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.

If someone is circumcised, there is also less friction during sex, which means there is less chance of skin or wounds opening and HIV being transmitted. Lastly, the foreskin can also catch liquids, so if your partner is HIV positive, their body fluid can stay trapped in the foreskin and have more of a chance of infecting you. You can also read our articles; Medical male circumcision: What to expect and MMC: All the facts about medical male circumcision exposed for more information.

Hi there, morning after pills work only if you take them within 72 hours of having unprotected sexual intercourse, otherwise pregnancy may result. You need to visit your local clinic for a pregnancy test and an HIV test, you can find your local clinic here http://ow.ly/Tled30lRuIo

Hi Ano, good question. People that are at high risk of getting influenza (flu), local government clinics will be able to provide this vaccination. Local government clinics are also able to provide tetanus injections (a vaccine given to adolescents and adults as a booster shot) for people who have been advised to get it. If you would like a particular vaccination, It’s best you visit your nearest clinic for more information. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. You can also read this article Which vaccinations are for adolescents in South Africa? which will give you a list of vaccines available for adolescents.

Hi there, read this article and learn about healthy food

Hi there, you need to be examined by a Dr for this. There could be a lot of causes. Please visit your local clinic. You can find and rate your local clinic here http://ow.ly/Tled30lRuIo

Hi there, you need to be examined by a Dr for this. There could be a lot of causes. Please visit your local clinic. You can find and rate your local clinic here http://ow.ly/Tled30lRuIo

Hi there, What treatment are you currently on?

Hi there, Pregnancy doesn’t start the day that partners have sex — it can take up to six days after intercourse for the sperm and egg to join and form a fertilized egg. Then, it can take 6 to 10 days for the fertilized egg to completely implant itself in the lining of the uterus. Pregnancy begins during that implantation, when the hormones needed for pregnancy are released. You can buy a pregnancy test at any pharmacy, or you can visit your nearest clinic for a pregnancy test. You can find and rate your local clinic here http://ow.ly/Tled30lRuIo

Hi there to learn more about HIV visit our HIV section here

Hi there Fection, thank you for your question. Yes you can get HIV if you have used a damaged condom. It is very important that you and your partner get tested for HIV and STi's. 

Hi there to learn more about HIV visit our HIV section here 

Hi AsandaN, thank you for your question. That is a very interesting question, it would be difficult to say exactly what the problem may be. It would be best to visit your local clinic to get checked by a doctor or a nurse and they be able to tell you exactly what is wrong and they will be give you the right treatment. 

Hi Jodey Black, thank you for your question. When you visit your doctor or nurse at the local clinic they will be able to tell you what foods you should be staying away from. 

Hi anonymous, thank you for this question. Unfortunately, it sounds like the pharmacy medication might not be enough to solve this problem. You might need some prescription medicines, which means you need to see a doctor or nurse. Queues can get very long, but you can use our clinic finder to see if there’s another clinic close by that you could try. The medication you can get at the clinic is also free. Find and rate clinics near you here: http://ow.ly/vN4830lMZLf

Hi jodey black, thank you for this question. Unfortunately, it sounds like the pharmacy medication might not be enough to solve this problem. You might need some prescription medicines, which means you need to see a doctor or nurse. Queues can get very long, but you can use our clinic finder to see if there’s another clinic close by that you could try. The medication you can get at the clinic is also free. Find and rate clinics near you here: http://ow.ly/vN4830lMZLf

Hi Anonymous, having sex with your new partner will not affect the health of your child but remember to always use a condom to protect yourself and your new partner from STIs and HIV. 

Dear anonymous, thank you for your question. There are many things that can cause a woman to bleed after sex, some of the reasons are as follows:

•             Not enough lubrication – even though the vagina has its own lubrication, sometimes it is not enough. Hormone levels, medications, and less foreplay during sex can also dryness. This results in more friction and can cause small cuts that may bleed. You can use a water-based lubricant (not oil-based as this has high chances of breaking the condom)

•             If you have a rough sex- the rougher the sex is, the more friction there is as well, and this can also result in small tears which may bleed a little.

•             Bleeding can also come from the cervix – If you penetrate too deep, you may reach the cervix which is very soft and it bleeds easily. The cervix can also bleed if there is cervical cancer growing on it, so we would advise your partner to visit her nearest clinic for a check-up.

