Family Planning
Family planning is a way for couples to ensure the best for their loved ones, now and in the future. By taking steps towards family planning, couples are better able to start their family in circumstances in which they have planned for.
The Clinic Group offer family planning advice, birth control and contraception, prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases and diseases that can be passed on from mother to child, pre-conception counselling and management, infertility management as well as pre-marital and pre-pregnancy screens.
Common Sex Related Problems
Erectile dysfunction describes the inability to attain and/or maintain an erection suitable for
intercourse. This condition is not limited to just the older generation. 1 in 4 patients visiting doctors for
this condition for the first time are aged below 40.
It could be caused by nerve disorders, chronic medications, Peyronie’s disease, atherosclerosis
and/or other psychological factors.
Treatment is fairly simple. You may get a prescription for medications such as Cialis, Viagra/ Levitra,
Promescent or undergo Testosterone Replacement Therapy, for men with low testosterone levels.
Premature ejaculation is an uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration.
This usually happens with minimal sexual stimulation and before the person wishes. It is one of the
most common forms of male sexual dysfunction.
It could be caused by anxiety, guilt, depression, or stress or the cause could be medical-related such
as hormonal problems, injury, or side effects of certain medicines.
To help with this condition, antidepressants can be used to delay ejaculation i.e. Selective Serotonin
Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Anaesthetic creams can also be used to prevent premature ejaculation
to make the head of the penis less sensitive. For some men, wearing a condom can help delay
ejaculation because it may make the penis slightly less sensitive.
Vaginal dryness is present when the tissue of the vagina is no longer well-lubricated and healthy. This
occurs when there is a decrease in oestrogen, which helps keep the tissues of the vagina lubricated
and healthy. Most women experience this when they go through menopause. However, the following
are some other reasons that may cause a drop in oestrogen.
There are several causes for this. It could be related to the medicines prescribed in the treatment for
breast cancer, endometriosis, fibroids or infertility. A side effect of surgical removal of ovaries is
vaginal dryness. Radiation treatment to the pelvic area or Chemotherapy may also cause this. On the
other hand, it could be caused by an individual experiencing severe stress, depression, or taking part
in intense exercise.
Prescription oestrogen (available as a cream, tablet, suppository, or ring), Oestrogen (hormone
therapy) in the form of a skin patch or in a pill and even vaginal moisturizing creams are available to
help with this condition.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
A bacterial infection spread through sex or contact with infected genital fluids. Chlamydia is passed
through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be passed by a pregnant woman to her
baby.
Symptoms include pain when urinating, and unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or rectum.
Chlamydia can normally be treated with a short course of antibiotics. If left untreated, the infection can
cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), and
infertility.
Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacteria called gonococcus, mainly found in discharge from the penis and
in vaginal fluid. It is passed through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be passed from
a pregnant woman to her baby. The bacteria can infect the cervix, the urethra, the rectum, and less
commonly the throat or eyes.
Symptoms include thick green or yellow discharge from vagina or penis, pain when urinating and,
bleeding between periods for women. Gonorrhoea can be treated with a single injection. A single oral
dose of antibiotic may be prescribed together to treat Chlamydia; as they tend to be found together. If
left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, or infertility.
If you are pregnant and may have gonorrhoea, it is important to get tested and treated before your
baby is born as this may cause neonatal conjunctivitis, pneumonia and permanent blindness in a
new-born baby.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection which mainly spreads through close contact with an infected sore via
vaginal, anal or oral sex. Pregnant women with syphilis can also pass the infection to their unborn
baby.
Symptoms include painless sores, small skin growths that may develop on the vulva in women or
around the anus in both men and women, white patches in the mouth, swollen glands in your neck,
groin or armpits, and even fever symptoms such as tiredness, headaches, high temperature.
Syphilis can usually be cured with a short course of antibiotics. However, if left untreated, syphilis can
spread to the brain or other parts of the body and cause serious, long-term problems.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, and weakens your ability to fight infections and
disease. It is most commonly caught by having sex without a condom. It can also be transmitted by
coming into contact with infected blood – for example, sharing needles to inject steroids or drugs.
Most people with HIV look and feel healthy and have no symptoms. When you first develop HIV, you
may experience Seroconversion Illness which is a flu-like illness with a fever, sore throat or rash.
