Dear 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.

Dear 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 her shows not only that you are responsible, but that you care about her health. It will also give her a chance to disclose her status to you. Not sharing your status with your wife will put her at risk of also getting the virus. Give her a chance to understand your fears and concerns. The sooner you tell her, the better for you and her. You can check out our article Dating when you’re HIV positive to give more information.

Dear Anonymous. Thank you for your question. There's no specific eating plan for people living with HIV, but an overall healthy diet can help your health a lot. The best thing you can do is to start exercising and eating healthy foods. 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, Eat well to stay well: Healthy food, healthy life for more information.

Dear Anonymous. Read this article Check your breasts today-it's so easy!, and be familiar with how your breasts look and feel, and report any breast cancer symptoms that appear. It’s best that you visit your local clinic and get checked. The sooner the better!

Dear Anonymous. ARV (antiretroviral) medications can have major side effects for some people. But it’s really important that you keep taking them so you can keep your body healthy and protect it from infections. There's no specific eating plan for people with HIV, but an overall healthy diet can help your health a lot. The best thing you can do is to start exercising and eating healthy foods. 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, Eat well to stay well: Healthy food, healthy life for more information.Visit your nearest clinic and tell a nurse or doctor about your side effects. They might be able to help, or give you advice about how to manage the side effects. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you. 

Dear Anonymous. The only way to know is to get tested for HIV. After you have been tested, the doctor can determine your health situation, CD4 count, HIV viral load and resistance tests among other things.

Dear Anonymous. Thank you for your question. You can visit your nearest clinic and see a doctor who can give you more information. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you. 

Dear Anonymous. Thank you for your question. You can check out our Healthy Living section to get tips on how you can lose the weight.

Dear Anonymous. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Syphilis can be spread by any type of sexual contact. People with syphilis will develop one or more sores. The sores are usually small painless ulcers. They occur on the genitals or in or around the mouth. You can read this article for more information: STI questions? All the answers...         

Dear Anonymous. Thank you for your question. When the CD4 count drops below 200, a person is diagnosed with AIDS. A normal range for CD4 cells is about 500-1,500. Usually, the CD4 cell count increases when the HIV virus is controlled with effective HIV treatment. You can learn more about HIV here.

Dear Anonymous. If your viral load is suppressed the chances are low. This is predicated on taking your ARV medication correctly. 

Hi there, yes it can be. That's why its important to get tested for HIV and STI's.

Dear Anonymous. You are are still at risk of getting contracting the HIV. Learn more about HIV here.

Dear Anonymous. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovary. They are common and usually form during ovulation. Ovulation happens when the ovary releases an egg each month. Many women with ovarian cysts don't have symptoms. The cysts are usually harmless. 

Dear Anonymous. Thank you for your question. Your immune system might be a  bit lower around the time of your period and so you would be more prone to infections. These may just be normal pimples. Visit your nearest clinic so a doctor or nurse can examine you further. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Hi there, thank you for your question. This is a sign of an STI, it would be best for you to visit the local clinic as soon as possible to get checked and get the right treatment.

Hi, you will have to visit your local clinic and get treated by a doctor or a nurse and you can get the right treatment.

Hi, yes it is possible for you to be exposed to STIs, HIV and unplanned pregnancies if you have unprotected sex. You can find out what you can do if you have unprotected sex What to do if you have unprotected sex 

Hi there, yes it is possible to be infected with HIV and it is possible to become pregnant after having unprotected sex. It would be best for you to visit your doctor or nurse to get tested .

Hi there, thank you for your question. A person should not be forced to visit a clinic if they don't want to, especially if the person is not comfortable. There are many different clinics that one can make use of and the Clinic finder can help you find another clinic near you.

Hey there, thank you for your question. Being born with HIV and AIDS is nothing to be ashamed of nor is it a death sentence. Being born with HIV is not your fault.

Hi there, thank you for your question. Well done for making the decision to want to test. You can do what you are comfortable with, if you feel you need support take a friend that you trust with you or if you feel its better to go for it alone you can do that as well.

Dear Anonymous. Genital warts are caused by an infection called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Most people get HPV from unprotected sex. Warts can go away on their own without treatment, but in your case this can take a few months or a couple of years. Even when the warts are gone, the virus will still be in your body and skin. This means that even if you can't see any warts, you can still pass it on to your partners. The only way to protect your partners from HPV is to always use a condom when you have sex.

Dear Anonymous, having a rash on the penis does not always mean one has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI). If the rash continue and you are having sexual contact of any kind, it’s best you visit your nearest clinic to get tested and treated for an STI. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you. Also, remember to ask your partner to also visit the clinic and get tested. To avoid STIs remember to wear a condom during sex or during sexual contact.

Hi there, Thank you for your question. A smelly discharge is often a sign of an infection. If there is an infection, it will need to be treated for it to go away. Please go to your nearest clinic. They will ask some questions and examine you and most likely give you some medicine for it to go away. Remember if it is an sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can be spread by having unprotected sex. It is important that your partner is also treated to prevent repeat infection. Using condoms every time you have sex will stop this from happening again.

Hi there, get all your HIV facts here https://bwisehealth.com/article/hiv-aids-get-smart-know-the-facts

Hi there, if you are taking your TB medication and your chest is still tight, it would be best for you to visit your local clinic and tell your doctor or nurse how you feel so they can give you the right treatment.

Hi there, well done on your decision to get tested. You can go to any clinic for testing. If the result is positive then you can make the decision where to go for treatment. Find and Rate your local clinic here https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/

Hi Thembisile, those are good questions! Genital warts are caused by a virus known as Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Usually, the body’s immune system will fight the virus, but there is no cure for HPV. The actual warts can be treated, though – the type of treatment just depends on where the warts are, how big they are, and how many there are. Treatment options include putting medication onto the wart for a few sessions until the wart falls off, and having surgery to remove the wart. It is best to talk to a healthcare provider so that they can recommend the best treatment for you. HPV can lead to serious diseases like cervical cancer, so please also speak with your healthcare provider about screening for diseases caused by HPV.

Dear Anonymous. PEP is a pill given to people who may have been exposed to HIV, and it can prevent them from becoming HIV positive. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, or had sex without a condom, PEP is for you. Click here to learn about PEP: What is PEP and how can it help me? PrEP is a pill that has 2 anti-HIV medicines taken daily to prevent HIV for HIV-negative people, click here to learn about PrEP https://www.myprep.co.za/users.  

Hi there, it is always important to use a condom when having oral sex because the risks of contracting an STI from oral sex are real. You can also use a dental dam, a piece of latex that covers your partner's private parts or anus so there is no direct contact, read this article for more information https://bwisehealth.com/article/can-i-get-an-sti-from-oral-sex

Hi there, PEP is a pill given to people who may have been exposed to HIV, and it can prevent them from becoming HIV positive. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, or had sex without a condom, PEP is for you. Click here to learn about PEP https://bwisehealth.com/article/what-is-pep-and-how-can-it-help-me

PrEP is a pill that has 2 anti-HIV medicines taken daily to prevent HIV for HIV-negative people, click here to learn about PrEP https://www.myprep.co.za/users

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can check out this article to hey your answers Urinary tract infections: what's the lowdown? 