•             Vaginal discharges are normal for women, the discharge may feel a bit wet and sticky, but shouldn’t smell bad. If your girlfriend’s discharge has changed it’s colour, smells bad, looks brownish or creamy in colour, or she is experiencing some itchiness, she might have an infection and we would advise her to seek medical attention. You can read our short article with your girlfriend and learn more about vaginal discharge and what does it mean, click here: https://bwisehealth.com/article/-i-have-a-discharge-do-i-have-an-sti-

Please remember to continue using a condom every time you have sex to protect yourself from HIV, STIs and to prevent unplanned pregnancy. You can go to your nearest clinic to check the cause of the bleeding. You can find your nearest clinic here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/. For more information about STI, please read our STI section on bwisehealth.com and learn more. Click on the link https://bwisehealth.com/category/sti

Hi there anonymous, thank you for your question. There are two types of contraceptive injections which are:

•   Nur isterate: This one is given every two months

•   Depo Provera: This one is given every three months

It is not easy to know if the injection is out of your body and it is different for everyone. If you are trying to fall pregnant and your reproductive system is working well, it may take you up to seven months to fall pregnant after you have stopped the two monthly injection (Nur isterate) and it may take you up to nine months to fall pregnant after you have stopped the three monthly injection (Depo Provera).

Dear anonymous, thank you for your question. If you are standing for a long time during assembly, it is common to feel lightheaded and faint especially for adolescents. We would advise you to make sure that you have a good breakfast and carry a bottle of juice with you during assembly. Whenever you feel like fainting or lightheaded, drink some juice.

If this doesn’t help and the fainting continues, please visit your nearest clinic. You can find your nearest clinic here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/.You may also be suffering from anemia or another medical condition. Visiting a doctor or clinic for a check-up will confirm if you have any medical conditions. 

Dear anonymous, this may be caused by many different things. Usually, the colour of your menstruation and bleeding changes when you start using hormonal contraception. We would advise you to visit your nearest clinic to ensure that you rule out any chance of sexually transmitted infections. You can find your nearest clinic here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/. For more information about menstrual problems, please read our short article about menstrual problems. Click on this link: https://bwisehealth.com/article/when-your-period-signals-a-problem-menstrual-problems-that-may-need-medical-attention 

Dear anonymous, thank you for your question. Having weak nails is a common thing, mostly among women. This can be caused by repeated wetness and drying (such as washing dishes). Weak nails are also caused by lack of vitamins and thyroid disorders. We would advise you to seek immediate help from your nearest clinic. You can find your nearest clinic here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/ 

Dear anonymous, thank you for your question.  You may be able to estimate how long have you been pregnant by counting the weeks from the first day of your last normal menstrual period (for example, the first day you started bleeding).  This is called your “gestational age” and this is what doctors and nurses will use to estimate when you are going to give birth.   If you want to know when you actually became pregnant then it was most likely around 2 weeks after that first day of your last normal period.

You can go to your nearest clinic and they will do an ultrasound scan (used by doctors and nurses to check for health-related problems or for any developments in a human body) may also help the nurse or doctor to tell you how long have you been pregnant.  Most clinics do not have ultrasounds available, however, most hospitals do.  Some doctors also do ultrasounds, but you would need to check before you go if they are able to do ultrasounds and how much it will cost. We would advise you to go to your nearest clinic for a proper check-up. You can find your nearest clinic or hospital here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/

Dear anonymous, thank you for your question. There are many things that can cause a woman to bleed after sex, some of the reasons are as follows:

• Not enough lubrication – even though the vagina has its own lubrication, sometimes it is not enough. Hormone levels, medications, and less foreplay during sex can also dryness. This results in more friction and can cause small cuts that may bleed. You can use a water-based lubricant (not oil-based as this has high chances of breaking the condom)
• If you have a rough sex- the rougher the sex is, the more friction there is as well, and this can also result in small tears which may bleed a little.
• Bleeding can also come from the cervix – If your partner penetrates too deep, it may reach the cervix which is very soft and it bleeds easily. The cervix can also bleed if there is cervical cancer growing on it, so we would advise you to visit your nearest clinic for a check-up.

Please remember to use a condom every time you have sex to protect yourself from HIV, STIs and to prevent unplanned pregnancy. You can go to your nearest to check the cause of the bleeding. You can find your nearest clinic here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/. For more information about STI, please read our STI section on bwisehealth.com and learn more. Click on the link https://bwisehealth.com/category/sti

Dear anonymous, thank you for your question. Having a smell from your vagina is normal. It can change slightly throughout your menstrual cycle or after sex. 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 bad or you are having a discharge then you may have an infection such as an STI.

