FAQs - Respekt

What is sexual violence, sexual assault and rape?

There are many different types of sexual assault and rape. They should all be taken very seriously. Below, you can find different types of sexual violence, sexual assault and rape:

Rape: Forced sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, or oral penetration. Penetration maybe by a body part or an object. Rape victims may be forced through threats or physical means.In about 8 out of 10 rapes, perpetrators don’t use any weapon other than physical force.Anyone may be a victim of rape: Women or men, adults or children, straight or gay.

Acquaintance rape: Rape imposed by someone that the victim knows, e.g. a friend,date, acquaintance etc

Stranger Rape: Occurs when there has been no prior contact between a perpetrator and survivor. There are 3 major categories:

  1. Blitz sexual assault: The perpetrator rapidly and brutally assaults the victim with no prior contact. Blitz assaults usually occur at night in a public place.
  2. Contact sexual assault: The suspect contacts the victim and tries to gain her or his trust and confidence before assaulting her or him. Contact perpetrators pick their victims in bars or lure them into their cars. In general, the perpetrator tries to coerce the victim into sexual intercourse.

Child sexual abuse: Sexual contact by force, trickery, or bribery where there is an imbalance in age, size, power, or knowledge.

Dating and domestic violence: Any act, attempt, or threat of force by a family member or intimate partner against another family member. Dating and domestic violence occurs in all

socioeconomic, educational, racial, and age groups. Issues of power and control are at the heart of family violence. The perpetrator uses acts of violence and a series of behaviours to gain power and control.

Drug facilitated assault: When drugs or alcohol compromise an individual’s ability to consent to sexual activity. Perpetrators use drugs and alcohol to minimize the victim’s ability to resist and their memories of the assault. Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance in sexual crimes. However, perpetrators use other substances, too, including: Rohypnol, GHB, GBL, etc.

Hate Crime: The victimization of an individual based on that individual’s race, religion, national origin, ethnic identification, gender, or sexual orientation. Any targeted group can

experience violence, rape, and sexual assault as a form of hate crime.

Incest: Sexual contact between persons who are so closely related that their marriage is illegal (e.g., parents/children, brothers/sisters uncles/aunts and nieces/nephews, etc.). This usually takes the form of an older family member sexually abusing a child or adolescent. Many experts consider incest to be a particularly damaging form of sexual abuse. This is because individuals whom the victim trusts and depends on are the perpetrators. In addition, there is often a lack of familial support. There is even sometimes pressure to keep silent from family members because they fear the family will disintegrate if the truth comes out.

Male sexual assault: Male victims of sexual assault are an often forgotten population being unseen, neglected, and underserved.

Partner rape: sexual acts committed without a person’s consent and/or against a person’s will when the perpetrator is the individual’s current partner or previous partner (married or

not), or co-habitator. Many times, there is not any physical violence associated with sexual assault, but that doesn’t mean that it does not happen. Many survivors also experience

battering or severe physical violence along with sexual violence.

Sexual exploitation by a helping professional: Sexual contact of any kind between a helping professional (doctor, therapist, teacher, priest, professor, police officer, lawyer, etc.) and a client/patient.
Sexual harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. With harassment, submission to or rejection of

such conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual’s work or school performance. It also creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or school environment.

 Hostile environment: When unwelcome, severe and persistent sexual conduct on the part of a perpetrator creates an uncomfortable and hostile environment (e.g. jokes,

lewd postures, leering, inappropriate touching, rape, etc.). This type of harassment constitutes up to 95% of all sexual harassment cases.
Quid pro quo: When a perpetrator makes conditions of employment contingent on the victim providing sexual favours.

Stalking: Occurs when an individual follows a pattern of behaviour that leaves someone else feeling afraid, nervous, harassed, or in danger. This presents itself as unwanted contact like calling or texting repeatedly or following the victim around and lurking on them

I have been raped. What should I do?