Hi there, get all the HIV facts you need here https://bwisehealth.com/article/can-you-tell-that-someone-is-hiv-positive-just-by-looking-at-them

Dear Anonymous. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. Getting tested will be able to determine what STI/STD you have contracted.  People who don’t have HIV usually have a CD4 cell count between 500 and 1500. People living with HIV who have a CD4 count over 500 are usually in good health. Visit our HIV section for more information. 

Dear Anonymous. It is possible to have unprotected sex many times and not to get HIV from your HIV + partner however there is always a risk if the partner is not on treatment and does not have a suppressed viral load.  It is also possible to have HIV for many years and to still be very healthy.  I would suggest you start to use condoms now as it will protect your partner from contracting the virus and other infections. You can also ask your nearest clinic about providing your partner with ARVs to prevent them from getting HIV from you (called PrEP). Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Hi there, read this article to find out how people get infected https://bwisehealth.com/article/hiv-aids-get-smart-know-the-facts

People cry when they feel strong emotions. The emotion can be happy or sad or angry or scared. Our brain tells our hormone system that we are feeling the emotion, and that makes our body produce tears. Crying is sometimes a way for us to let out emotion, so it can be healthy, and that’s why we might feel better after crying. If you are crying a lot, it’s probably a good idea to think about what you are feeling strongly about – maybe it helps to talk to a friend or loved one about it, or perhaps it’s something you need to deal with on your own.

That’s a good question, without an easy answer. Medically, people die when their heart stops beating or they stop breathing – but if you have lost someone in your life, you know how hard it is to understand death or accept that someone is gone. All religions and cultures have their own ways of explaining death, and it might be worth thinking about your own beliefs, or talking about it and asking questions to people who share your beliefs. And if you are still not sure, that’s OK too. None of us have all the answers, all the time. If you are struggling to understand or cope with your feelings, talk to your loved ones about it, or speak to a counsellor, social worker or psychologist.

Hi there, in South Africa, the law states that you can only consent (agree) to sex if you are 16 years or older. Read this article to learn more https://bwisehealth.com/article/sex-on-the-mind-are-you-ready

Hi there, this is how you can protect yourself from HIV https://bwisehealth.com/article/hiv-aids-get-smart-know-the-facts

Hi there, read this article to learn how to protect yourself against HIV https://bwisehealth.com/article/hiv-aids-get-smart-know-the-facts

Hi there read this article to find out how https://bwisehealth.com/article/vagina-talk

Hi there, read this article to learn more about HIV https://bwisehealth.com/article/hiv-aids-get-smart-know-the-facts

Hi there, In South Africa, the law states that you can only consent (agree) to sex if you are 16 years or older! Read this article to find out more https://bwisehealth.com/article/sex-on-the-mind-are-you-ready

Dear Anonymous. Women react differently to the different forms of contraception. It’s best you go back to your local clinic and ask a doctor or nurse to put you on the pill for a month to try sort the problem out. Learn more about the different kinds of contraceptives here: Different kinds of contraceptives and family planning: options to prevent pregnancy

Hi there, click on this link to learn more about PrEP https://www.myprep.co.za/users. And here you can see where the closest PrEP providers to you are: https://www.myprep.co.za/index.php/locations

Hi there, thank you for your question. Congratulations on your pregnancy, as your pregnancy progresses you may experience tiredness , this is normal, try not to climb the stairs that often and when you do make sure you sit down and drink a glass of water to help you. 

Hi there, it usually takes about 6 to 12 months to get back to normal fertility after stopping the injection, depending on the type and on the individual.

HIV there, read this article to learn more about HIV/Aids https://bwisehealth.com/article/hiv-aids-get-smart-know-the-facts

Hi there, click on this link to learn more about the implant Hi there, read this article to learn more about the implant https://bwisehealth.com/article/the-implant-a-contraceptive-you-only-need-to-replace-every-3-years

Hi there, read this article to learn more about the implant https://bwisehealth.com/article/the-implant-a-contraceptive-you-only-need-to-replace-every-3-years

Hey there, you can find your answers here https://bwisehealth.com/category/girl-s-body-guide

Hi there, thank you for your question. It must be very difficult for you to be in a new place and not knowing anyone. It would be a good idea to come out of your room a bit, get some fresh air and try to make new friends. By making new friends you won't feel so lonely.

Hi there, it would be best for you to visit your local clinic and get checked by a nurse or a doctor 

Hi there, you can get all your answers here https://bwisehealth.com/article/why-do-men-get-erections-in-the-morning 

Hey there, you can find your answer here https://bwisehealth.com/article/how-to-masturbate-safely

Hey there, thank you for your question you can find your answer here https://bwisehealth.com/article/bodies-are-different-what-s-your-type 

Hi there, thank you for your questions. This seems like you may have to get checked out by your doctor at your local clinic

Hey there, there can be many reasons why you are getting chest pains. Its best for you to visit your local clinic and get checked by a nurse or a doctor.

Hi there, yes it is normal. This could be the start of your menstruation . You can find out more about your period here https://bwisehealth.com/article/questions-about-menstruation-your-period 

Hi there, sorry to hear that you didn't get the help that you needed, remember to rate that clinic on the clinic finder https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/ . It would be best for you to visit another doctor and tell them exactly what happened.

Hi there, its important that you ask the doctor or nurse what pills they are giving you. If you are still concerned its best for you to visit your gynecologist and get checked again .

Hi there, thank you for your question. Remember there is no specific age where its okay to have sex, the most important that you are ready https://bwisehealth.com/article/sex-on-the-mind-are-you-ready 

Hi there, thank you for your question. There can be 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. The best thing is to go  to the clinic so they can check you and give you the right treatment for you. 

It is possible that the ARV medication your brother is on may be giving him a side effect of growing breasts. He should report to his clinic and let them know that this is happening. He should not stop his medication on his own but the doctor or nurse who is looking after him should make a plan to change him off a medication called efavirenz if he is on this as it is the most common cause for young men on ART so grow breasts. It can be very distressing for these young guys so that doctor or nurse must take it seriously and try to help. Depending on how big his breasts have become the way it is managed changes so the first step is to go to clinic and make sure that someone listens and hears that there is a problem and makes a plan to do something about it. It is not an emergency so he might not have his medication changed right away, they will probably want to check some blood tests first to help decide what to switch to. If you are able it might be a good idea to go with your brother to clinic to help explain the problem as he might be too embarrassed to ask.  There can sometimes be other reasons that a boy’s breasts grow which is not related to the ARV drugs so this is why he should not stop on his own and should keep taking every day until a plan is discussed with the doctor or nurse.

