Hi Anonymous. No, the message does not mean you have HIV. The message from MomConnect is aimed at supporting mothers who are pregnant and HIV positive, or who, during the course of their pregnancy, discover that they are HIV positive, which happens sometimes. It is sent to every pregnant woman registered on MomConnect, whether they are positive or negative. The only way to know your HIV status is if you get tested. 

Dear Sweets, 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’s anything preventing you from becoming pregnant, and give you advice about what you can try. There are a few things that could be happening:

• 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 you’re 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 Cyclebeads or Dot. 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 or 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.

Best of luck!

Hi Anonymous. Your child is in good health. New-born babies usually have very soft stools. This stool is yellow in colour and looks like mustard. For babies that are being breast fed, their stool will be soft for a long time because of the breast milk (which is digested much more easily than formula milk). If, however, your baby is looking tired, has a fever, is breathing very fast or is not drinking well, please take her to the clinic for a check-up. You can register on MomConnect where you will able to get more help  from experts. Dial *134*550# from your cellphone to register.

Hi Anonymous. The article Falling pregnant when you’re young is a big deal! and other articles in the Basics of S-E-X section will let you know in detail what can happen if you fall pregnant while you are still young. 

Hi Anonymous. The best way to lose weight is balancing the energy you take in, which is about the amount and type of food you eat, with the amount of energy you spend (how much exercise you do). If you take in too much energy or spend too little energy, you will gain weight. In order to lose weight, you need to either eat less (take in fewer calories/kilojoules) or exercise more… and the best way is to do a combination of the two, by eating less high-energy foods and doing regular exercise. To get some ideas, see our articles “Exercise is smart: How much do you need?” and “Eat this, not that: good food rules to live by”. Consider joining a weight loss group – they can often provide moral support. In some cases, weight gain can also be related to a medical condition. Please visit your health care worker for a check-up in order to ensure you are in good health.

Yes, you can be assisted. When you're in Hillbrow, take your medication and any other records with your medical condition to the nearest clinic or hospital, and doctors or nurses will be able to give you the right medication. You can also report good or bad service you received at that clinic here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/ 

Hi, thanks for your question, the anus is very different to the vagina, because it doesn't produce any lubrication. This means that during anal sex, you will need to use a lubricant. Remember to only use a water based lubricant, because oil-based lubricants like Vaseline will destroy the latex of the condom. The anus is a very sensitive part of the body and the lining is very thin, so it's easier to tear. So if you are bleeding during anal sex, it would be a good idea to use more lubricant. Lubrication helps to get things wet, which makes sex feel better and lowers your chances of getting hurt. If the bleeding does not stop, you will need to see a doctor. Remember to always use a condom!

Hi, I’m so sorry to hear about what happened to your sister. It makes sense that she is feeling down and is affected by this – it’s a terrible and traumatic thing to go through. It’s good that she’s going for counselling, but counselling won’t take those feelings away… It will just give her a place to deal with the feelings. Everyone is different, but it may take her weeks or months to start feeling like herself again. That’s OK. She needs to deal with her trauma and heal in her own way, and no one knows what that will look like until it happens. But it can be very hard to watch someone we love go through this, and if you need support yourself, speak to a trusted adult or counsellor. If you are worried that your sister might harm herself, please read our article “Having thoughts about killing yourself?” for ways to support and help her. 

• 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 you’re able to get pregnant. Contraceptives don’t cause infertility, but the long term injections can delay how quickly you become pregnant after stopping them.
• Some couples do not manage to get pregnant because they are just not trying on the correct days of the women’s monthly cycle when the woman is most fertile and able to get pregnant. If you have a smartphone, you can use free apps such as Cyclebeads or Dot. 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 then you must both be fully treated before continuing to try 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.

Dear Facebook user

Thank you for your question.

HIV is a virus, and from what we know, it is not man-made. If there are high levels of HIV in someone’s body, this makes their immune system weaker, and once that happens many diseases can get into their body.

On a birth certificate, ‘natural causes’ is written because the person died from a disease, and all diseases are listed as ‘natural’. If a person dies from other causes, like a murder or car accident, it is listed as an unnatural death.

Regards

B-Wise team

Dear anonymous

Thank you for sending us your question.

Yes please go.  It is better to go late then to not go at all.

It is also a good idea to register on MomConnect. Here's how:

Dial: *134*550*2# . It's free to use and will provide updates and link you to experts in the field of pregnancy and baby care.