Rape is a traumatising experience, and it is never the victim’s fault. Being a victim of rape has nothing to do with what someone was wearing or where they were. If one is a victim of rape in Kenya, there are laws to ensure that the victim gets justice for the injustice perpetrated upon him/her by the perpetrator. However, without taking proper steps after the ordeal, the victim may end up losing the case due to lack of evidence or poor defence on the side of the prosecution.

So what does one do?

Do not take a bath or change clothes as these two actions may alter the evidence that the police may use for prosecution purposes.

Report the incident to a police station immediately. At the police station, you will be given a form that should be filled by a qualified medical officer.

Report to the nearest health facility. While it may be very difficult, it is important to be open about the ordeal. At the health facility one is entitled to:

  1. A full physical exam including the genito-anal area with a high vaginal swab taken
  2. Immediate medical attention to any wounds sustained
  3. Post exposure prophylaxis for HIV
  4. Prophylaxis against other sexually transmitted infections
  5. Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy
  6. Hepatitis B virus vaccination
  7. Psychosocial support

All the above services are FREE of charge. Most of the interventions listed above have a time limit of efficacy, hence reporting early is key. Optimally, a rape is reported immediately after when the physical exam might result in forensic evidence.

Remember to reach out to family and friends for support. Do not suffer alone

Hotline for gender based violence, sexual assault and rape

If you are a victim of gender based violence, sexual assault or rape, do not suffer alone. You can contact Gender-based Violence Recovery Center (GVRC), which is a non-​profit, non-​partisan; char­i­ta­ble trust of the Nairobi Women’s Hos­pi­tal (NWH). NWH a pri­vate insti­tu­tion that spe­cialises in obstet­rics and gynae­col­ogy ser­vices and seeks to pro­vide holis­tic care to women and their families, including emo­tional, phys­i­cal, sex­ual and psy­cho­log­i­cal abuse.

Contact Gender based Violence Revovery Center:

Emergency cases, hotline: +254709667000 or +254719638006
Website: http://gvrc.or.ke/

What is HIV/AIDS?

  1. HIV is the virus that causes the disease AIDS. HIV targets the human immune system which normally protects us from illness.
  2. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV when, simplified, the immune system can no longer stop infections.
  1. HIV/AIDS has been a global crisis (pandemic) for decades now. It has continued to destabilize economies and development, without sparing the social progress either.
  2. It mainly affects people in their prime ages, main casualties being people of productive ages between 15-60 years.
  3. Teenagers directly suffer as the affected or the infected.
  4. In Kenya, it has been an epidemic since mid-1980s, killing thousands of people.
  5. Currently, the prevalence stands at 6% with almost 100,000 new infections reported annually, mainly among the youth and teenagers.

How is HIV transmitted?

  1. The virus can be congenitally transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Though, it is important to notice that infected mothers can still conceive and give birth to healthy babies if they receive the proper medical guidance and treatment.
  2. It can also be acquired through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids occurring through unprotected sexual intercourse.
  3. Transmission can also happen though sharing of piercing instruments and transfusion of contaminated blood products among others.

 

Who is at risk?

  1. People who engage in unprotected sex. Risk increases with the number of unprotected
  2. Those who share sharp and piercing instruments such as injection needles, tattoo needles and razors.
  3. Alcohol and drug users. This greatly impairs judgment and can lead one to risky sexual behaviour such as unprotected sex.
  4. STI infected people. STIs such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis affect vaginal or penile tissue making it easier for HIV penetration.
  5. Children born of infected mothers. Some get infected during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.
  6. Patients receiving poorly screened blood components.
  7. Health workers working with sharp instruments and blood components.
  8. Genetically HIV susceptible individuals.

Those engaging in cross-generational sex and commercial sex.

Can the risk be minimized?

Yes, the risk of contracting HIV is reduced through the following methods:

  1. Sexual behaviour change such as getting tested periodically and zero tolerance to unsafe sex.
  2. Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). This is a radical intervention and should be considered carefully.
  3. Use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) before contact with infection.
  4. Use of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) after coming into contact with infection.

What are the common myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS?