Dear Anonymous. Yes, it is possible to have an HIV negative baby if you are taking your antiretroviral medications (ARVs) correctly. The sooner in your pregnancy you start taking ARVs, the better they work to keep you healthy and protect your baby from HIV infection. If you're already taking ARVs, don't stop. You can check out this article: What do I do if I'm HIV positive and find out I am pregnant? In our HIV section for more information.

Dear Thuso,tp. There are many medical reasons for the symptoms you describe. We suggest you go back to your nearest clinic, and possibly be referred to an ear nose and throat specialist, and possibly neurology department. Be patient, and let the medical team help you find the cause and give you the medical treatment that will help.

Dear Anonymous. Usually after someone is confirmed to have HIV, the health care workers will need to do some blood tests and TB tests before starting ARV therapy. In the meantime, the patient is given a variety of multivitamins. These do not usually cause the side effects you are describing, but instead help with appetite and strength. We would suggest that your father returns to his nearest clinic to report these new symptoms, and get correct advice and assistance.

Dear Anonymous. Women react differently to the different forms of contraception. It’s best you go back to your local clinic and ask a doctor or nurse to put you on the pill for a month to try sort the problem out. Learn more about the different kinds of contraceptives here.

Dear Anonymous. You are right that the newer HIV tests are designed to pick up an HIV infection more quickly, even within 2-3 weeks but the recommendation remains to check again after 12 weeks from the last risk exposure to make sure that a new infection is not missed. It is not likely but the guidelines are cautious from that respect. If you have been at risk of HIV due to unprotected sex and this is a situation which may happen again then I would recommend you to see a doctor or nurse who can talk to you about HIV prevention, including PREP, which is a daily tablet people can take to prevent HIV. This can be an excellent option if you are not always able to control whether your partner will use a condom. However the PREP tablet, usually called Truvada, only protects against HIV and not other sexually transmitted diseases so using a condom is still a good idea. If you are a woman then it is also important to check that you are not pregnant and to think about going onto a reliable form of contraception as condoms are not the best way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. If you are a man with a regular female partner who you don’t use condoms with then perhaps talk to your female partner about contraception. And whether you have male or female partner(s) try to use condoms every time you have sex.

Dear Zakespeter. It’s important that you let the crèche know of what is happening to your daughter so they can monitor her closely. She may have an allergic reaction to something in the crèche. Allergies can cause skin irritation, itching of the eyes and watery, red swollen eyes. Your daughter could be allergic to dust, food or pollen which is a fine powder that comes from trees, grass and flowers- spread by wind. It’s best you also visit your nearest clinic so they can do an examination. A doctor or nurse can tell you the cause and give you the right treatment. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. If the problem continues, you may consider looking at taking your daughter to another crèche around your area.

Dear Anonymous. If you have a vaginal delivery or Caesarean section, you’ll have vaginal bleeding and discharge after birth. Bleeding is heaviest the first few days after your baby is born. Some women only bleed for 6 weeks and some women will have bleeding that continues for longer than normal. It all depends on how long it takes your uterus to heal.If you have are worried, it’s best you visit your local clinic and see a doctor or nurse for further advice. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

Dear Goldengirl. Irregular menstrual periods, or no periods at all are the most common side effects after being on the injection. Remember, you can still become pregnant after your last shot. If you’ve had unprotected sex, It’s best if you visit your local clinic as soon as possible to get further assistance. Ask the nurse or doctor at your local clinic to also take a pregnancy test. You can find your nearest health 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.

Dear Anonymous. It’s important to know that sex is something pleasurable that you and your partner should be enjoying. Pleasure during sex can also be about feeling close and turned on by your partner, so it also helps to make sure you trust them, and explore different ways to do foreplay. Relax and take all the time you need. Anxiety may also be contributing to your symptoms (like if you’ve had a bad experience in your past, or have a fear of something). To figure out what it is, it might help to speak to someone like a counsellor or a psychologist. You can also check out these two articles: Is it OK for girls to masturbate? and Masturbation and Orgasm: Touch & Play for more information.

A discharge may be a sign of an infection. It’s best you visit your local clinic for a further examination. You can also read this article: I have a discharge - do I have an STI?

Dear Anonymous. Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. 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 Lastly, you may also have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or vaginal condition which got worse during sex. If the pain is ongoing it’s best you visit your local clinic to see a doctor or nurse for a further examination. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous. We understand you may be feeling anxious but It's hard to say exactly when your periods will start again. The timing is different for every mum, and it depends on your body, as well as how you're feeding your baby. Your periods will take longer to come back if you're breastfeeding. It can be up to a year before you have a period, as long as you're breastfeeding round the clock. If you're formula-feeding your baby, your periods usually start again between five weeks and three months after giving birth. Your periods usually come and go if you’re breastfeeding and formula feeding your baby.

It’s best you see a doctor or nurse for a further examination. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.  

Dear Anonymous. If you recently stopped breastfeeding, it’s normal for your breasts to become larger, heavier and sore. If the swelling or pain gets worse, visit your local clinic for further advice. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.  

Dear Anonymous. It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the vagina to heal but it can take longer if you experience severe tearing. It’s best you visit your local clinic so a doctor or nurse can assess you. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.  

Dear Anonymous. There are a few reasons why you may have a rash. If the rash continues and you are having sexual contact of any kind, it’s best you go back to your nearest clinic so they can do an examination. A doctor or nurse can tell you the causes of the rash and give you the right treatment. Also, remember to ask your partner to also visit the clinic and get tested. To avoid STIs remember to wear a condom during sex or during sexual contact. You can also read: I don’t want to get an STI- how can i protect myself? for more information.

Dear Anonymous. The trauma of being raped can leave you feeling scared and alone and ashamed. Recovering from rape takes time and the healing process can be painful. You can speak to a rape counsellors, social workers, psychologists at your nearest clinic who can help you through the process. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you. SADAG can also connect you to groups in your area, or numbers to call for support.  Call 0800 21 22 23 to find a support group. You can also find more contacts in this article: Help & Support: Mental Health & Substance Abuse.

Dear Anonymous. The trauma of being raped can leave you feeling scared and alone. Recovering from rape takes time and the healing process can be painful. SADAG can connect you to groups in your area, or numbers to call for support. Call 0800 21 22 23 to find a support group. Click here for more information: http://www.sadag.org/index.php? You can also read this article: Trauma and 'bad experiences': Not a sign of weakness.

Dear Anonymous. Health care providers must have placed your son on medication to prevent him from getting TB, since he is under 5 years of age and is living with you. This medication should help him, but if you have any concerns, visit your nearest clinic for him to be assessed. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.  You can also read our article I have TB, how can I protect others? for more information.

Dear Anonymous. Firstly it’s important that you check your baby’s development and see if it’s growing properly. It’s best you visit your nearest clinic and see a doctor or a nurse as soon as possible. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.  Secondly, yes it is normal for your tummy not to show at four months pregnant. There are a few reasons for this; if you are a first time mom you are likely to show later in the pregnancy because your muscles have not been stretched by a previous pregnancy; if you are tall you are also likely not to show early because you have more space for the baby to fill; your babies position in your uterus can also change your tummy’s appearance.  

