La Paz

Bolivia / La Paz

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 Bolivia, contraception (birth control) is available without a prescription. It is estimated that about 62% of Bolivian women (who are married or in unions between the ages of 15 and 49) use some form of contraception and that 40% use a modern contraceptive method. Furthermore, it's estimated that 18% have unmet family planning needs. The most popular methods of contraception are the rhythm method (17.1%), injectables (13.6%), IUDs (10.1%), female sterilization (7.8%) and male condom (4.8%). Other methods include the pill and withdrawal, but they were used by only 4% of women on average.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• You can purchase birth control pills in Bolivia without a prescription. Some brands you can expect to see are Microgynon, Microgynon-30, Minigynon, Nordette and Norvetal.
• If you want an IUD ("El DIU" in Spanish), you can get it at Marie Stopes. They have both the hormonal IUD or the copper IUD.

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.

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

To say STD in Spanish, say "enfermedades de transmisión sexual."

Medications & Vaccines

What to Get & Where to Get It

• If you have a yeast infection, you can ask the pharmacist for Fluconazole.

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

• Alemena Clinic (German Hospital): This is potentially the best hospital in La Paz, and it's recommended by many locals. They have a general gynecology department, which includes: Management of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, metrorrhagia, endocrine disorders of women, pathology of the cervix, and breasts. Address: Av.6 de Agosto 2821, La Paz, Bolivia. Phone: +591 2 2432155.

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.