  • Getting HIV/ AIDS infection is as good as a dead sentence.
  • FACT: HIV/AIDS is an infection whose definite cure is yet to be formulated. However, there are drugs (antiretroviral drugs-ARVs) available freely at various government hospitals which slow disease progression and give the infected persons a longer and fully productive life.
    • HIV can be spread through contact such as hugging, sharing toilet, insect bites and handshakes.
    • FACT: HIV is spread through exchange of body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. It is however not found in fluids such as sweat and saliva. Contact with sweat and saliva won’t lead to transmission unless it contaminates an open wound. Also, the virus can’t survive in insects.
      • You can get HIV/AIDS by staying close to an infected person.
      • FACT: HIV is only spread through body fluids. It is not airborne. People who are infected with HIV need the support from their society and protection against discrimination and stigma in order to live their daily lives normally and productively.
        • Some herbalists cure HIV/AIDS.
        • FACT: Currently there is no proven cure to the disease.
          • I can see if someone is infected.
          • FACT: Some people may look healthy yet they are infected, and some people may look sickly yet they are healthy. It requires a medical test to confirm presence of the infection.
            • HIV is only acquired through risky sexual behaviour and promiscuity.
            • FACT: Despite sexual route being most common in infection, others get infected through contaminated piercing tools, infected blood among others. Infection can take place even during first sexual encounter.

          • I think I have HIV/AIDS  – how can I be sure?

          • HIV/AIDS testing can be done at any health facility. Self testing kits are also available in some chemists. It is a good practise to screen for the virus regularly.
          • It is highly advised to seek testing in case of:
            1. Rape
            2. A partner has tested positive for the virus
            3. After engaging in risky sexual behaviour such as multiple partners, unprotected sex

Perhaps we should explain som potential symptoms?

I have HIV –  what now?

There is not yet a definite cure that can make HIV go away but there are drugs (antiretroviral drugs-ARVs) available freely at various government hospitals which slow disease progression, remove symptoms and give the infected persons a longer fully productive life.

People living with HIV (PLHIV)

As a special group, their rights are protected by law through the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act (2006). However, they face a lot of stigma associated with myths surrounding the disease. They are often isolated, judged and even denied access to basic services. By sharing knowledge, we help end stigma and enable them live a full healthy and productive life. It is their role too to seek regular medical care, exercise and maintain a good nutrition for longer positive life.

Category: HIV/AIDS

What are the most common STIs?

  1. HIV/AIDS
  2. Chlamydia
  3. Gonorrhea
  4. Syphilis
  5. Hepatitis B and C
  6. Herpes

How are they transmitted?

  1. Many STIs spread via body fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluids and blood. Some can also spread through mucous membranes.
  2. STIs are mainly spread through sexual intercourse – both oral, anal and vaginal. However, they can also be spread through other means such as mother-child during childbirth or sharing of razors, needles etc..

    How do i prevent getting a STI?

    1. A way to avoid getting a STI is through abstinence.
    2. Consistent condom use is also effective in prevention.
    3. Preventive measures such as vaccination (HPV) and proper hygiene can help prevent STIs acquired from non-sexual means e.g. candidiasis.

I think I have a STI  – how can I be sure?

  1. Be aware that you can have a STI without having any symptoms. Therefore, it is important to get tested at a health clinic!
  2. Most government health facilities offer screening services for STIs such as Syphilis and Gonorrhea either upon the patients request, or as a service provider initiated task.
  3. In many pharmacies you can by a HIV self-test that allows you to test yourself at home.

To read more about HIV and how to get tested.Click here

I have a STI – what now?

  1. If you find that you have an STI, you need to get treatment. See a professional at any health facility.
  2. Treatment will be initiated at any health facility once an STI is detected and confirmed. Since treatment for most STIs involves use of antibiotics, it is important to acquire a prescription from a clinician so as to ensure you get the correct medication and at the right doses.

What is safe sex, and how do I practice it?

The best way to practice safe sex is by using condoms, as condoms can prevent contracting sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs/STDs), while also preventing pregnancy. However, there is also the option of using other contraceptives such as birth control.