There isn't a specific time when moms-to-be are supposed to start showing, because it happens differently for different women. As long as your doctor or nurse says your baby is developing properly, there's no cause for concern. You can also read our article What to expect from pregnancy for more information.

Dear Anonymous, 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, it’s best you go back to your nearest clinic to get tested and treated for an STI. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you. Also, remember to ask your partner to also visit the clinic and get tested. To avoid STIs remember to wear a condom during sex or during sexual contact.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It is possible that you may have an STI, it is best that you visit the local clinic as soon as possible and get checked and get the right treatment. Remember to always use a condom everytime you and your partner have sex to protect yourselves from HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

Hi there, thank you for your question. There can be many different reasons why you may have had spotting, it doesn't always mean that you are pregnant. You can find out more here about spotting https://bwisehealth.com/article/i-am-spotting-what-should-i-do

Hi there, get all menstruation facts here: https://bwisehealth.com/article/menstruation-facts-what-is-your-period

Hi there, you can get all the menstruation facts you need here: https://bwisehealth.com/article/menstruation-facts-what-is-your-period

Hi there. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s very understandable to feel depressed and desperate after what you have gone through (and are still going through). We are glad you are surviving and reaching out, and you are aware of what you are feeling, which is really important. You are not worthless and you deserve love and support – everything is harder without support. SADAG can connect you to groups in your area, or numbers to call for support. Call 0800 21 22 23 to find a support group, and there are some more helpful numbers here. And if you feel suicidal again, tell someone you trust or go straight to a hospital to get the help you need – there are ways to start feeling better. Please let us know if you need more help.

Hi there, thank you for your question. That must be difficult for you to deal with, you can visit your local clinic and speak to a counselor who will support and guide you.

Hi, it sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your father. You can’t change what’s happened in the past, and we can’t change who other people are either – so your father is who he is – but you can forgive. Forgiving means letting go of how much pain something is causing you – it’s not saying what they did is OK, or that you won’t still feel hurt about it, but it’s saying you won’t carry the burden and the pain of what happened any longer, and you won’t let it make you bitter. That means working through the pain and accepting that it happened. For some people, it helps to talk about what hurt you with someone you trust – that could be a friend or family member, a counsellor, psychologist or social worker. The pain will always be part of your life story, but it doesn’t have to decide your whole future and how happy you are now. You can’t force yourself to forgive before you are ready, so give yourself time.

Hi there, the HIV prevention medication the child is given will depend on the mother’s viral load around the time of delivery/giving birth. If the mom is well on ARVs with an undetectable viral load confirmed on a recent blood test then the baby would just get nevirapine syrup once a day for six weeks. If for some reason mom’s viral load was high when she gave birth (like some women who start treatment later in pregnancy or don’t take their treatment so well) then the baby should get two syrups - the one called nevirapine once daily and another one called zidovudine twice daily for 6 weeks. When baby is six weeks old these syrups can stop as long as mum is not breastfeeding at all. At six weeks old the baby should be given another syrup called cotrimoxazole once daily until all HIV testing has shown baby does not have HIV. The dose of the syrups will depend on the baby’s weight and will be calculated by the nurse. Any baby born to a mom living with hiv should have an HIV test done at birth, at 10 weeks of age and at 18 months old if never breastfed. This testing may change in 2019 with new guidelines coming so check with your clinic at each EPI (immunisation) visit. You should always make sure you have enough syrup to last for your baby until the next clinic visit. If it is getting low then go and explain and collect more. The syrup(s) the baby gets are to prevent HIV infection which can happen during pregnancy or labour/giving birth, even if you never breastfeed. Remember, it is safe for women living with HIV to breastfeed and this is always the preferred option if the mom is being well looked after on ARVs with an undetectable viral load. If a mom is breastfeeding she must always keep taking her ARVs every day because they are keeping her healthy and protecting baby from HIV infection too. Women should try never to forget or stop their ARVs. If you forget your time, because having a new baby can be really hard, take your ARVs late - even four or five hours late / this is better than missing a dose completely. If a woman has an undetectable viral load from the time she gets pregnant, throughout her pregnancy, when she gives birth and throughout breastfeeding then her baby should be HIV free. If you are not sure your baby has the right syrups or you do not know how much to give or how to give the syrups then always ask at the clinic before you leave - it is better to check with your nurse or doctor or pharmacist than to make a mistake when you get home.

Getting pregnant can be difficult. Usually we say that a couple should start to wonder if there is a problem with getting pregnant if they have been trying together for at least 12 months and have not got pregnant. Trying means that you and your partner need to have regular sex, at least twice per week, without a condom throughout each month, except when the woman is on her period. The days you have sex should not be just on weekends so having sex twice a week but on Saturday and Sunday only is not ideal, your times to have sex need to be spread out over the week. For some people timing sex to ovulation can help but it can be very difficult for some to know when they are ovulating so this can actually mean they end up having sex not enough times and on the wrong days of the lady’s menstrual cycle. If you are not sure about when you are ovulating then an ovulation test kit, which works a bit like a pregnancy test, using your urine to see when you are releasing your egg, can be helpful. You can buy these kits at the chemist. It is important that if you are trying to get pregnant that you and your partner know your HIV status and that if either of you have HIV you are well on treatment with an undetectable viral load before you stop using condoms together. It is also a good idea to go to the clinic together and get checked for other sexually transmitted infections before you start trying because you don’t want to get an STI since this can create a risk of having problems with fertility. If after one year of trying to get pregnant having regular sex with no condom you are still not pregnant then it is time to see if there is a problem. You could go with your partner to a doctor or ask for a referral to gynecology. Remember, it is not always the woman who has a problem. It is just as common for the man to have an issue like a low sperm count so both of you should be checked, unless your partner has children with someone else.

Hi there thank you for your question. There can be 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. The best thing is to go to the clinic so they can check you and give you the right treatment for you. I

Hi there, thank you for your question. ARV's are not known to affect your fertility, it would be best that you talk to your doctor or nurse who can advise and give you the treatment you need. 

Hi, thank you for your question. Menstrual cycles may take some time to find a regular rhythm, and it is normal to skip periods for some time. It all depends on when your periods started. If you are concerned about your period or if you are sexually active, it would be best to visit your local clinic to get checked by a nurse or a doctor Clinic Finder  

Hi there, thank you for your question. There can be many different causes that caused your baby to have a rash. The most common causes are irritation by soaps, creams or nappy products. Aqueous cream that doesn’t have perfume can help take the rash away, but if this doesn’t help you can visit your local clinic and get checked by a doctor or a nurse (remember to tell them what didn’t work last time) Clinic Finder  

Hi, thank you for your question. Yes,  it is possible to be provided with PEP at your local clinic if it is available. If it is not available they will refer you to another clinic that offers PEP. Remember you can only be given PEP within 72 hours of being exposed. You can check out this article for more information on  PEP  

Dear Anonymous. Yes, a young person may have an enlarged heart if they have a medical heart condition. If someone is told they have an enlarged heart by a nurse or doctor then they should be able to ask for more of an explanation of what exactly that means and what is causing it and whether there is any treatment. Causes might include a weak heart that is a bit floppy, fluid around the heart which makes it look big, a heart that is working hard so has had to grow bigger to cope. Or it may be a problem that the young person was born with a small hole in their heart that changed the heart’s normal shape. Usually someone with an enlarged heart will have some symptoms, like shortness of breath, coughing, not being able to lie down flat at night and swollen ankles.