We advise you to go to your nearest clinic for a check-up to make sure you don’t have an STI or any other infection. You can find your nearest clinic here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/

If you find out that you have an STI, it is important that your partner also gets treatment otherwise there’s a chance he/she will re-infect you.  For more information about STIs, please read our STI section on bwisehealth.com and learn more. Click on this link: https://bwisehealth.com/category/sti

Hi there anonymous, thank you for your question. Itchiness when you urinate can be caused by many things, one of those is when someone has an STI. Itchiness when you urinate is one of the common symptoms of an STI. Though we would advise you to visit your nearest clinic to get tested and know if there are any possibilities for you to have an STI. Use our clinic finder on bwisehealth.com to find a clinic closer to you, click on the link https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/ . You can also read more about STI on our STI section and be informed about STIs, follow the link to learn more about STI https://bwisehealth.com/category/sti

Hi there anonymous, thank you for your question. Itchiness when you urinate can be caused by many things, one of those is when someone has an STI. Itchiness when you urinate is one of the common symptoms of an STI. Though we would advise you to visit your nearest clinic to get tested and know if there are any possibilities for you to have an STI. Use our clinic finder on bwisehealth.com to find a clinic closer to you, click on the link https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/ . You can also read more about STI on our STI section and be informed about STIs, follow the link to learn more about STI https://bwisehealth.com/category/sti

Hi there anonymous, thank you for your question. Itchiness when you urinate can be caused by many things, one of those is when someone has an STI. Itchiness when you urinate is one of the common symptoms of an STI. Though we would advise you to visit your nearest clinic to get tested and know if there are any possibilities for you to have an STI. Use our clinic finder on bwisehealth.com to find a clinic closer to you, click on the link https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/ . You can also read more about STI on our STI section and be informed about STIs, follow the link to learn more about STI https://bwisehealth.com/category/sti

Hello anonymous, thank you for your question. The changes in the color of your fingernails may be caused by different things, which may be:

1.  An infection or injury on your nail bed

2.  It can be caused by a well-known disease or medical condition which can be checked to make sure which diseases cause this.

3. Little or too much hormones which may be related to pregnancy hormones.

Please visit your nearest health facility for a check-up and get immediate treatment for this symptoms. You can use our clinic finder here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/  to find your nearest clinic.

Hi, thank you for your question. Taking a contraceptive injection can cause your period to change, it would be best for you to visit your local clinic and get checked by a doctor or a nurse. They will be able to tell you exactly what is wrong and they will give you the right treatment. 

Hi k9203. Thank you for your question. Well done for being honest with your partner about your status. Remember using protection or condoms doesn’t only protect your partner but it also protects you from STI’s and unplanned pregnancies. You can read this article on how you can talk to your partner Talking to your partner: How to make it easier

Hi Thobile A, thank you for your question. Well done for going back to school and trying to gain skill. You should be proud of yourself. Don’t stress, there are many different skills that you can learn such as sowing, painting, doing nails and you can even start your own business one day. You can also take a look at the She Conquers website, there are a few organisations that can assist you http://sheconquerssa.co.za/

Hi T.d What are your symptoms?

Hi Anonymous, thank you for your question. In order to have the most chance of falling pregnant, one must not be on any contraceptive and must have unprotected sex about 12 to 18 days after the first day of their 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 sex over the few days before and after ovulation, therefore from around day 12 to 18.  You may not fall pregnant the first month you try but keep trying.  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.  Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. If you have a smart phone you can also download a fertility app or period tracker app like Dot or Ovia which can help you track when you are most fertile. Click on this link for more information https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/fertility-apps.

Hi there T.d, if you have gone to the clinic for a pregnancy test and it came out negative that means you are not pregnant. Although if you are still experiencing the symptoms that you have previously mentioned then it would be best for you to go back to the clinic and tell the nurse or a doctor about your symptoms and they will check you up and tell you exactly what the problem may be. 

Hi there T.d.

Thank you for your question. Injectable contraceptives have doses of a hormone called ;progesterone, and this hormone can change your menstruation and it can cause you to have pregnancy symptoms as your body gets used to the injection.. But remember, because you just started the injection you can still be fertile so you can still fall pregnant .If you think you may be pregnant, visit your local clinic for a pregnancy test

Hi there, thank you for your question. If you think your partner may be cheating on you it is very important that you get tested for HIV and STI immediately. That is why we suggest that you and your partner get tested for HIV and STI's every six months to be safe.

