Stockholm

Sweden / Svealand / Stockholm

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 Sweden, you can only obtain contraception (birth control) with a prescription. In 2015, it was found that 70.4% of Swedish women (who were married or in-unions) used some form of contraception and 61.6% used a modern method.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Tip: If you're traveling in Sweden and run out of birth control, go to Mamma Mia's (http://www.mamamia.se/mama-mia-city). One user reported that three places turned her down before she was directed to them. They have a walk-in clinic where you can meet with a doctor who will prescribe birth control for you.

Costs

It costs $48 USD to register in Sweden's medical system, but three months of birth control only cost $15 USD.

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 Sweden, emergency contraception (the morning after pill) is available over-the-counter. This means that you don't need a prescription or to consult with a pharmacist to purchase emergency contraception. There are no age restrictions. You can find EC in the public sector clinics, pharmacies and emergency rooms. It is estimated that 59% of Swedish women of reproductive age have ever used emergency contraception.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• You can obtain dedicated emergency contraception in Sweden at pharmacies, public sector clinics or emergency rooms. You can purchase ellaOne, which is considered the most effective EC on the market (as of January 2017). For ellaOne, you don't need a prescription but you may need to talk to the pharmacist. To take ellaOne properly, you take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex. Other dedicated EC brands that you can find are NorLevo 1.5mg and Postinor 1.5. For these brands, they can be purchased over-the-counter and you don't need to consult with a pharmacist. You should take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex.
• You can have an IUD inserted to prevent pregnancy. Please refer to the "Contraception" section for details.
• If you can't access dedicated emergency contraception, you can use regular oral contraceptives (birth control pills) as emergency contraception. For progestin-only pills, you can take Follistrel or Microval (take 50 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex). For combined pills (progestin-estrogen), you'll need to remember that, in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used. You can take Follinette or Nordiol (for both of these brands, take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later). You can also take Follimin, Neovletta or Nordette (for these brands, take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later).

Costs

In Sweden, emergency contraception costs around €17. You can also get it for free at some public health clinics or youth centers.

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.

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.

List of Additional Resources

• Feministiskt initiativ i Storstockholm (Feminist Initiative in the Greater Stockholm): "Feminist Initiative in the Greater Stockholm is constantly working to develop policy and want to be active in the debate. For several years, we have followed the municipal council and county council work and reflect on the issues discussed there."