Dear Anonymous. Feeling loose after giving birth to 2 children is common and can be helped by specific physiotherapy exercises called kegels or through some surgical procedure options. If you are worried it’s best to visit a gynaecologist for an assessment and to ask about the available options. Usually exercises would be tried first before thinking about a surgical procedure.

Dear Anonymous. Having unprotected sex still puts you at risk of falling pregnant. It also increases your chances of getting an STI and other infections. It’s best you buy a pregnancy test or  visit your nearest clinic to test for pregnancy. 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.

Termination of pregnancy (abortion) should be a freely accessible service to all pregnant persons who wish to make use of it. Not all government healthcare facilities are able to provide the services, but many can. You can find your local clinic here https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/ and if they do not provide the services, they will refer you to the clinic or hospital that can assist. 

Hi there, you should make a sugar-salt solution (1L cooled boiled water, 6 teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt). The baby should be given this solution to replace the losses of fluid and nutrients through diarrhoea. After one day, the solution should be discarded and more should be made if the diarrhoea continues. If the infant has the following danger signs, you should go to the local clinic:

·         Not drinking or vomiting everything

·         Drowsy or lethargic

·         Convulsions/fits

·         Bloody diarrhoea

You can find and rate your local clinic here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/

Hi there, moderate alcohol use with ARVs is not usually problematic if you are over 18. In general, one or two drink is likely to be fine, if this is something you enjoy.

Heavy drinking, however, can lead to missing doses of your ARVs. This can cause your treatment to fail. This means that if you have a drink, make sure you find a way to not miss any of your meds. Moderation is important.

Two other concerns are important for people living with HIV:

1.       Alcohol can also make Efavirenz side effects worse, in particular feeling dizzy, so be careful about this.

2.       Alcohol can make hepatitis or other liver complications progress more quickly. Alcohol is not recommended if you have hepatitis. See this information from a guide to HIV and hepatitis C: http://i-base.info/guides/hepc/alcohol        

Hi there, there is always a risk of transmitting infection between a person who is HIV negative and one who is positive in a sexual relationship. However, there are many discordant couples (this means where one partner is negative and the other is positive) who have very healthy and intimate relationships that do not result in infection for the negative partner. Of course, one must be aware that there is a risk involved, and take steps to mitigate this risk. If the positive partner is taking their HIV treatment regularly and without fail, and is following up frequently with their healthcare provider to ensure that their viral load remains undetectable, this greatly minimises the risk of transmitting infection. Furthermore, discordant couples should also protect themselves by using a condom or other barrier method in addition to this. Obviously, this can become a problem when a couple wants to become pregnant. In this instance, there are safe ways to manage this process, but it should always be done in close consultation with a doctor, particularly one at either a specialised HIV clinic or a fertility clinic, in order to ensure the minimum chance of something bad happening, to either partner, or to the infant. With regards to breastfeeding, the World Health Organisation suggests that HIV positive mothers should exclusively breastfeed their children for the first six months (that means no formula or other foods in that time, only breastmilk), All infants born to HIV positive mothers should receive antiretrovirals as post-exposure prophylaxis to ensure they don't become infected. The type and duration of medication depends on a risk assessment that will be performed by the healthcare provider.

An HIV window period is about 6 weeks. This means your body may not have produced traceable antibodies against the HIV for a period of about 6 weeks. Although some more advanced HIV tests may decrease the period to about 2 weeks, it is best to have another test at 6 weeks to confirm your test results. We always recommend 3 months to be sure that there is no chance of missing the window period.

Hi , thank you for your question. Yes a person can live long with breast cancer provided they are on the right treatment.

Hi That hot gal. Thank you for your question. In most cases you wont be able to pick up your viral load as it may be too soon, that's why it is important to get tested every three months. 

Hi Vuyiswa c, thank you for your question. It is completely normal to be upset about everything you have mentioned. Its not easy finding out that you are HIV positive nor is it easy to talk about it to your family. When you feel you are ready and you are comfortable talking to your family then that’s when you should tell them. There are counsellors and psychologist that can help you through your situation, you can find them at your local clinic. 

Hi Preshley, thank you for your question. You may not be picking up weight because you may not be eating healthy foods as often as you should.  In order to pick up weight you need to eat foods such as fruit and veg, as this boosts your immune system. If you are still concerned about your weight you can talk to a nutritionist on helping you change your diet. 

Hi there NCMavuso, thank you for your question. It seems as though you have been experiencing this pain for quite a while now. Due to the swelling and the pain it would be best for you to visit your local clinic and get checked by a nurse or a doctor as soon as possible as it may be an internal injury. 

Hi Thandekarh, thank you for your question. You don’t have to tell everyone your status straight away, and you only have to tell people who you trust and who you feel comfortable with. You only need to tell the people you trust when you feel that you are ready. It is important to tell your sexual partner/s your status so they can get tested as well. 

Dear Anonymous, thank you for your question. In order to have the most chance of falling pregnant, one must not be on any contraception and must have lots of unprotected sex about 12 to 18 days after the first day of your period.  The day that you start bleeding you should count as day 1. Women are most likely to ovulate (release an egg) 14 days after the first day after her period.  The sperm is most likely to find the egg if you have lots of sex over the few days before and after ovulation, therefore from around day 12 to 18.  You will not always fall pregnant the first month you try, most people need to have lots of sex for 6-12 months to fall pregnant.  There are many reasons that some people might struggle to fall pregnant.  If you have been on injectable or pill contraception it can take up to 6 months for your period and ovulation to get back to normal.  There can be many other illnesses and causes of infertility for men and women.  If you are concerned about your fertility, you should speak to a nurse or doctor. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous, thank you for your question. In order to have the most chance of falling pregnant, one must not be on any contraception and must have lots of unprotected sex about 12 to 18 days after the first day of your period.  The day that you start bleeding you should count as day 1. Women are most likely to ovulate (release an egg) 14 days after the first day after her period.  The sperm is most likely to find the egg if you have lots of sex over the few days before and after ovulation, therefore from around day 12 to 18.  You will not always fall pregnant the first month you try, most people need to have lots of sex for 6-12 months to fall pregnant.  There are many reasons that some people might struggle to fall pregnant.  If you have been on injectable or pill contraception it can take up to 6 months for your period and ovulation to get back to normal.  There can be many other illnesses and causes of infertility for men and women.  If you are concerned about your fertility, you should speak to a nurse or doctor. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous, thank you for your question. In order to have the most chance of falling pregnant, one must not be on any contraception and must have lots of unprotected sex about 12 to 18 days after the first day of your period.  The day that you start bleeding you should count as day 1. Women are most likely to ovulate (release an egg) 14 days after the first day after her period.  The sperm is most likely to find the egg if you have lots of sex over the few days before and after ovulation, therefore from around day 12 to 18.  You will not always fall pregnant the first month you try, most people need to have lots of sex for 6-12 months to fall pregnant.  There are many reasons that some people might struggle to fall pregnant.  If you have been on injectable or pill contraception it can take up to 6 months for your period and ovulation to get back to normal.  There can be many other illnesses and causes of infertility for men and women.  If you are concerned about your fertility, you should speak to a nurse or doctor. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous. Sounds like your emotional needs have or are changing. Make a list of what your needs are right now and if you feel he doesn’t satisfy most of your needs, it’s best you move on. Cheating on your boyfriend will only make things worse as trust will be broken. You can also read this article Am I in an unhealthy relationship to help you make your decision.