Hi anonymous, It's great that your baby is HIV negative so far. However, as long as you are breastfeeding, there is still a risk that you could pass HIV on to your baby. The best way to avoid giving your baby HIV through breastfeeding is to take your ARVs every day and visit your clinic on your scheduled dates. Breastfeeding is very good for your baby, so you should carry on as long as you can.

Hi Thembisile, those are good questions! Genital warts are caused by a virus known as Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Usually, the body’s immune system will fight the virus, but there is no cure for HPV. The actual warts can be treated, though – the type of treatment just depends on where the warts are, how big they are, and how many there are. Treatment options include putting medication onto the wart for a few sessions until the wart falls off, and having surgery to remove the wart. It is best to talk to a healthcare provider so that they can recommend the best treatment for you. HPV can lead to serious diseases like cervical cancer, so please also speak with your healthcare provider about screening for diseases caused by HPV. PrEP is a medication that HIV-negative people can take to protect themselves against getting HIV. It doesn’t protect against any other STIs.

Hi Malum'Bandile, Although the chances of falling pregnant are smaller if there was no ejaculation, it is still possible. This is because the fluid that comes from the penis before ejaculation (pre-ejaculate) may also contain sperm. If you’re worried about falling pregnant, it is best to visit your nearest clinic to ask about emergency contraception. This type of contraception can help you in preventing pregnancy for up to 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected sex. Remember, though, emergency contraception does not provide any protection from contracting STIs and HIV. To prevent pregnancy, STIs and HIV, it is important to use a combined or dual contraceptive (which is a condom and contraceptive) each and every time you have sex.

Hi anonymous, your chances of getting HIV depends on the positive person’s HIV viral load. If someone living with HIV uses ART (medication) as prescribed by their health care provider, their viral load will be ‘lower than the detectable limit’. With such a low viral load, the chance of this person transmitting HIV to their sexual partner is small. Unfortunately, the only way for you to confirm your HIV status is to keep using a condom during sex (or to abstain) and then to test once the ‘window period’ has passed. You will need to make your own decision about confronting the person or laying a charge against them. If you choose to do either of these, think carefully about what you want out of the process and what could happen (e.g. what would happen after confronting them). 

Hi Anonymous, you should book for antenatal the moment you find out you are pregnant. The antennal visits have also increased from 4 to 8 so it is best to go as soon as you can. You can get updates and important information about your pregnancy if you register with MomConnect. MomConnect is a free support service offered by the Department of Health to assist you through your pregnancy and after pregnancy. Dial *134*550# from your cellphone to register to MomConnect.

Hi Itumeleng naane, you can’t get rid of stress forever – everyone’s life has some stress. But there are things you can do to manage it. The best way is to learn healthy coping strategies such as:

·         Exercise. If you walk, run, dance, or play sport for at least 30 minutes a day it can help to de-stress your brain and body.

·         Take deep breaths. Take a big breath, hold it for 3-5 seconds and then let it go. You can also say positive things like 'I can do this'.

·         Do muscle relaxation exercises. Tense up all the muscles in your body from your toes to your head and then relax them (let go). Continue this until your entire body feels relaxed.

·         Take an instant holiday. Close your eyes and think of somewhere peaceful and relaxing. Imagine being there and enjoy this imagined instant holiday until you feel calmer.

·         Let your feelings out. Write down your feelings or draw a picture about how you feel or what is stressing you.

·         Focus on what you can control. You can control your own reactions and your own actions. Focus on that and let go of what you can’t control, like other people's opinions and expectations.

Hi anonymous, it can be hard when we feel like no one hears us or really understands. Sometimes no matter how hard we try, we can’t calm down and feel better on our own. That’s OK. Speak to a trusted adult, counsellor or social worker to get help with managing your stress. If you can’t find anyone who understands, you can also call Lifeline on 0861 322 322 – they have counsellors on the line 24/7. 

Yoh, it’s tough but you’re the only one who can decide that. It depends on many things. Did someone ask you to keep the secret? Is it about you or about someone else? Think about what will happen if you tell – will someone get hurt? If you want to talk about it but don’t want to tell a lot of people, try telling someone who will keep it confidential. This could be a counsellor, social worker or psychologist, or you could even call a counselling line like Lifeline (0861 322 322). They can help you to decide the best way forward.

