Phnom Penh

Cambodia / Phnom Penh

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 Cambodia, you can purchase birth control pills without a prescription.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• If you want birth control pills, you can purchase them at pharmacies without a prescription. Some of the brands you can expect to see are FMP, Anna and Microgynon ED. One of the most common brands is called OK. As reported in the Phnom Penh Post, "Watson says many of her wealthier clients don't trust the OK pill and condom because it is so cheap. But the pills and condoms are heavily subsidised and quality-controlled by Population Services International, a global health NGO, who target the OK brand at poor women. According to Watson the OK pill is the same as a very popular pill called Microgynan, currently prescribed to 70 percent of women in the UK."
• For birth control vaginal rings, you can find them at Anna Women's-Baby Center
• For IUD insertion, you can get it done at Anna Women's-Baby Center.
• For the birth control shot, you can get it done at Anna Women's-Baby Center.
• For the birth control patch, you can find it at Anna Women's-Baby Center.

Tips about pharmacies: Look for the green cross to find a pharmacy. The better pharmacies will have air-con and English-speaking staff. One of the most reliable pharmacy chains in the city is U-Care. Naga Clinic also has a nice pharmacy. Be careful to go to a trusted pharmacy. Some of the pharmacies in Phnom Penh sell expired or fake medicine. So be sure to only buy medication that is clearly brands, doesn't look damaged or blistered, and hasn't expired. Don't buy unmarked tablets or medicine.

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

• Anna Women-Baby's Center: "Women-Baby’s Center offers the “Morning After Pill” for those who need emergency contraception. We recommend going through our family planning counseling for fertility awareness and for learning how to practice safe sex." Schedule your family planning appointment today by dialing 098 800 921. Email: info@wbcanna.com.

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

• International SOS Medical Clinic: This clinic is popular with expats and tends to be better quality. It's also more expensive. Consultations start at $80. Western and Khmer doctors. 24-Hour emergency care available. Services available in English, French, Japanese and Khmer. Address: #161 Street 51. T: (023) 216 911, (012) 816 911. Open weekdays 08:00-17:30, Sat 08:00-12:00
• NAGA Clinic: This is a French-run clinic that is popular with expats. More affordable than International SOS. Consultations start at $35. Open 24 hours. Address: #11 Street 254. T: (023) 211 300, (011) 811 175 (emergency).
• Calmette Hospital: Open 24 hours. This is supposed to be the best Khmer hospital in Phnom Penh. Address: 3 Monivong Rd. T: (023) 426 948
• Tropical and Travellers Medical Clinic: Foreign/expat doctor. Prices are supposed to be between Naga and International SOS. Consultations are $50. Cash only. Address: #88 Street 108, T: (023) 366 802, (012) 898 981. Open Mon-Sat 09:30-11:30, Mon-Fri 14:30-17:00.

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.