Safe sex is also a matter of feeling emotionally safe. To read more on how to practice emotionally safe sex, Click here(consent)

What are the different contraceptives?

Condoms

The safest method one can use to ensure that they are sexually protected involves them using a condom. Condoms are an effective barrier towards sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS although not 100% effective as abstinence, as the condom can break during intercourse. This is rare, though.

Condoms don’t protect against the risk of getting infections like Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that cause genital warts and potentially cervical cancer. This is due to the fact that the virus can be found on the skin that isn’t protected by the condom.

Condoms are also good in preventing pregnancy in comparison to use of contraceptives.   This is because they form a physical barrier that prevents sperms from entering the vagina

Other benefits of the condom is that;

  1. They are easily portable. They come in a small packet and can easily be carried from place to place in a pocket or a purse.
  2. They are available in a variety of products. This is especially because they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures and flavors to suit different individuals equally.
  3. They are easily purchased. Condoms, unlike oral contraceptives, can be acquired from almost any shop. The fact that some institutions give them for free makes them even more accessible and cheap in comparison to use of other contraceptive methods.
    1. They have fewer side effects- as compared to some contraceptives especially hormonal contraceptives, condoms bear fewer side effects when using them to the body making them much safer to use for certain individuals.
    2. To read on how to apply and use a condom, click here.

    3. Other contraceptives

    4. Contraceptives are good for preventing pregnancies but do not protect one from acquiring sexually transmitted infection. Also, they are not 100% effective in protecting one from getting pregnant as they have their failures depending on timing and a woman’s cycle as well. Using hormonal contraceptives can be associated with menstrual and hormonal issues for women.They however have their advantage as a mode of contraception in that;
    5. They provide alternatives for people who are allergic to condoms
    6. Some of the contraceptive methods works for for upto 12 years.
    7. Most of the time, they don’t need to be carried around like condoms. Contraceptives tend to stay within our bodies for a longer time.
    8. They can be used to treat some menstrual symptoms and disorders especially in the case of use of hormonal contraceptives
    9. Some of them especially the hormonal contraceptives have been associated with reduced risk of some cancers.

What types of contraceptives are there?

There are different types of contraceptives – among them are:

  • Barrier methods:
    1. Spermicides
    2. Condoms (male and female) – recommendable since they also protect against STI’s – click here to read more.
    3. Cervical cap
    4. Contraceptive sponge
  • Hormonal methods:
    1. Implants
    2. Pills
    3. Intrauterine devices (IUD)

Most of the methods are available at all health centres. Talk to your doctor about what contraceptive might be right for you.

Some like condoms are available easily in almost all chemists and kiosks. Other more radical methods such as tubal ligation (female sterilization) require a trained health specialist in a hospital set up only.

 

What is the emergency pill and when should I use it?

Emergency pills or ‘morning after pills’ are drugs readily available at all hospitals, health centres and chemists. They are after sex to prevent a pregnancy from developing. Instances when taken include: After a rape incidence, unprotected sex or contraceptive failure e.g. burst condom during intercourse, missed birth control pills.

Note that the emergency pill should not be used on a regular basis but only in case of emergency since they contain a high amount of hormones which is harmful for your body. The emergency pill should not be abused as every-day contraceptives.

Do contraceptives cause infertility?

No. There’s no evidence that long-term use of the birth control pill interferes with fertility.

Are there age restrictions to start using contraceptives?

Currently in Kenya there is no specific legislation on the age of starting the use of contraception. However, the legal age for consent stands at 18 years, therefore indirectly guiding the age of onset. Despite this, condoms are easily available for teenagers at designated public places and pharmacies.

There are legislative efforts trying to fix the age and set a legal frameworks to contraception acquisition. Notable was the Reproductive Health Care Bill 2014. If such a law is passed and the age for contraception access it lowered, safe sex among teenagers should be enhanced.

Do my parents have to be present for one to get a prescription?

According to the Reproductive Health Care Bill 2014, parental consent is not mandatory in the provision of reproductive health care services to adolescents who seek it, including contraception.