Dear Anonymous. It is not easy living with bipolar, well done for reaching out for help that is a big step. Take it step by step and don’t have unrealistic goals. Some things do take time but eventually everything falls into place. There is help that is available, there are people who will talk to you and help you through this difficult situation. You can get all the numbers here: Help & Support: Mental Health & Substance Abuse. Remember, you are not alone so don’t lose hope or give up.

Dear Anonymous. Well done for doing the best you can, being a parent isn't a very easy job. Your teenage daughter is going through a lot of changes as she is growing up, making it even more difficult to exercise discipline. This health article will give you some contact details of who you can call for help; Help & Support: Relationships & family.  

Dear Anonymous. Having a smell from your vagina is normal. It can change slightly throughout the menstrual cycle or after sex.  In your case since it’s a foul smell, it could be a sign of a vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is not an infection caught from your partner but caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that are normally present in the vagina. We advise that you do not use anything like soaps and douches to try and change it as this can change the normal smell of your vaginal flora (this helps to keep your vagina healthy). It’s best you go back to your local clinic so a nurse or a doctor can further examine you. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. You can also read our article: How to keep your vagina healthy to give you a few tips on how to keep your vagina healthy.

Dear Anonymous. We understand it has been a very difficult time for you. You may feel alone and frustrated, not being sure what is going to happen next. Dealing with big life changes can be very stressful. Talk to friends, family and others who can support you, about your concerns. It's also okay to want some time to yourself but hanging out with supportive people helps get your mind off things, and get a different perspective. Give it time and allow yourself time to cope with the change. Try to relax but if the stress gets too much it’s best you see a doctor or nurse who can closely examine your symptoms and also refer you to a counsellor. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you. Here are a few tips to help you manage your stress; How to manage your stress. You can also read Dealing with your parents breaking up for more information. Remember that with time and support you can pull through and come out feeling stronger at the other end. 

Dear Anonymous. We understand it can be hard to tell someone that you love about your HIV status. You do not have to disclose your status to anybody unless you are comfortable to do so. One of the important things to do is to disclose your status to someone you trust and who can support you on this journey. Make sure that you are informed about HIV before you disclose your status so that you can correct any misinformation and myths you might hear. If you find it difficult to disclose on your own, you can get help from a counsellor or someone you trust. You can also read our article HIV Myths & Truths   for more information.

Dear Anonymous. Good question! It’s best for you to take your ARV medication at the same time every day because this prevents viral replication (multiplication of the virus). If you take your medication late or miss days, the virus starts reproducing and the viral load can start going up. This means every time you miss or forget to take your ARVs, the HIV level in your body increases. But even when you are late, you still have to take your treatment, better late than not at all! Just make sure you don’t forget to take your ARV medication every day. You can also click here for tips to help you remember to take your medication.

Dear Anonymous. Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. ARV (antiretroviral) medications can have major side effects for some people. But it’s really important that you keep taking them so you can keep your body healthy and protect it from infections. It’s best you visit your nearest clinic and tell a nurse or doctor about your side effects. They might be able to help, or give you advice about how to manage the side effects. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

We know it can be stressful, but keep going. You can also learn more about ARVs and how they work here. Hope you feel better soon!

Hi there, you are probably bleeding because of hormone imbalance. Please visit your nearest clinic so that they can assist with the bleeding problem. The earliest you can do a home pregnancy test is about 6 weeks after the incident. 

Hi there, If the discharge is not smelling, then it is most likely a normal discharge which happens when a woman is fertile, so at the time of ovulation. If you noticed it in the middle of your monthly period cycle, between two periods, and it comes and goes each month, this is the most likely. If there is no pain in your lower tummy, burning when peeing, itching, or any sores and lumps on or around your vagina, then it is probably not an infection. However, it’s hard to say for sure without an examination. It’s probably a good idea for a nurse or doctor to do a genital exam if they haven’t before and if the discharge is there all the time and never goes away, it would also be a good idea for them to test for infection and/or do a Pap smear. Try to avoid using your finger to explore inside your vagina, and make sure not to wash inside or use douche, because this can upset the normal healthy balance of germs that live on the vaginal lining – this can sometimes cause a change in discharge too. If your partner has also been treated then an STI is less likely, especially since you are no longer with your partner. But it’s always a good idea to go for an HIV test, as you have been at risk of an STI, and if you get a new partner it’s important to always use condoms and contraception. You can find and rate your local clinic here. 

Sawubona, Siyabonga ngombuzo wakho. Ukuba namaqhubu isethweni sakho sangasese kungabangwa ukuthi unesifo ezithathelwana ngocansi. Ukuthola usizo, vakashela umtholamphilo useduze kunawe, bazikwazi ukukusiza. Kuthola umtholampilo oseduze nawe cofa la https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/.  Khumbula ukusebenzisa ikhondomu sonkhe sikhathi mawenza ucansi ukuze uvikele izifo esithathelwana ngocansi.  

Hi there, thanks for the question!

You are still early in your pregnancy, and pregnancy hormones are probably causing these symptoms. The most classic symptom of early pregnancy is ‘morning sickness’, where you feel extremely nauseous and throw up a lot. The sensation of feeling your heart beating is because while feeling nauseous, your heart is reacting by beating faster, and that’s why you may be feeling it beating. If the problem continues, visit your local clinic, they will give you some medication to help with the nausea and vomiting.

You can use Clinic Finder here, to locate your nearest clinic. 

Hi there, thanks for the question!

Sorry to hear you’ve been struggling with this! Shaving can cause skin infection sometimes which can lead to pimples just like acne, but not usually in the vagina where there is no hair. Women should also not use certain hygiene practices (like vaginal drying, douching or washing with soap).The first step is to go to clinic and tell the nurse about your problem. The nurse should examine you to look at these ‘blisters’ and ask you some questions before deciding what treatment you need. If the blisters do not get better with that treatment, go back and ask for further help or even a referral to a gynaecologist clinic at your local hospital for further checking and treatment. If the nurse thinks that the blisters are an STI (sexually transmitted infection), then it is very important that your sexual partner (if you have one at the moment) also goes for treatment, and that you both get tested for HIV and other STIs. It would be a good idea to use condoms every time you have sex. 