Hi Itumeleng naane, sorry that this is stressing you out! What your boyfriend is saying is not true. You can love someone and not be ready for sex yet. You have the right to decide when you have sex – it’s your body, and no one else should make that choice for you. Talk to your partner about it and explain how you feel. If he doesn’t respect your wishes, it’s up to you to decide how you go forward. If you ever feel unsafe in your relationship, tell a trusted adult or friend, or call the Stop Gender Violence Helpline on 0800 150 150. 

Hi anonymous, painful joints can be part of many syndromes, it is possible that you need to have some more tests as some syndromes are difficult to diagnose – if the doctor you have seen is not able to assist, they might need to refer you to a specialist for more in-depth testing. This can be a long road but it is best to be patient until they are able to give you an answer. A good and healthy balanced diet is important, and this can often be achieved without supplements, although as a vegan you might need to take certain supplements for things which are not easily obtained from vegetables. These include Omega 3 and 6, vitamin B12 and iron, to name a few. 

Hi Anonymous, blisters that keep coming back in the genitals/private areas are probably due to herpes. It is best you go to the clinic and get checked by a nurse or doctor. They’ll be able to confirm if it is herpes and, then they can give you the right treatment.

Hi @StevenSkill1, this is a good and important question. The virus hides itself in places where the medicine can’t reach during the early time of infection. So even when you are virally suppressed (when the function and replication of a virus is reduced), the virus remains “hidden” in some parts of your body (called “viral reservoirs”). This is why the virus rebounds (returns) when you stop taking medicine – it remains important to keep taking treatment even when virally suppressed to prevent this from happening.

Hi Moitheri, good question. After going through a trauma, many people will have reactions to it, which can affect their mind and their body. There are 4 main kinds of reactions people can have:

• avoiding everything to do with the event (this includes feeling numb – not feeling anything at all),

• re-experiencing like having nightmares and flashbacks,

• arousal (feeling jumpy or struggling to sleep) or

• feeling sad, scared, guilty or angry a lot of the time.

It only becomes post-traumatic stress disorder when someone has many of these reactions, and they last for more than a month after the event. If you or someone you know is struggling to cope after a trauma, speak to a counsellor, social worker or psychologist to get help and support – you don’t have to deal with it alone.

Hi Anonymous, It's saddening to hear what you’re going through. Please visit your nearest clinic or hospital as soon as you can, so you can get diagnosed by a nurse or doctor – this is the only way you can find out what's really wrong. Get well soon!

Hi Anonymous, for couples that are discordant (where one is positive and the other is negative) it is possible to have healthy children not infected with HIV. It’s best to see a specialist who can give step-by-step advice on how to do this. If you are in the Johannesburg area, you can visit the Hillbrow safer conception clinic. If you are in any other area, ask your doctor where you can access this service.

Hi anonymous. Yes, you can be assisted. When you're in Joburg, take your medication and any other records with your medical condition to the nearest clinic or hospital, and doctors or nurses will be able to give you the right medication. You can also report good or bad service you received at that clinic here:https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/

Hi Lethabo, yes it is possible, and OK, to have sex with a girl while she is menstruating – as long as she is OK with it. Some girls don’t feel comfortable to have sex during their period, and that’s fine too. It is important to know that a girl can still get pregnant if she has unprotected sex, even during her period.

There is only one way to protect yourself from getting pregnant or getting an STI, that's by practicing safe sex. And it can't just be safe sex some of the time, or even most of the time; it really has to be safe sex every time! Having unprotected sex (especially during menstruation) increases your chances of getting an STI, so always use a condom!

Hi Nadiseng, your questions are sent to a leading expert and you will then get an answer within 48 hours!

Hi Titus, Well done for looking after your health! It is important to pick up problems early. You need to go to your local clinic and explain your worries. They will ask you questions about where you work, your health, breathing, and chest, and if you have experienced any problems. They will either let you know if everything is fine (then you can stop worrying) or refer you for further check-ups if necessary. Continue to look after for your health! You can find and rate your local clinic here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/ 

Hi, Katleho. Being kicked or hit in the ribs and stomach can be very painful. If you see blood in your stool or urine, or if you are vomiting blood or in a lot of pain you should go to your nearest clinic for a check-up. If it is just uncomfortable and bruised but you are otherwise fine, try putting an ice pack or hot-water bottle over the painful area for 10-15 minutes. You can take anti-inflammatory pills like (brufen/nurofen) and drink a lot of water. It is not OK for someone to hurt, hit or kick you. You can get help at your local clinic if you feel unsafe. 

