Harare

Zimbabwe / Harare

OVERVIEW

Contraception (Birth Control)

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Zimbabwe, you need a prescription to purchase birth control pills and most other forms of contraception at pharmacies. Contraception is widely used in Zimbabwe and, in fact, Zimbabwean women have higher rates of contraceptive usage than nearly all other African countries, with the exception of Morocco and the island nations of Mauritius and Réunion. In Eastern Africa, Zimbabwe has the highest rate of contraceptive usage, where many countries have rates below 40% in usage among women. However, it should be understood that not all Zimbabwean women have adequate access and contraceptives, and 11.4% of Zimbabwean women still have unmet family planning needs.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click here and here.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Note: The longest-lasting EC is currently ellaOne. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Check to see if your country carries ellaOne. If your country doesn't carry ellaOne, copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, and it's been over 3 days since you had unprotected sex, you can still take EC, which may work up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective and should be taken as soon as possible.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click here. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click here.

Gynecological Exams

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Well Woman Clinic: Recommended by a Harare local. The practitioners have been trained in a variety of countries, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Germany and teh USA. "General practitioners, with a specific interest in woman’s health, will see patients for the whole range of women’s health problems including Pap Smears, HRT, Osteoporosis etc." 18 East Road, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe. Tel: (+263) 4 796 492/3/4/6. Fax: (+263) 4 704 200. Email: wellwoman@zol.co.zw
• Dr Djordjevic: Address: 11 Dunkirk Drive, Alexandra Park, Harare. +263 77 701 9485

Abortion

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click here.