Category: SAFE SEX

How do I put on a condom?

Step by step:

Step 1: Always check the expiration date on the wrapper – if it is too old it might break!

Step 2: When the penis is erect, it is time to put the condom on.

Step 3: Open the wrapper and take out the condom. Be careful when handling the condom so it doesn’t break. Don’t pull on it too hard.

Step 4: The condom can only be rolled on in one direction – so make sure it is the right way up. The rim should be on the outside so it looks like a little hat.

Step 5: Pinch the little air filled tip of the condom, thereby letting out the air and leaving room for any potential sperm that is ejected during ejacutation.

While still pinching the tip of the condom, place it on the tip of the penis

Step 6: Keep pinching the tip of the condom with one hand, unroll the condom down the shaft of the penis with the other hand. The condom has to unroll all the way down to the part of the penis closest to the body (the root).

Step 7: You are now ready to have safe sex

* Note: If the condom is broken you can’t use it.

How do I take off a condom?

  1. After ejaculation, hold the condom at the base of your penis and pull out while the penis is still erect.
  2. Then, tie the condom into a knot to ensure that no contents are spilled.

When is the right age to have a boyfriend/girlfriend and to start having sex?

In Kenya, the consensual age to have sex by law is 18 years old. When you have sex for the first time, it is highly important that both you and your partner feel safe and that the sex is consensual. To read more about consent,Click here

What is consent and why is it important?

To consent to something means saying ‘yes’ or agreeing to something. Informed consent means making an informed voluntary decision. When consenting, both persons should feel that they have equal power in the relationship and is not pressured to consent by the other person.

Consent includes knowing and respecting one’s own boundaries as well as the boundaries of others. Sexual consent means both partners agree to the sexual activity and understand what they’re agreeing to. Sexual consent is about a person’s right to make their own choice about sexual activity.

Consent is the foundation of a sexual relationship. Consent must be given for every sexual activity, every time.

Important Points about Sexual Consent:

  1. Consent is freely given. Agreeing to do something is consent only if it’s voluntary.
  2. No’ always means ‘no’ whether given verbally or non-verbally. A lack of affirmative positive, freely given ‘yes’ is also a ‘no’.
  3. A ‘yes’ isn’t consent if someone is coerced. Examples of coercion are if the person pressures, pesters, threatens, guilt trips, blackmails, intimidates, bullies, or harasses the other person.
  4. Consent is affirmative and enthusiastic. When someone is consenting, they agree wholeheartedly and are confident in their decision to consent. Both the body language and verbal language should give the same affirmative message.
  5. Consent is agreed upon by both partners, and with a clear understanding of what they’re agreeing to.
  6. The person who initiates the sexual contact or who wants to move to the next level of intimacy is responsible for asking for—and clearly receiving—consent before continuing with the sexual contact.
  7. A consent conversation includes asking and answering.
  8. When there’s consent, both people feel safe and comfortable. Safety and comfort (with themselves, their body, their partner and the situation) create an environment where both people can freely take part in all aspects of the consent conversation.
  9. For consent to happen, a person needs to be given the chance to say ‘no’.
  10. Consent is ongoing: One person asks permission for an activity and another person gives it. This conversation needs to continue as the activity continues or changes.
  11. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. At any point, people can change their mind and withdraw consent. Consent given in the past doesn’t apply to any activities that happen later. A person might give their consent initially and then moments later change their mind and retract their consent. This is perfectly normal and should be respected by the other part.
  12. Consent can’t be assumed because people are in a relationship nor should it be assumed if there was previous sexual activity. Permission must be asked for and given for an activity to proceed.
  13. Consent can’t be assumed or implied. Flirting, clothing, sexual texts or social media communication aren’t consent.
  14. Communication that’s unclear or confusing isn’t consent. If there’s any uncertainty that someone is agreeing to do something, the person initiating the activity must ask permission and wait until permission is clearly given before proceeding.
  15. Silence or not responding isn’t consent.
  16. Not physically resisting isn’t consent.
  17. People who are drunk, high, sleeping or unconscious can’t give consent, either legally or practically. To have clear communication about consent, both people should be sober and alert.
Category: HAVING SEX

What is sexuality, and how is it defined?