Hi there. Thank you for sending your question.  There could be lots of reasons they found that the womb was bigger than expected during pregnancy. It could be because the pregnancy is further along than they thought, or there could even be twins! It is best to go for the sonar like the clinic says, to make sure  the nurses and doctors know how big the baby is, make sure the baby is healthy, and check for twins. Ask the nurse at the clinic to sign you up for Mom Connect to get weekly updates on what to expect during pregnancy.

Hi there. Thank you for sending your question.  There could be lots of reasons they found that the womb was bigger than expected during pregnancy. It could be because the pregnancy is further along than they thought, or there could even be twins! It is best to go for the sonar like the clinic says, to make sure  the nurses and doctors know how big the baby is, make sure the baby is healthy, and check for twins. Ask the nurse at the clinic to sign you up for Mom Connect to get weekly updates on what to expect during pregnancy.

Hi Slender, Thanks for reaching out. Starting your periods is a totally natural part of growing up and becoming a woman, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Maybe start a conversation with your parents about what you’ve been learning at school about growing up and how bodies change with puberty. You can then tell them that you and some of your friends have started your periods now, and if you want to, you can ask for advice on how to cope with this each month. Remember it is totally normal – both your parents know about periods – but some adults also find it hard to talk about it with their children. If you find talking face-to-face too difficult, you could leave a letter for them instead. Good luck!

Injectable contraceptives have doses of a hormone called progesterone, and this hormone stops menstruation. After you stop taking the contraceptive, it can still take a few months for it to totally leave the body. Some women wait up to 9 months before they start getting menstrual periods again. But remember, you become fertile BEFORE you have your period, so you can still fall pregnant at any time. If you think you may be pregnant, visit your local clinic for a pregnancy test.

Hi Anonymous, some bleeding or spotting is possible during early pregnancy, but there is a chance that it could mean something more serious, like a miscarriage. It is best to visit your nearest clinic as soon as possible. You can also ask the nurses to register you on Momconnect where you will get information regarding your pregnancy.

Yes abortion is free at government hospitals. For a list of available clinics in your area check out the clinic finder https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search/.

Hi Eric, thanks for the question. A stomach ache can be caused by a lot of different things. It could be a result of an illness or problem with any of the organs in your upper body or pelvis area. Sometimes a stomach ache could be pain from somewhere else in the body which has ‘travelled’ to your stomach (this is called referred pain), or it could even be due to a pulled stomach muscle. It is best you visit your nearest clinic so that you can be examined by a health care worker – they will find the cause and be able to give you treatment.  

Hi, Terry. You can find all the information you need on HPV by clicking here.  

Hi, Yes it is possible to have a period the day after having sex, because when your period comes is based on the menstrual cycle. Having sex the day before will not change that cycle. One of the reasons the period may not come is if you are pregnant, so if you are not pregnant your period should still come as normal. Read more on your period and how it works here.

Hi, It is very important that you brush your teeth and floss after each meal, until the infection improves. You can rinse your mouth with salt water every few hours. If you have a fever, your gums are bleeding, or you have pain, it is best to go to your nearest health care facility and get a dentist to do a check-up.

Hi, There are many reasons that can cause loss of or reduced sensation in your nipples during sex. These can happen before or during sex, and include: hormonal/cyclical changes in your body, if you are breastfeeding, or having lots of nipple stimulation during sex. The good news is that this problem usually goes away on its own. If it continues for over 6 weeks,  go to the clinic or doctor so they can do a check-up.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an illness where a woman’s hormones are out of balance, and she gets cysts (tiny sack-like things that are filled with fluid, like a tiny balloon) in her ovaries. It can affect menstruation, mood and how easily someone falls pregnant. It might also make you not want sex.

Hi King. Well, that’s a very difficult question. It really does depend on why you want to stop having sex. If you are feeling forced, like you are having too much or putting yourself at high risk then it’s best to talk to a doctor, nurse or counsellor at your clinic. The decision to have sex is a very personal choice. It’s your right to say NO. But remember to wear a condom every time you have sex to protect you from unwanted pregnancy, STIs and HIV!