There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments that allow most people to live a long and otherwise
healthy life. AIDS is the final stage of an HIV infection, when your body can no longer fight lifethreatening
infections.
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection that is transmitted through contact with the
blood or other body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis B can cause both acute and chronic
disease and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Symptoms include acute illness with symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice),
dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Acute hepatitis can develop into
acute liver failure which can lead to death.
A vaccine against hepatitis B is available which is effective in preventing infection and the
development of chronic disease and liver cancer due to hepatitis B.
Short Term Contraceptives
Also known as “the Pill”, it is popular among women looking for other benefits beyond effective
contraception. The benefits include shorter, lighter and regular periods and acne treatment.
This is a small adhesive patch that is worn on certain parts of the body. It releases oestrogen and
progesterone through the skin, into the blood stream and works by preventing the release of the
female egg.
This injection works by preventing the release of female eggs and is safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Long Term Contraceptives
This is a device that is fitted inside the womb to provide long-term contraception. The use of
hormones may cause side effects i.e. breast tenderness, mood swings and headaches. There is a
non-hormonal alternative called the Copper IUD.
This is a small flexible tube that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. The use of Progesterone
may cause some related side effects.
Protecting yourself with Vaccinations
Influenza, also known as the Flu, is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women. This is
due to the changes in the body during pregnancy, which may lead to hospitalizations and death.
There is also a risk towards the developing baby i.e. premature labour.
Flu shots are a safe way to protect the mother and her baby from any serious illness and
complications. It has been shown to protect both mother and her baby for several months during and
after birth from flu.
This vaccine protects against the bacteria, Pertussis, which causes whooping cough. The majority of
pertussis cases, hospitalizations, and deaths occur in infants aged less than 2 months when they are
too young to be vaccinated.
Pregnant women are recommended to be vaccinated in their 3rd trimester (optimally between 27-38
weeks) because it increases mother’s protection against pertussis, reduces the risk of passing it to
her new-born from the time of delivery to the first year and maximizes trans placental transfer of
maternal pertussis antibodies to the foetus that protects new-borns.
In addition, the following vaccines are recommended to women who are intending to get pregnant are
Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) and Chickenpox (Varicella).
Hepatitis B, MMR and chickenpox can be transmitted from the mother to the child during pregnancy
and/or birth, and may lead to complications such as chronic liver disease (in the case of Hepatitis B),
deformities and developmental disorders (in the case of chickenpox).
A ‘combination’ vaccine called MMRV, which contains both chickenpox and MMR vaccines, may be
given instead of the 2 individual vaccines to people above 12 years old.
Family Planning Health Screening Programs
Our Pre-Marital Health Screening Package screens for any existing conditions that may be passed on
to the partner and affecting the relationship of the couple.
Test Includes: Physical Examination, Haematology, Kidney Function, Liver Function, Diabetic Panel,
Thyroid Profile, HIV Screen, Thin Prep Pap Smear (For Females only)
Our Pre-Pregnancy Health Screening Package screens for any existing conditions that may be
passed on to the couple’s offspring and affecting the health of the child.
Test Includes: Physical Examination, Hormonal Profile, Seminal Analysis
This option focuses on screening for STDs that can be passed from a partner to another, and mother
to an unborn child.
Test Includes: Hepatitis B profile, Microbiology Profile (incl. Mycoplasma Pneumonia, Chlamydia,
Gonococcal, Vaginitis), STD Screen – Syphilis, Urine Analysis
This option focuses on infections that may be transmitted from a mother to child if acquired during her
pregnancy term.
Test Includes: Cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasmosis, Streptococcal, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR),
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
This option tests for the presence of autoimmune markers that may contribute to a history of recurrent
miscarriages.
Common Sex Related Problems
Sexuality is a big part of being human. Love, affection and sexual intimacy all play a role in healthy relationships. However, couples may experience difficulties in this area due to personal fears and sexually transmitted diseases.
Erectile dysfunction describes the inability to attain and/or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse. This condition is not limited to just the older generation. 1 in 4 patients visiting doctors for this condition for the first time are aged below 40.
It could be caused by nerve disorders, chronic medications, Peyronie’s disease, atherosclerosis and/or other psychological factors.
Treatment is fairly simple. You may get a prescription for medications such as Cialis, Viagra/ Levitra, Promescent or undergo Testosterone Replacement Therapy, for men with low testosterone levels.