Sexuality is an expression of who we are that involves the mind and the body and includes all the feelings, thoughts, and behaviours associated with being male or female, being attracted and being in love, as well as being in relationships that include sexual intimacy and sexual activity. Sexuality is a broad term and it includes: Sensuality, sex, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity and sexual behavior.

  1. Sexual orientation: Is the preferred term used when referring to an individual’s physical and/or emotional attraction to the same and/or opposite gender e.g. straight, gay or lesbian. A person’s sexual orientation is distinct from a person’s gender identity and expression.
  2. Gender expression refers to all the external characteristics and behaviours that are socially defined as either masculine or feminine. These including dressing, grooming,mannerisms, speech patterns and social interactions. A person’s gender expression is usually guided by their gender identity but influenced by their social and cultural perspectives and the environment in which they live in. (Gideon,2016)
  3. Queer refers to anything other than straight and cisgender, or, more generally, breaking the mold of what society teaches us are the default options for gender and sexuality.
  4. Cisgender is someone identifying with the physical gender that they were born with.
  5. Sexually fluid is feeling attracted to different genders at different times in one’s lifetime, or open to sexual relationships with a gender that one is not normally attracted to. For example, a heterosexual women who occasionally is attracted to women might identify herself as sexually fluid.
Category: SEXUALITY

Abortion has been a sensitive and divisive topic in today’s society. In Kenya for example, prolife and prochoice campaigners keep fighting, the first group arguing for the protection of the unborn foetus and the latter group advocating for the autonomy of pregnant women. Abortion has also received a lot of criticism from the religious groups.

What is abortion?

Abortion is the removal of an embryo or foetus from the mother before it can independently survive usually, less than 28 weeks

Abortion can either be characterized as;

  1. Safe or unsafe; whereby unsafe abortion is one carried out by a person lacking the necessary skill or in an environment that does not conform to minimum medical standards or both.
  2. Legal or illegal abortion. This depends on the law provisions about abortion in concerned states.

What is the Kenyan law on abortion?

According to the new constitution (2010) Article 26 (4), abortion is not permitted unless, in the opinion of a trained health professional*, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of a mother is in danger, or if permitted by any other written law.

Reproductive Health Act, 2014 section 20 provides that such an abortion can occur only with consent from the pregnant woman or parents or guardians if the woman is a minor or mentally unstable

So can I have an abortion?

If you want to have an abortion, it is highly important that it is carried out by certified professionals with required qualifications. Access to safe and affordable abortion, post-abortion services, and maternal health services can be obtained through various NGOs such as Marie Stopes.

To see more: http://www.mariestopes.org/

What are the consequences of unsafe abortion?

Abortion carried out by unqualified personnel in unsuitable environmental setups can have great risk of death arising from excessive blood loss, infection and retained debris. Other consequences include possibility of complications in subsequent pregnancies, psychological disturbance among others.

Can it be safe to perform an abortion yourself?

It is very dangerous to perform abortion on yourself or on others. There is great risk of death arising from excessive blood loss, infection and retained debris. Other consequences include possibility of complications in subsequent pregnancies and psychological disturbance among others. Performing abortions is safe when performed by qualified  professionals only.

Can ingesting jik (disinfectant), high amounts of tea, soap, or Omo cause an abortion?

Ingestion of jik, high amounts of tea, soap or Omo can not cause abortion. Do not ingest any type of detergents, soaps or  disinfectants – it is damaging for your health and will not cause abortion. Abortion is only safe when performed by professionals.

Category: ABORTION

How do i prevent unintended pregnancy?

To prevent unintended pregnancy, the most effective measure is to practice safe sex or abstinence.  Click here  to read more.

My pregnancy is unintended. What do I do now/what are my options?

If your pregnancy is unintended, make sure that you consider the different options. If you have someone you trust, consider talking to them about your situation.