So sorry to hear that you lost your boyfriend, and in such a traumatic way. Grieving can take a long time, so it makes sense that it’s still affecting you a lot. Just because someone dies, doesn’t mean our feelings for them go away.

Counselling won’t take the feelings away – nothing can take them away – but time can help you learn to live with it. Let yourself be sad and miss him, spend time with his family if you want to, and find ways to remember him that work for you (e.g. speaking to him, writing about your feelings, doing or eating or wearing something he loved).

Know that grief takes as long as it takes. There is no wrong way to grieve, so don’t pressure yourself to forget him, even if it’s frustrating sometimes. If you feel like you might be becoming depressed and your work/studies and relationships are being affected, counselling can help you to deal with that part of it.

Different people develop at different ages, so if you have not yet started to see any changes, it doesn't mean they are not going to happen. The changes also happen slowly over time, so you may not notice immediately. The size of a penis changes during puberty. This is when major changes happen in the body and can start as early as 10 years of age. The penis usually stops growing when you finish puberty but can stop growing anytime in-between that. You may have a penis that has grown to its full size as early as 13 years or as late as 18 years. It is not the same for all people. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. There may be a few reasons why the colour of your urine is red. 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 you. You can also read our article Urinary tract infections: what’s the lowdown? and articles from our STI Section to learn more.

Hi Anonymous, thank you for your question. You are still at risk of getting HIV if you have unprotected sex with an HIV person but you need to understand why. Some medications these days work so well that a person (male or female) with HIV can have unprotected sex and their partner will not get HIV, BUT THEIR VIRAL LOAD TEST MUST BE SUPPRESSED!  So what does it mean to have a suppressed viral load? This means that when the doctor or nurse take blood from them and send it to a laboratory for testing, the laboratory cannot find any HIV viruses in their blood.  They still have HIV but they are taking their medication correctly everyday so the HIV is controlled and just stays in the immune organs of the person and is not in the blood or semen or vaginal fluid.  This would mean that their viral load blood test will come back showing no HIV (or a suppressed viral load) and they will not spread HIV through their semen, vaginal fluid or through the anus.  The important thing to remember is that you do not know that the medicine is definitely working just because they are taking the medication correctly! They have to have their viral load blood test done and the result must come back showing that the viral load is suppressed. 

Some people with HIV might take their medicine correctly but their viral load is not suppressed.  This happens when their medication is not working even though they are taking it correctly.  Different types of HIV viruses need different medication.  Viral load tests are done every year. Someone may have had a suppressed viral load in January but in February they don’t take their medication correctly and then their viral load will not be suppressed anymore.  They will not know that their viral load is not suppressed until the following year when they test their viral load.  It is therefore very difficult to know for sure that someone’s viral load is suppressed all the time.  It’s best to use a condom every time you have sex especially when you don’t know the person’s viral load result and you don’t know if they are still taking their medication correctly. Condoms also protect you from other infections like hepatitis, syphilis, HPV (which can cause cervical cancer) and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and to prevent unwanted pregnancies.  You can read our article STI questions? All the answers to learn more about STIs. It’s best that you and your partner also visit your nearest clinic to seek further help. You can find your nearest clinic here. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. Sterialisation can take place at any time however it’s important that you and your partner have been in counselling and are sure you have completed your family. Please ask the nurse at your nearest clinic about the process of the procedure. You can find your nearest clinic here. 

Hi Anonymous, thank you for your question. Babies of 4 months old may sweat at night while they sleep. However, if it is too much and your baby wakes up wet there may be something worth seeing the doctor for. Firstly make sure you are not over-dressing your baby, that is using too many blankets or heating the room too much. If none of these is a problem and your baby is showing signs of not growing well, you should see a doctor or nurse at your nearest clinic. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

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

Hi Anonymous, thank you for your question. It is best that you visit your local clinic to check if you have a cold, flu or another condition.  It is also important to test for TB, if the TB test is negative, the clinic should send you for a chest X-ray. This X-ray will check if the coughing is because of permanent damage to your lungs. Coughing is not always because of an infection or a condition of the chest – it can also be caused by some medication.