You can click here, to locate the nearest clinic near you. 

Hi there, thanks for the question!

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms include chronic constipation, on and off diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. This is usually aggravated by some types of foods, like dairy products, wheat etc. Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome symptoms are usually the same as above, but a person may also have blood in their stools.

Hi there, It is best that you seek help at your nearest clinic.  It is important that you fully disclose your history and symptoms so that you can get the assistance you require. You can find and rate your local clinic here https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/

Hi there, your partner is at risk of contracting HIV from you. In order to reduce the risk:

1)      Start ARVs and ensure you take them every day to make your HIV undetectable.

2)      Consider voluntary male medical circumcision.

3)      Use condoms every time you have sex.

Hi there, a pap smear is important to detect cancer of the cervix (opening to the womb) before it becomes severe and life threatening.

a.       If you are HIV negative, you need to have one pap smear every 10 years from the age of 30.

b.      If you are HIV positive, you need to have a pap smear every year as you are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer

Hi there, It sounds as though your periods are irregular. This can happen if you’re stopping certain hormonal contraceptives (e.g. the injectable). You may need to consult the nurse at your nearest clinic to provide medication to make your periods regular. You can also get screened for HIV, STIs and ask for a pap smear when you go. Click here https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/ to find your nearest clinic. 

Hi Lindazozo 

Thank you for your question. No we do not do booking for a pap smear. You nee to visit your local clinic and make a booking at the local clinic. 

Hi, thank you for your question. It is normal to experience discharge, if you are concerned about your discharge you can visit your doctor or nurse at your local clinic. 

Hi there. MDR-TB is a serious infection that requires multiple medications to treat. Many of those medicines have side-effects, one of which can certainly be vomiting. There are a few different ways to treat MDR-TB - different "options" in terms of medication. The important thing is that you don’t have any gaps or breaks in treatment. Linezolid has been proven to work well against MDR-TB, so this seems like a good step for your doctor to take. As long as you adhere to your treatment and regularly check in with your healthcare provider, you shouldn't have anything to worry about! You can learn more about TB in the B-Wise TB section.

Hi Yonce, thank you for your question. It only takes one time to have unprotected sex to get the virus. Its best that you go to the clinic and get test with your partner.

Hi Lisah, thank you for your question. Non of the clinics have launched PREP yet, but you can follow MyPrEP South Africa on Facebook for the announcement that will be coming soon.

Hi Cube, thank you for your question. If you continue to feel pain in your chest there could be something wrong with your chest that needs to be checked by a nurse or a doctor. Its best that you visit your local clinic as soon as possible so you can get the right treatment. 

Hi NTHABZA, well done for going and getting yourself checked out. There are a number of different foods that you should avoid such as grains, fiber, wheat, fried food, as well as caffeine.  

Hi Tristán, thank you for your question. You can go to the local clinic and get tested for STIs and HIV and the test will be free. If you want to go to the a private doctor you may have to pay for both of you as well as for the necessary medication that you and your partner will need. If you will go to the local clinic you will receive your medication for free.

Hi Lebogang_n, congratulations on your baby. It would be best for you to go to the doctor and get it checked as the baby is still young and may need treatment before the sore gets infected. 

Hi G.N Fakude, Thank you for question. There are many reasons why you could be experiencing pain and excessive discharge such as a UTI or an STI. Its best that you visit your local clinic and get checked by a nurse or a doctor and they will give you the right treatment. 

Hi KekeN9908, thank you for your question. By your symptoms it is possible that you have a UTI. You can read this article to find out more Urinary tract infections: what's the lowdown? 

Hi Nthabiwame, thank you for your question. That is a difficult situation to be in, it must be difficult for you. If you would like to lose some of the weight you can check out the Healthy Living section. This will help you learn how to eat healthy and exercise. Sounds like you need to visit another doctor to get a second opinion on what can be best for you.   

Hi Lebogang_n, thank you for your question. Having a baby can change a lot and taking care of a baby takes up a lot of time. It is normal to feel that you do not have enough time for yourself. You can read this article to find out about depression Feeling sad all the time? You could be depressed

Hi Evee 1997, thank you for your question. Marriage is a big commitment and decision to make, if you are not ready to get married then that’s what you should do. It’s important that you communicate this with your partner so he understands how you feel. 

Hi Nthabza, thank you for your question. If you are talking about stomach ulcers, then you should know that are also known as gastric ulcers, are painful sores in the stomach lining, meaning what you eat can trigger ulcers, especially if you eat spicy food. If you are suffering from stomach ulcers its best that you visit you doctor or nurse at your local clinic. 

Hi MaKuhle, thank you for your question. It is normal to skip a period because of the change. Although if you are concerned about your period, it would be best that you visit your local doctor or nurse at the local clinic.

Hi Hlokoza, thank you for your interesting question. Condoms are your best protection against STIs and HIV, although it is important that you talk to your partner about using the condom safely. You can also talk to your health professional about PREP and ask them if it is available in your local clinic. 

Hey there mapula1981. It is not a safe idea to buy ARVs over the counter without speaking to a doctor or a nurse. There are different types of ARVs, it is important that you take the right one that will help you. It would be best that you get checked by a health professional before you buy medication over the counter. 

HI Onoshi, check out this article to answer your question Why dry sex is not a good idea 

Hi there, HIV can affect people in different ways and there are different amounts of time before we can see its affects, but there is an average time until a person starts to see symptoms. These affects also tend to occur in stages, where a person can be generally well for some time but then start to experience some more minor problems like skin or upper respiratory problems, followed by more troubling symptoms like pneumonias or loss of weight. It takes an average of 10 years for more severe symptoms to occur. Even though a person living with HIV can feel well or stay strong for many years, there are quite a few important reasons to start HIV treatment early (ideally around the time of being diagnosed). These include that the virus is affecting our bodies and immune systems even though we don’t see the effects, as well as reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to someone else.

Read this article to find out why HIV testing is so important http://ow.ly/vdyB30mqCr9

Hi anonymous, you can learn more about HIV on our HIV section on B-Wise here http://ow.ly/DWKT30mnX8o

Hi anonymous, It is possible that those are symptoms of an STI, learn more about STIs here http://ow.ly/I9ad30mnWCT. It is best that you visit your nurse of doctor at your local clinic and get checked up, you can find and rate your local clinic here http://ow.ly/PoMz30mnWsZ

Hi TbosTheG, thank you for your question. It is possible that those are symptoms of an STI. It is best that you visit your nurse of doctor at your local clinic and get checked up.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It seems as though you may have a bladder problem that is effecting how you pass urine. It's best that you visit your local clinic to get yourself checked by a doctor or a nurse and they will give you the correct treatment.