If you consider having an abortion,  Click here for further information.

 

What is pregnancy?

Pregnancy (the gestation period) is the time when a foetus (baby) develops inside a woman’s uterus. A pregnancy usually lasts for nine months, between 38 to 42 weeks. A woman can get pregnant through vagnial intercourse with a man or through technologically assisted pregnancy.

How does pregnancy happen?

Human beings reproduce by way of sexual reproduction through something called internal fertilisation. During vaginal intercourse, a man can insert his erect penis into the woman’s vagina, eventually causing the penis to ejaculate sperm. Sperm is expelled into the vagina where it moves across through the cervix and the uterus, to what is called the fallopian tube. A mature egg released during the female ovulation meets with a sperm cell at the fallopian tube and they fuse, a process called fertilisation. Only one sperm can fertilise a mature egg.

 

Once fertilised, the egg travels down into the uterus where it implants into the wall, a process

called implantation, and starts forming a placenta and umbilical cord. The placenta forms a

connection between the mother and the developing fetus via the umbilical cord. This is how the baby gets oxygen and nutrients for growth.

A normal pregnancy lasts between 38 to 42 weeks, and during this period the foetus forms

vital organs that are important for survival outside the womb.

(Link to video?)

What are common signs and symptoms that I’m pregnant?

Signs and symptoms of pregnancy can vary, but common signs and symptoms include:

  1. Missed periods*
  2. Tender and sore breasts
  3. Nausea and/or vomiting (also known as ‘morning sickness’)
  4. Abdominal cramping
  5. Easy fatigability
  6. Frequent urination
  7. Others including; mood swings, abdominal bloating and constipation

*Note: When girls first start menstruating, they often have irregular periods and may even skip a month or two at times. However, if a young girl has had sexual intercourse, missing a period can be a sign of pregnancy. Missed periods can also be indicative of various other conditions, e.g. stress, inadequate diet, extreme exercise and certain other medical conditions.

I think I’m pregnant. How do I know?

To find out if you’re pregnant, self pregnancy test kits are the most accurate to confirm pregnancy at home. These are readily available at local chemists at affordable prices. They are also available at all health centre and clinics. Their usability is simple, just requiring one to dip the stick in urine. They can detect pregnancy as early as 10 days after unprotected sex.

You can also get tested with a doctor.

I’m pregnant. What now?

If you have confirmed your pregnancy and intend to have the child, it is important that you prepare a healthy pregnancy in the early stages. In order to have a healthy pregnancy, you need to seek a doctor, midwife or clinic as soon as possible. It is important to follow qualified and professional advice on requirements for relevant nutrition and supplements, and exercise.

Intake of alcohol, drugs, chemicals and smoking cigarettes is very damaging for yourself and your child during pregnancy.

If you have not yet confirmed that you are pregnant,   for further information.

If your pregnancy is unintended,   for further information.

Category: Pregnancy

What is menstruation?

Menstruation begins when you start ovulating. Ovulating is when an egg is released from the woman’s ovary and moves into the fallopian tube and onwards to the uterus where it can be fertilized by the male sperm. If the egg is not fertilized, blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus will be rejected as menstruation. It usually starts between 10 and 15 years of age. Depending on the woman, menstruation happens every 25 to 35 days. Some women experience pain, which happens because the uterus is contracting. This is completely normal.

The inner female genitalia:

How to manage your first period/menstruation?

Don’t feel embarrassed to ask questions about your menstruation. It’s natural and something that all women have.

  1. Talk to other girls and women, such as your mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, female friend or older woman in your community.
  2. Don’t be afraid. It can be scary to see the blood in your underwear, but it is normal and natural.
  3. If at school, tell the matron, female teacher or fellow student.
  4. Feel proud! Your body is maturing.

Comparing menstrual hygiene materials:

How do i capture the blood?

There are several ways to capture the blood from your menstruation. You can choose from materials that are inserted inside the vagina or placed in your underwear.