If you have a cold, you may have a blocked nose, sneezing, coughing or headaches, but flu is worse, and it happens quite suddenly. You would usually have a high fever, painful cough, a very sore body, sore throat and a blocked or runny nose. Flu can be treated with medications called antivirals (e.g. Tamiflu), but it is best if you see a doctor or a nurse for further help. You can find your nearest clinic here. 

Hi Anonymous, thank you for your question. When you don’t get your period, your first thought is probably that you are pregnant. However if you are sexually active and have not been having protected sex, it’s best you buy a pregnancy test or visit your local clinic to test for pregnancy. There are however many other reasons why you might not be getting you period – for example, if you are on a contraceptive such as the family planning injection. Check out our article Different kinds of contraceptives to give you more information about the different kinds of contraceptives. If you are very fit, or if you have an eating disorder such as anorexia, this usually affects your menstrual cycle. Sickness or gynaecological problems are another reason for irregular periods. It’s best to know as soon as possible what the cause is. You can visit your local clinic to get checked by a doctor or a nurse so they can tell you exactly what the problem may be. You can use the Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you. Don’t forget to rate the clinic you have chosen.  

Hi Anonymous, thank you for your question. Using aspirin while you are pregnant can be dangerous to your unborn baby and may lead to abnormalities in the baby. However it does not cause termination of pregnancy. It’s best if you visit your local clinic to seek further help. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you.

If you want to write a book, talk to a teacher, lecturer or writer you know and see if they can read through your writing and guide you through the process. if you want to publish a book, you will have to submit it to a publisher. But there are many ways to share your story. A blog or social media page is also an option, and you can even get published right here on B-Wise! Submit your story here: http://ow.ly/RLDz30ltyus

Hi there, if your clinic doesn’t have contraception, we want to know about it! You can report good or bad service you received at this clinic here: http://ow.ly/JCYw30ltfvS

Hi there, this is how ARVs work: http://ow.ly/RtoG30ltg4x. If you are worried about any side effects, ask your doctor or nurse the next time you pick up your ARVs. 

Hi there, you will need to go back to the clinic and ask the nurse or doctor to do more tests. You can find and rate your local clinic here: http://ow.ly/JCYw30ltfvS

Hi there, a viral load measures the amount of HIV in the blood. If HIV is present in the blood it means the virus is making copies of itself and spilling over into the blood. The higher the viral load, the more replication. coping is taking place. A person with a high viral load will have a weaker immune system putting them at risk of developing more illnesses and infections.

If one is on ARVs and taking them properly, then their VL should be less than 40 copies/ml (suppressed). If the VL is not suppressed, then the virus is replicating and likely becoming resistant to the ARVs.

Hi there, there are different types of vaginal discharges and some may need medical attention. Read more: http://ow.ly/dkhS30ltfAF 

 Hi there, you can learn more about HIV here: http://ow.ly/hFQN30ltfx5

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. It is possible that you are experiencing this pain because of writing a lot. It's important to remember to take breaks when you writing, you can also do some hand exercises during these breaks. You can go to the local clinic and get your hand checked out, the nurse or doctor will give you the right medication that you need.  

Hi there, thank you for your question. There many reasons for ladies to have irregular menstruations and it would be best to go and have a check-up and a papsmear to make sure it isn’t something serious.  It is also a good idea to do pregnancy test if there is a possibility that you might be pregnant.  If everything is fine, then the doctor can start you on a oral contraceptive to regulate your periods.  All women get some discharge which is normal – it is usually clear or whitish and does not have a foul smell.  If the discharge you are describing is different to what you usually experience it would be a good idea to have it checked as some infections like thrush do not have a badl smell.

Hi there, thank you for your question. This can happen when you have a urinary track infection which is caused when bacteria enters your body through the urethra and it can cause a bladder infection. It is best that you visit a nurse or a doctor at a local clinic so they can give you the antibiotics that you may need. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. This can happen when you have a urinary track infection which is caused when bacteria enters your body through the urethra and it can cause a bladder infection. It is best that you visit a nurse or a doctor at a local clinic so they can give you the antibiotics that you may need. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. This can happen when you have a urinary track infection which is caused when bacteria enters your body through the urethra and it can cause a bladder infection. It is best that you visit a nurse or a doctor at a local clinic so they can give you the antibiotics that you may need. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. This is one of the effects of smoking crystal meth, it can damage your organs. It may seem difficult going to the clinic or the hospital, but remember doctors and nurses are there to help you and give you the right treatment. Crystal meth can be difficult to quite but it can be very dangerous for your health.  Remember you are not alone, there are people who you can call and they will help you such as Narcotics Anonymous: 083 900 6962 and Narconon South Africa: 011 622-3998

Hi, thank you for your question. HIV was discovered by Luc Antoine Montagnier. There was a lot of research done over the years with HIV and scientists had discovered ARV's would help people with HIV. 