Hi, The time it takes to go back to a normal period after stopping contraceptive depends on the type of contraceptive she used as well as her body's responses. This is because her body was exposed to hormones from outside of it, in the form of a contraceptive, and needs time to get back to normal. For the pill it may take about 3 months for her period to get back to normal again, and for the injection this may take longer. But this also depends on the person, the time it takes will be different for everyone.

Hi Anonymous, if the nurse or doctor at that clinic was not able to provide a diagnosis for you, Vaginismus can usually be diagnosed by a doctor, so it would be a good idea for you to see a doctor at another clinic close to you. The doctor will be able to provide you with advice after they have examined you fully, and they can also give you treatment if you need it.

Hi Anonymous, Thank you for sending your question to B-Wise. Body odour is not common in children before puberty, so we are really glad you reached out to B-Wise for help. Your daughter's body oudor could be caused by one of two things. It may be an illness,  or it may be what we call precautious puberty. This is early puberty, before ages 8 and 9 in girls and boys. Look for other signs of puberty like breasts and pubic or armpit hair. 

If it is an illness, it would be caused by a bacterial infection that antibiotics can treat. Visiting your clinic is the best thing to do in this case.

If it is early puberty, you still need to visit your nearest clinic, to confirm that it is early puberty and get a check-up.For right now, it is best you keep your daughters clothes and bedding clean. You can also use a very mild deodorant, but check first that she doesn’t have sensitive skin. Either way, it is important that you take her to your nearest clinic for a proper check-up. If you aren't sure where to find your nearest clinic, have a look at the newly launched Clinic Finder on B-Wise here: https://bwisehealth.com/clinic/search. You can also rate the clinic after your visit, and we will share your feedback with the Department of Health, but we won't share any of your details with them.

Hi Anonymous, there could be many reasons why developed cuts on your private parts. It is important that you visit your nearest clinic to be seen and checked by a health care worker and have an HIV test done. If you and your boyfriend would like to test together, many clinics offer couples HIV counselling and testing. Sometimes people are scared to test, but if you are HIV positive, finding it out early will make sure that you are able to receive treatment early and will also make sure you remain healthy. If you test HIV negative, you will be able to take steps to protect yourself to ensure that you remain HIV negative. Condoms are very important and need to be used every time you have sex in order to offer the most protection against STIs and HIV.

Hi, Ramtee7. Non-communicable diseases are diseases that can’t be passed from person to person. There are many factors that can put a person at risk of getting one of these diseases. Smoking is one of these factors because it can make a person more likely to get diseases such heart disease, strokes, cancers, diabetes and joint diseases. 

Hi, Mumzat, “Well done on breastfeeding baby for 6 months – breast milk is the best for young babies so that they grow up healthy and strong.

It is important to remember that babies still need milk after introducing solid foods – this could either be breast milk or formula milk, as you’ve said. He might need more milk, if he seems very thirsty. This could be a place to start. If you are still concerned, the best thing to do would be to talk to the Sister when you take baby for the next well baby visit – they can give you advice on your baby, and check him to make sure he is otherwise well.”

Hi Ano, thank you so much for your question. There are many reasons why you may experience pain during and after having sexual intercourse. It is possible that you are experiencing this pain because you only recently started having sex. When you have sex for the first time, there is a layer called the hymen that gets broken, so this might be what caused you pain. But there are other reasons that could explain why you're having pain after sex. One reason could be that you do not have enough lubrication during sex. This causes roughness and scratches on the vaginal walls.  Another possible reason could be if you were feeling tense or uncomfortable during sex and therefore tensing the vaginal muscles creating roughness and pain. Vaginismus is also a possible cause, but a doctor would have to diagnose you, after examining you.

In PE, you can visit can visit any public hospital and they will examine you. Once you have been seen by the doctor they will make a diagnosis and refer you to a gynae if necessary. You can also do this if you use private health providers: Start with a GP and they will refer you if it is necessary.

Hi Mumzat, it’s good to know you were able to find out about your HIV status early in your pregnancy and we’re glad to hear that your baby is HIV negative. To make sure that your baby stays negative, it’s important that you take your ARVs every day and on time. It’s definitely recommended that you breastfeed only, without giving formula or any food given to your child for the first six months. Regarding calculating the months, it should be until 7 September 2017. If you still have any questions, it is best you talk to a nurse next time you take your baby to the clinic. You can also sign up for MomConnect on *134*550*2 #

Hi, Naledi, It is not a good idea to use anything that causes diarrhoea, as the body does not need to be cleaned by vomiting or diarrhoea. Doing this can be dangerous. It causes a water imbalance and imbalance of other important things in your body called electrolytes. This can also be dangerous if you are taking ARVs, because it can make your viral load high and CD4 count low. This which leads to a low immune system, which can make you sick. If you are feeling that you don't have enough energy, try taking a multivitamin or vitamin B. It is also a good idea to visit your clinic or doctor for a check-up.H

Udokotela noma umhlengikazi emtholampilo wangakini bayatholakala ukuthi bakusize ngemibuzo yezempilo, kodwa uB-Wise uyatholakala noma ikuphi uma nje une isignali kucellphone yakho.