Dear Anonymous. 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 examine your symptoms and give you the right treatment. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Dear Anonymous. Masturbation is a natural, healthy behaviour part of our sexual health. It’s a fun, safe way to pleasure yourself. However, if masturbation starts affecting your daily tasks quitting or cutting back is possible. Learning to stop masturbating is a process that requires patience. Try and stay busy, activities like exercising, hanging out with friends or a sport could help take your mind off masturbation. Avoiding masturbating during the times you are most likely to masturbate by distracting yourself with another activity could also help. You can also see a doctor at your nearest clinic who can refer you to a counsellor that can help you through the process. This article will give you more information about masturbation; How to masturbate safely.

Sawubona. Siyabonga ngombuzo wakho.Ukushaya indlwabu kungokwemvelo. Kuyindlela ejabulisayo, ephephile yokuzijabulisa ngokwakho. Kodwa-ke, uma ukushaya indlwabu kuqala ukuthinta imisebenzi yakho yansuku zonke, ukuyeka noma ukunciphisa kungenzeka. Ukufunda ukuyeka ukushaya indlwabu kuyinto edinga ukubekezela. Zama uhlale umatasa, ngemisebenzi efana nokuzivocavoca, ukuhlangana nabangani noma imidlalo engasiza ukukhumbuza ukushaya indlwabu. Ukugwema ukushaya indlwabu ngesikhathi ovame ukushaya indlwabu ngokuziphazamisa ngeminye imisebenzi kungakusiza. Ungabona futhi udokotela emtholampilo oseduze ongakunikela kumeluleki ongakusiza ngale nqubo. Lesi sihloko sizokunika ulwazi mayelana nokushaya indlwabu; Indlela yokushaya indlwabu ngokuphepha.

Dear Anonymous. Having unprotected sex still puts you at risk of falling pregnant. It also increases your chances of getting an STI and other infections. It’s best you buy a pregnancy test or  visit your nearest clinic to test for pregnancy. 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.

Dear Anonymous. It’s best you visit your nearest clinic to get this checked out. At this point the bleeding may be caused by a number of factors like implantation (when the egg implants itself in the lining of the uterus) or a vaginal infection. Usually the bleeding is very light referred to as spotting. Heavy bleeding accompanied with cramps is a cause for concern but also does not necessarily mean that you’ve lost the baby or miscarry. At the clinic the doctor or nurse will examine your symptoms and you will be able to take another pregnancy test. You can also read our health article What to expect from pregnancy for more information.

Dear Anonymous. Although pregnant women are often advised against taking many medications, this is not the case with HIV drugs. Being on ARVs will reduce the risk of transmitting (passing) the HIV virus to your baby. It is very important to continue taking ARVs throughout your pregnancy as they protect you and your baby.

Dear Anonymous. Feeling stressed is common during pregnancy but if the stress is severe (too much) it might affect you and your baby. Speak to a trusted adult about your concerns to help you manage your stress. Try to relax but if it gets too much it’s best you see a doctor or nurse who can closely examine your symptoms and also refer you to a counsellor. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you. Here are a few tips to help you manage your stress; How to manage your stress.

Dear Anonymous. It’s very common to get sick during pregnancy especially in the first trimester. The immune system weakens which puts you more at risk to getting sick. The best way to avoid getting sick is to make sure you are healthy. A healthy body starts with eating healthy. The vitamins and nutrients that you get from nutritious meals help to building your immune system. Taking prenatal vitamins also helps but it’s best you visit your nearest clinic and ask a nurse or doctor about the vitamins you can take. You can use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near to you.

Get lots of rest and stay hydrated by drinking fluids like water. If the symptoms get worse visit the clinic so they can do a full examination. You can also read our health article What to expect from pregnancy for more information.

Dear Anonymous. Good question! When the baby is growing inside the womb, it’s inside a sack of fluid or “water” called the amniotic sac. During the labour the womb/uterus contracts (contractions happen when the uterus tightens or hardens) and pushes the baby out. When there is enough pressure on the sac of fluid, it bursts open and the fluid is released; this is known as “the water breaking”.  It is not a problem at what stage the water breaks as long as you are in a delivery room so that the nurse can look after your baby. 

Dear Anonymous. Thank you for your question. It is possible to have an irregular menstruation after removing the implant however you should not be experiencing a burning pain as a side effect of removing the implant. It is good that you went to see a doctor at the women’s clinic and it is good that they tested for STIs and urine infections.  If your pain is ongoing it’s best that you return to a doctor or nurse for a further examination, history taking and tests if necessary.  

Your pain could be from a number of different causes including the muscles or bones in your back, your kidneys, bladder, ovaries or uterus or other organs in your pelvis.  The doctor or nurse may ask you questions like: have you had a pap smear? When does this pain occur? Is your menstrual cycle normal?

Hi Phomolo, yes that is completely normal and is a sign of good health. Well done! While many people get fevers or flu, especially in winter, it is not a “must” and this seems to have been the case for you. Healthy and balanced diet, exercise and taking medications as prescribed (and only when necessary) are key to maintaining good health.

Hi there, it is best to see a nurse or a doctor at your local clinic, they will be able to advise or recommend a different treatment for you. You can find and rate your local clinic here: http://ow.ly/JCYw30ltfvS

Hi Ano, thank you for your question. Having sex when you have irritable bowel syndrome can cause your symptoms to worsen, its best that you avoid having sex until you have visited your local doctor or nurse and they have given you the right treatment that you need.  

Hi Ano, thank you for your question. You can check out our Mental Health Toolbox  to answer all your questions

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 , thank you for your question. Having sex with an uncircumcised guy puts you at higher risk of getting an infection. Remember you must always use a condom to protect yourself and your partner from STI's, HIV and unplanned pregnancies. 

Hi there, that's a good question, no contraception is 100% so it is always possible to fall pregnant even when you have a method of contraception.  

It is always possible to fall pregnant so it is always good to check but if your period continues to be abnormal I would suggest you go to see a nurse or doctor so that they can take a full history and examination as well as make sure your pap smear is normal.

Hi Shariefa, thank you for your question, it depends on what may have caused the dark mark on your skin, it is possible it may be a bruise. If you feel that you are concerned about the mark or if you have pain its best that you visit a local clinic and get it checked 

Hi Shariefa, thank you for your question, a baby kicks a lot when the baby is growing and starting to move around.

Dear Anonymous. High blood pressure means your heart has to work harder than normal. This can lead to heart problems and heart failure.

Common causes of high blood pressure include:

·         Smoking

·         Drinking too much alcohol

·         Too much salt in food

·         Being overweight

·         Not exercising

It’s best you visit your local clinic and a nurse or doctor can help you understand how to control your blood pressure using medication and lifestyle changes. Use our Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you.

Dear Anonymous. Thank you for your question. To learn more about Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and how it can help you please click on this article; What is PEP and how can it help me?.

Hi Clint. Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) has many benefits!

·         It is easier to keep the penis clean. Circumcision lowers the risk of cancer of the penis.

·         It lowers the risk of HIV and STIs, though it doesn’t remove the risk entirely, so circumcised men should still use a condom at all times.

·         Males who are circumcised have a lower risk of getting a urinary tract infection and can also protect female partners against cervical cancer.