Premature ejaculation is an uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration. This usually happens with minimal sexual stimulation and before the person wishes. It is one of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction.
It could be caused by anxiety, guilt, depression, or stress or the cause could be medical-related such as hormonal problems, injury, or side effects of certain medicines.
To help with this condition, antidepressants can be used to delay ejaculation i.e. Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Anesthetic creams can also be used to prevent premature ejaculation to make the head of the penis less sensitive. For some men, wearing a condom can help delay ejaculation because it may make the penis slightly less sensitive.
Vaginal dryness is present when the tissue of the vagina is no longer well-lubricated and healthy. This occurs when there is a decrease in estrogen, which helps keep the tissues of the vagina lubricated and healthy. Most women experience this when they go through menopause. However, the following are some other reasons that may cause a drop in estrogen.
There are several causes for this. It could be related to the medicines prescribed in the treatment for breast cancer, endometriosis, fibroids or infertility. A side effect of surgical removal of ovaries is vaginal dryness. Radiation treatment to the pelvic area or Chemotherapy may also cause this. On the other hand, it could be caused by an individual experiencing severe stress, depression, or taking part in intense exercise.
Prescription estrogen (available as a cream, tablet, suppository, or ring), Estrogen (hormone therapy) in the form of a skin patch or in a pill and even vaginal moisturizing creams are available to help with this condition.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexuality is a big part of being human. Love, affection and sexual intimacy all play a role in healthy relationships. However, couples may experience difficulties in this area due to personal fears and sexually transmitted diseases.
A bacterial infection spread through sex or contact with infected genital fluids. Chlamydia is passed through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be passed by a pregnant woman to her baby.
Symptoms include pain when urinating, and unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or rectum. Chlamydia can normally be treated with a short course of antibiotics. If left untreated, the infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), and infertility.
Gonorrhea is caused by a bacteria called gonococcus, mainly found in discharge from the penis and in vaginal fluid. It is passed through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby. The bacteria can infect the cervix, the urethra, the rectum, and less commonly the throat or eyes.
Symptoms include thick green or yellow discharge from vagina or penis, pain when urinating and, bleeding between periods for women. Gonorrhea can be treated with a single injection. A single oral dose of antibiotic may be prescribed together to treat Chlamydia; as they tend to be found together. If left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, or infertility.
If you are pregnant and may have gonorrhea, it is important to get tested and treated before your baby is born as this may cause neonatal conjunctivitis, pneumonia and permanent blindness in a newborn baby.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection which mainly spreads through close contact with an infected sore via vaginal, anal or oral sex. Pregnant women with syphilis can also pass the infection to their unborn baby.
Symptoms include painless sores, small skin growths that may develop on the vulva in women or around the anus in both men and women, white patches in the mouth, swollen glands in your neck, groin or armpits, and even fever symptoms such as tiredness, headaches, high temperature.
Syphilis can usually be cured with a short course of antibiotics. However, if left untreated, syphilis can spread to the brain or other parts of the body and cause serious, long-term problems.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, and weakens your ability to fight infections and disease. It is most commonly caught by having sex without a condom. It can also be transmitted by coming into contact with infected blood – for example, sharing needles to inject steroids or drugs.
Most people with HIV look and feel healthy and have no symptoms. When you first develop HIV, you may experience Seroconversion Illness which is a flu-like illness with a fever, sore throat or rash.
There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments that allow most people to live a long and otherwise healthy life. AIDS is the final stage of an HIV infection, when your body can no longer fight life-threatening infections.
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection that is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis B can cause both acute and chronic disease and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Symptoms include acute illness with symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Acute hepatitis can develop into acute liver failure which can lead to death.
A vaccine against hepatitis B is available which is effective in preventing infection and the development of chronic disease and liver cancer due to hepatitis B.
Contraceptive Methods
Contraceptives are an important part of family planning. They not only serve as a prevention from pregnancy but as a protection against STDs*. The most commonly used contraceptives are the barrier methods i.e. condoms, diaphragms which have lower efficacy than medical methods.
Medical methods are generally more effective, and employ the usage of hormones to regulate the cycle of oestrogen and progesterone in women. These hormonal contraceptives can be divided into short-term hormonal contraceptives and long-term hormonal contraceptives.