Guide for using cloths, pads, cotton or tissue

  1. Place a cloth, pad, cotton or tissue on your underwear. Never insert it inside your vagina.
  2. Change your cloth, pad, cotton or tissue every two to six hours.
  3. If you are re-using a cloth, put it into a closed plastic bag until you can wash it with hot water and soap and dry in the sunshine or iron.
  4. If you are using a pad, tissue or cotton, or want to dispose your cloth, wrap it in paper to make a clean package and put it in the bin so it can be disposed with other rubbish or burnt later.
  5. Do not drop pads or cloth in the latrine pit as this can cause problems with emptying the pit and if it is a water seal pour flush pan it could easily become blocked.

Guide for using tampons

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water
  2. Unwrap the tampon (remember only to unwrap when you intend to insert. It is important that the tampon is not dirty under insertion).
  3. Sit or stand in a comfortable position – for instance, you can place one foot on something elevated or spread your legs.
  4. With one hand, spread your labia (skin outside your vaginal opening)
  5. When comfortable, hold the end of the tampon (where the string is attached) and gently push the other end until it is inside your vagina. It has to go up a few centimeters and the tampon should not be felt outside of your vagina. When it is placed correctly, only the string is still visible.
  6. Wash your hands after having inserted the tampon.
  7. Remember to take out your tampon maximum eight hours after insertion. If your blood flow is heavy, you may need to change it more frequent.
  8. Remove by pulling the string gently.
  9. Don’t worry if you don’t succeed the first time, it can be difficult the first few times and can take some practice.

Guide for using menstrual cups

  1. If you have just bought your menstrual cup, sterilize it in clean, boiling water for approximately 5 minutes.
  2. Wash your hands with water and soap
    1. Press the cup down (folding it in half), then fold again on the middle ()
    2. Insert the cup gently and let it unfold naturally inside the vagina. It should feel oval and round. If it feels uncomfortable, gently rotate the cup to have it unfold further.
    3. You can wear the menstrual cup for a maximum of twelve hours. If your blood flow is heavy, you may need to empty it more frequently.
    4. Removal of menstrual cup: Wash your hands with soap and water. Pull the end tip gently and squeeze the cup slightly to relieve suction. Empty the cup and wash it. You can boil it again if neccessary.
    5. For every new period, make sure to boil your menstrual cup before insertion.

You can find an overview of menstrual hygiene materials  .Link to “overview”

How long should I wear one cloth, pad, cotton or tissue?

  1. Change the cloth, pad, cotton or tissue every two to six hours or more frequently if you think the blood flow is getting heavy.

How do I dispose of the cloth, pad, cotton or tissue?

  1. If you are re-using a cloth, put into a plastic bag until you can wash it with hot water and soap and dry in the sunshine or iron.
  2. If you are using a pad, tissue or cotton, or want to dispose of your cloth, wrap it in paper to make a clean package and put it in the bin so it can be disposed with other rubbish or burnt later.
  3. Do not drop pads or cloth in the latrine pit as this can cause problems with emptying the pit and if it is a water seal pour flush pan it could easily become blocked.

How should I clean my genitals during my period?

  1. It is important to use only water and a piece of cloth to wipe your genitals as using soap can cause a pH imbalance and lead to infection.
  2. Keep unused cloths and pads clean (wrapped in tissue or plastic bag) for further use.
  3. Pat the area dry with a cloth, and put a fresh cloth, pad, cotton or tissue inside your underwear.
  4. Always wipe from front to back after defecation.

How to manage the stomach pain from your period?

  1. Put a bottle with warm water on your stomach area when resting.
  2. Try to do some exercises like stretching and keep your body active.
  3. You can take mild painkillers every four to six hours on most painful days. Seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

What are the pains I’m experiencing? Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)

  1. Definition: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical and behavioural symptoms that occur in a cyclic pattern during the second half of the menstrual cycle
  2. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of PMS.
  3. Common symptoms include: anger, irritability, depression, and internal tension that are severe enough to interfere with daily activities, sadness, hopelessness etc.

 

Category: MENSTRUATION

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