Doha

Qatar / Doha

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 Qatar, you can purchase birth control pills over-the-counter (no prescription is required) at pharmacies. You don't need a marriage certificate and there are no age restrictions. Condoms are also available at stores. It is estimated that about 15.8% of Qatari women (of reproductive age) use hormonal contraception, such as birth control pills, injectables or implants.

Many people in Qatar get married at a young age (for example, 18 years old). For this reason, pharmacists can't assume that young people who are buying birth control are unmarried. There have been some cases of pharmacists who refused to sell birth control to very young-looking people, but from a legal perspective, there are actually no age restrictions.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• You can purchase birth control pills at pharmacies without a prescription. Some brands you can expect to see are Yasmin, Diane, Gynera, Cilest, Gracial, Marvelan and Cerazette.
• You can purchase condoms in supermarkets and pharmacies. While some stores only carry Durex condoms, other pharmacies have a wider selection (especially on Al Merqab St), selling brands like Masculan, Sico, Coral and Moods.
• From Ola Diab: "There are at least three pharmacies in Al Merqab St. that sell contraceptives without restrictions and condoms are even sold in supermarkets on the street like Family Food Center. This is not only common in Al Merqab St. pharmacies in Al Merqab St. but also in pharmacies and supermarkets in other areas in Qatar."

Costs

The price of birth control pills is set by the Ministry of Health’s Drug Control Department. In 2010, prices ranged from QR 20 to QR 40 for a one-month supply.

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.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Qatar, there are no dedicated emergency contraceptives (morning after pills). However, you can use regular birth control pills as replacement emergency contraception. To do that, please check out the section below ("What to Get & Where to Get It").

What to Get & Where to Get It

If you need emergency contraception (the morning after pill), you can take the following birth control pills, according to the instructions. Remember that, in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used.

For the following pills, take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later:

• Eugynon
• Neogynon
• Nordiol
• Ovral

For the following pills, take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later:

• Microgynon-30
• Nordette

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.

Laws & Social Stigmas

If you are traveling to Qatar for a short time (i.e. less than one month), you don't need to take an HIV test. However, if you plan to stay in Qatar over one month (for example, if you have a residency or work permit), you need to take an HIV test along with a medical examination. This rule also applies to family members/dependents who come with someone who has received a work permit. If you come to Qatar with a residence or work permit, you will expected to get a medical certificate on arrival in the country. Often times, you'll need to get tested as early as three days after arrival. Foreign medical certificates will not be accepted. If you are found to be HIV positive, you will be denied the residency/work visa and you will be deported.

If you are a pregnant woman, planning to marry or a foreign student coming from abroad, you will also be tested for HIV.

If you contract HIV during your time in Qatar, you will not be deported. According to some sources, you will be able to access HIV treatment, just like Qatari nationals. Other sources say you cannot receive treatment if you're a foreign national. According to HIVTravel, "The Medical Commission's latest report revealing rise on HIV/AIDS cases among the newly-recruited workforce has alarmed a wide section of the society because it is believed this might contribute to spreading the disease in the country."

What to Get & Where to Get It

Support

• The Hamad Hospital: This is the largest hospital in Qatar. They have a clinic with specialized doctors and other health professionals who are trained to treat HIV/AIDS. Treatment at this hospital is free of charge and provided to all patients on equal terms.
• UNAIDS Qatar: This page provides HIV news that is related to Qatar.

Medications & Vaccines

What to Get & Where to Get It

• There are no known providers of PrEP in Qatar.
• There is no national HPV vaccination program in Qatar.

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

Laws & Social Stigmas

Check out this article about picking a gynecologist in Doha.

Pregnancy

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Dr Naseem at Fetomaternal: She's a highly recommended ob/gyn. She is American-trained.
• Badrdin @ Feto. She's a highly recommended ob/gyn. UK-certified and trained.
• Dr. Naima Ouahrani - (Premium Naseem) - Recommended and affordable.
• Dr. Daritza @ Cuban Hospital: She is a recommended ob/gyn.
• Dr. Naima Ohrani @ naseen premium medical center: She is a recommended ob/gyn.
• Dr Olena @ Future Medical Center: She is a recommended ob/gyn.
• Dr Preethi Balan Naseem Al Rabeeh

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.