Hi thank you for your question. Its best that you have a balanced diet to gain weight. Although taking vitamins can help you gain weight.

Hi Anonymous. Thank you for your question. Peripheral neuropathy can happen when a person takes certain medications like stavudine D4T, zidovudine AZT or didanosine. It can also come from using a lot of alcohol for a long time, or from diabetes. It’s best to ask your nurse or doctor to make sure you are not on one of the ARVs that can cause the problem or worsen it. It’s also important to test for diabetes and to limit your alcohol intake if you choose to drink. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. You can check out our article: https://bwisehealth.com/article/what-is-diabetes for more information about diabetes and you can also read our article: https://bwisehealth.com/article/binge-drinking-and-alcohol-poisoning to learn more about other dangers of too much alcohol intake.

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can check out this article to answer your question I don't want to get an STI - how can I protect myself? 

Hi there, thank you for your question. It is safe to take vitamins when you are HIV positive, although it would be best for you to talk to your nurse or your doctor so they can tell you which would be best for you. 

Hi there, thank you for your question. If you had the urine pregnancy test done by a health care worker its best that you ask the health care worker what that means. If you have done a home pregnancy test then there should be pamphlet with instructions that will explain what everything means.  

Hi there, thank you for question. There should be a pamphlet with instructions, inside the box if you read the instructions you will see what everything means. 

Thank you for your question.  I hope that I am correct in assuming that you are referring to gallstones? If not, then please let us know.

The gallbladder is a small “bag” that sits behind your liver and stores bile.  The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine which helps to digest and absorb food.  Gallstones are hard pieces (like stones) that develop in the gallbladder and are usually made from cholesterol (fat) or bilirubin. Cholesterol and bilirubin are both normally found in bile.  It is not clear what causes gallstones to develop, but it can be that there is too much cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile, or that the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly. There are some things that increase the chances of getting gallstones:

•        Being female

•        40 years old or older

•        Overweight or obese

•        Pregnancy

•        High-fat diet

•        Eating a low-fiber diet

•        A family history of gallstones

•        Diabetes

•        Losing weight very quickly

•        Some medications

•        Having liver disease

Many people with gallstones don’t have any symptoms and do not need treatment, but if they do have symptoms from their gallstones, the gallbladder is usually removed.

If someone has gallstones and they start getting the following, they should see their doctor:

·         Pain in the abdomen, usually near the top and on the right side, but can also be in the middle under the ribs.  The pain can also be on the back in between the shoulder blades or over the shoulder.

·         Nausea and vomiting

If some has the following symptoms:

·         Very severe pain

·         Fever or chills

·         Yellowing of the skin or eyes (Jaundice)

They should go to their hospital or see a doctor as soon as possible

Hi Anonymous. There only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested. Knowing your status allows you to protect yourself and your partner.  If you're going to have sex, protect yourself from getting STIs by using a condom every time you have sex. You can visit your nearest clinic and they will give you further advice. You can find your nearest clinic here. Check out the following BWise articles to learn more: Know your status? Get tested! What to expect and I don’t want to get an STI - How can I protect myself? You can also read our articles from our STI Section to learn more.

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

Hi Anonymous. Drug abuse has severe effects on the community. It is often associate with crime and gang-related activities. Increased drug use can lead to an unsafe community. You can also read our article Can using drugs make you go crazy? to learn more.

Hi Anonymous. Even though the morning after pill can reduce the risk of pregnancy, you are still at risk. Chances are that the sperm leaked out of the condom into your vagina. You can buy a pregnancy test, or visit your local clinic as soon as possible and ask the nurse or doctor to test you for pregnancy. You can find your nearest clinic here.  You should also try the dual method which is when you use a condom and another contraceptive method at the same time. Dual method use offers more protection from pregnancy than condoms alone. It also protects you and your partner from STIs, including HIV. Check out our article Different kinds of contraceptives to give you more information about the different kinds of contraceptives.

Hi Anonymous. Check out our article Does love have an age? Relationships with someone older to get your answer.