Petogen is a type of contraceptive injection that only contains the hormone progestogen. Progestogen can stop a woman’s menstrual bleeding or causing you to bleed heavily.  Don’t worry, the blood does not build up in your body and you will not become sick by not getting your period. If you are very worried about this, please go back to your clinic to speak to a healthcare worker. 

It’s great that you know your HIV status, does your partner know their status? If your partner is HIV negative, then they are at risk of getting infected with HIV. Your partner needs to be tested as soon as possible. If they are negative then they may need to take antiretroviral pills called PEP to prevent them from being infected with HIV. PEP needs to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex... so act fast!  Whether your partner is HIV positive or negative, you still need to use condoms every time you have sex. If you are not on treatment (ARVs), you need to start taking them to lower the HIV virus in your blood.

Hi Anonymous, It is normal if you don’t get your period every month while you are young, but it also could be a sign that you are pregnant. If you have sex without using a condom, there is even a chance that you could have been pregnant and had a miscarriage without knowing it. It is important that you go to the clinic to be sure. Sometimes using contraceptives like the injection, sub dermal implant or some IUDs to prevent pregnancy can also stop your period, but it is best to speak to a doctor or nurse to be sure that is the cause. 

Hi anonymous, we need clarification on your question: (is the period irregular or are you not getting it at all?).If you have not started getting your period at all there is no need to panic, as people start having their periods at different ages depending on their development. The normal ages of starting periods is between ages 10 to 18.

If you are having irregular periods, this is common amongst young girls who have only recently started having their periods. If the problem continues for more than 6 months it is best to visit our nearest clinic. There are several possible causes of irregular periods and most can be corrected easily with medication.

Hi Anonymous, thanks for the question. Many medications used to prevent pregnancy work by changing your menstrual cycle (period). This means that the time and length of your period may change. The best thing is to go back to the clinic so they can check you and give you the right treatment for you. If you need tablets, these can only be prescribed by a doctor or nurse (this is the only way to get hold of them). It is always best to use condoms too, as they will prevent other infections and HIV transmission.

Hi anonymous, thanks for this question. Sounds like you are having a tough time! It is unusual for the placenta to be left inside the womb. If it was, you would experience bleeding, but it does not cause vomiting. It is best to go to the doctor and do a sonar to check if the placenta is still in your womb. 

Hi  'Confused', I’m sorry. This sounds stressful.  If you tested positive on a rapid HIV test (finger prick), you most likely have HIV. Sometimes a rapid HIV test gives different results. Sometimes people test negative when they are not, because their HIV medication might make their viral load undetectable. There could also be something wrong with the test, like it has expired. Many people who test positive repeat their tests, in the hope that the result might change. Once you are positive, you will always be positive. If this happens the clinic should take a sample of your blood to be sent to the laboratory to be tested again. The result from this test can take 2 weeks and will tell you for certain if you are HIV positive. You can get this test done at your local clinic. It is very important to continue taking your ARVs until you receive the result. Please check all your baby's results and go to the clinic for all baby's appointments. Continue your baby's medication for the full 6 weeks to make sure he or she stays HIV negative. 

Hi Anonymous, I'm sorry to hear you feel frustrated. ARVs are now available for everyone, no matter what your CD4 count. Chat to a nurse or doctor about starting treatment as soon as possible! They can also help to measure your height and weight and work out an eating and exercise plan that's right for you so that you can love the body you are in. Also check out KNOW YOUR BODY

Healthy Living for some tips on healthy eating and exercise.

Hi Lisa, Thanks for your question. Without ARV treatment, which is now available for everyone, HIV can make your immune system (which fights disease) weak. If you are not on treatment, it is best to talk to a nurse or doctor to get started! They will do some tests to determine your HIV stage and work out the best treatment for you.