*Only barrier contraception has some value for protection against STDs.
Short Term Contraceptives
We provide the following:
- Oral Contraceptives - Also known as “the Pill”, it is popular among women looking for other benefits beyond effective contraception. The benefits include shorter, lighter and regular periods and acne treatment.
- Hormonal Patch - This is a small adhesive patch that is worn on certain parts of the body. It releases oestrogen and progesterone through the skin, into the blood stream and works by preventing the release of the female egg.
- Depo-Provera Injection - This injection works by preventing the release of female eggs and is safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Long Term Contraceptives
We provide the following:
- Intrauterine Device, IUD - This is a device that is fitted inside the womb to provide long-term contraception. The use of hormones may cause side effects i.e. breast tenderness, mood swings and headaches. There is a non-hormonal alternative called the Copper IUD.
- Implants - This is a small flexible tube that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. The use of Progesterone may cause some related side effects.events pregnancy.
Protecting yourself with Vaccinations
Some viruses have the ability to be passed on from a pregnant mother to an unborn child. Vaccinations are able to prevent this and thus mitigating any birth complications.
Vaccinations help to stimulate an individual's immune system to develop adaptive immunity to a virus. Most viruses are spread through contact. STDs, for example, are spread through sexual contact. Fortunately, vaccinations are readily available to protect oneself from contracting such viruses.
Influenza, also known as the Flu, is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women. This is due to the changes in the body during pregnancy, which may lead to hospitalizations and death. There is also a risk towards the developing baby i.e. premature labor.
Flu shots are a safe way to protect the mother and her baby from any serious illness and complications. It has been shown to protect both mother and her baby for several months during and after birth from flu.
This vaccine protects against the bacteria, Pertussis, which causes whooping cough. The majority of pertussis cases, hospitalizations, and deaths occur in infants aged less than 2 months when they are too young to be vaccinated.
Pregnant women are recommended to be vaccinated in their 3rd trimester (optimally between 27-38 weeks) because it increases mother’s protection against pertussis, reduces the risk of passing it to her newborn from the time of delivery to the first year and maximizes trans placental transfer of maternal pertussis antibodies to the fetus that protects newborns.
In addition, the following vaccines are recommended to women who are intending to get pregnant are Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) and Chickenpox (Varicella).
Hepatitis B, MMR and chickenpox can be transmitted from the mother to the child during pregnancy and/or birth, and may lead to complications such as chronic liver disease (in the case of Hepatitis B), deformities and developmental disorders (in the case of chickenpox).
A ‘combination’ vaccine called MMRV, which contains both chickenpox and MMR vaccines, may be given instead of the 2 individual vaccines to people above 12 years old.
Family Planning Health Screening Programs
A big part of family planning includes the intention to start a family with a consideration of the couple’s expectations and capabilities.
The Clinic Group offers 2 regular programs, aimed at addressing the needs of couples in different stages of life – Pre-Marital and Pre-Pregnancy Health Screening. These programs help to ensure that couples taking the next step are properly informed and ready.
- Pre-Marital Health Screening
- Pre-Pregnancy Health Screening
- Additional Option – STD Screen
- Additional Option – TORCH Profile
- Additional Option – Miscarriage Profile
Our Pre-Marital Health Screening Package screens for any existing conditions that may be passed on to the partner and affecting the relationship of the couple.
Test Includes: Physical Examination, Hematology, Kidney Function, Liver Function, Diabetic Panel, Thyroid Profile, HIV Screen, Thin Prep Pap Smear (For Females only)
Our Pre-Pregnancy Health Screening Package screens for any existing conditions that may be passed on to the couple’s offspring and affecting the health of the child.
Test Includes: Physical Examination, Hormonal Profile, Seminal Analysis
This option focuses on screening for STDs that can be passed from a partner to another, and mother to an unborn child.
Test Includes: Hepatitis B profile, Microbiology Profile (incl. Mycoplasma Pneumonia, Chlamydia, Gonococcal, Vaginitis), STD Screen – Syphilis, Urine Analysis
This option focuses on infections that may be transmitted from a mother to child if acquired during her pregnancy term.
Test Includes: Cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasmosis, Streptococcal, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Varicella (Chicken Pox)
This option tests for the presence of autoimmune markers that may contribute to a history of recurrent miscarriages.