New contraceptive solutions offer women more options

A recent study revealed that 65% of pregnancies reported throughout the country between 2015 to 2019 were unplanned and unintended.

Conducted by the Guttmacher Institute, a leading research and policy organisation committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health, the study further found that over the four years, nearly 2 million pregnancies occurred annually, with 1.3 million being unplanned and a further 450 000 ending in abortion.

These statistics paint a bleak picture, as many of these pregnancies resulted in school-going girls opting to leave the education system to tend to their newborn babies.

It is further believed that unwanted pregnancies often leave mothers trapped in the cycle of poverty and stigmatised by society.

“One of the major factors contributing to unwanted pregnancies is the lack of confidentiality, access and affordability in obtaining safe contraceptive options,” said Alex Schmid, founder and CEO of Contro.

“Understanding this, the health-tech company has stepped in to offer an online service that makes obtaining advice from registered doctors regarding available contraception methods easily accessible, discreet and affordable.”

Upon assessment, not only is the patient’s health and lifestyle evaluated but partner doctors offer sound advice to ensure that women receive the correct method of contraceptive that suit their pockets.

“The ability to access safe and effective birth control methods has the potential to positively impact the lives of women across South Africa,” said Schmid.

Benefits of contraception:
• Family planning: it allows women to plan and space their pregnancies, thus improving their health as well as that of their children.
• Improved health outcomes: contraceptives can reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian and endometrial cancer.
• Better educational and career opportunities: by preventing unintended pregnancies young women can pursue their educational and career goals.
• Improved relationships: by reducing possible conflict and stress relating to unintended pregnancies, couples have the opportunity to plan their families together.
• Increased autonomy and empowerment: contraception allows women to take control of their reproductive health to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
• Reduction of poverty: allowing women to plan their pregnancies, women can take control of their economic stability.

Contro offers virtual specialist consultations in the comfort of your own home.

Choosing from a range of affordable options for contraceptives, patients can rest assured that their monthly supply will be delivered to their door, at no additional cost.

For more information visit www.contro.co.za

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