Hi Anonymous. HIV is the short name for a germ (virus) that attacks your body's way of staying healthy and fighting off disease. You catch it from another person that has the HIV in their body. Anyone can get it, so you have to take it seriously. HIV stand for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. You can also check out our HIV section to learn more.  

Hi Anonymous, thank you for your question. There are a number of reasons that could cause this. It is likely you were diagnosed with the wrong condition and therefore the treatment you were given was incorrect. The treatment you describe is usually used for an STI that causes discharge. If your discharge is not caused by an STI, then treatment for an STI is unlikely to help you. You might be infected with a drug-resistance germ that causes an STI. In this case, the commonly used medication will not clear the STI. You could also have become re-infected with the same STI after being treated. This could happen if your partner was not treated or if you had a new partner who was infected with an STI and infected you again. It is important to have protected sex at all times to avoid STIs and HIV/AIDS. It’s best you return to your health clinic for further investigation. Our article can also give you more information about STIs: I don’t want to get an STI-How can I protect myself?

Hi Anonymous, good question. Family planning services should be free at your local clinic. There are many different kinds and you should learn about how they work before you choose one. If you are 12 years old and older you have the right to get contraceptive without your parents’ permission. Talk to your doctor or nurse about your options so you can choose the one that is best for you. You can also read our articles Different kinds of contraceptives and family planning options to prevent pregnancy and Contraception: When should I start? for more information.

Using Condoms is one of the best ways to prevent pregnancy, HIV and STI's. So using condoms correctly every time you have sex will protect you and your partner!

Condoms only work properly when they are used correctly each and every time you have sex. For the correct way to use a male and female condom, click here http://ow.ly/11uT30l2qcI “How to use a male condom” and “Current affairs: Is a female condom right for you?” http://ow.ly/j0ZI30l2qeJ Learn even more about condoms in our article “Different kinds of contraceptives and family planning: options to prevent pregnancy” here http://ow.ly/NdiS30l2qh3

Most girls and women have vaginal discharge during their reproductive years. This is normal but If you have a discharge that has changed recently, smells bad, is brown or creamy in colour, or you have itching or sores around your vagina, you may have an infection and need to seek medical attention at your nearest clinic. You can find and rate your local clinic here http://ow.ly/iD2z30l2qVV

Hi Anonymous. You are at risk of falling pregnant. Having unprotected sex also increases your chances of getting an STI and other infections. It’s best you visit your nearest clinic and talk to a doctor or nurse about an emergency contraception that you can take. There are pills you can take after having unprotected sex to decrease the chance of falling pregnant. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. It’s important to practice safe sex at all times. Using a condom can help protect you from STIs and other infections. Check out our articles from our Basics of S-E-X section and get more information on how you can protect yourself

Hi Anonymous. You are at risk of falling pregnant. Having unprotected sex also increases your chances of getting an STI and other infections. It’s best you visit your nearest clinic and talk to a doctor or nurse about an emergency contraception that you can take. There are pills you can take after having unprotected sex to decrease the chance of falling pregnant. Use our Clinic Finder to help you find a clinic near you. It’s important to practice safe sex at all times. Using a condom can help protect you from STIs and other infections. Check out our articles from our Basics of S-E-X section and get more information on how you can protect yourself

Hi there, what are you protecting yourself from?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi there, it is normal to get side effects to any medication,  it is also  possible to get an additional illness while having TB  and on medication.

The best advice would be for him  to get examined to diagnose the cause of the symptoms he is having by a nurse or doctor, you can find and rate your nearest clinic here http://ow.ly/q0Sm30l2BRN

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

Hi Anonymous. Even though the morning after pill can reduce the risk of pregnancy, you are still at risk. Chances are that the sperm leaked out of the condom into your vagina. You can buy a pregnancy test, or visit your local clinic as soon as possible and ask the nurse or doctor to test you for pregnancy. You can find your nearest clinic here.  You should also try the dual method which is when you use a condom and another contraceptive method at the same time. Dual method use offers more protection from pregnancy than condoms alone. It also protects you and your partner from STIs, including HIV. Check out our article Different kinds of contraceptives to give you more information about the different kinds of contraceptives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

·         Some medications that you might be taking.

·         Tears in the vaginal wall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear anonymous

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

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

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

Congratulations on the birth of your new baby!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi there, how can we help you?

Hi, how can we help you?

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

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