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'''OVERVIEW''' | '''OVERVIEW''' | ||
While there is certainly room for improvement, you can find many health care options in Serbia. You can purchase oral contraceptives (birth control pills) over-the-counter. No prescription is required. You can also purchase emergency contraception (the morning after pill) without a prescription. There are certainly some taboos around discussing sexuality and contraception, and this is in large part due to the nonexistent sex education in many Serbian schools. However, the country also does boast an array of contraceptive options, including pills, rings, injectables and IUDs. You can receive STI tests at various clinics, and PEP is available for free. While you can find pads and tampons in Belgrade, you may have some difficulty finding menstrual cups or certain eco-friendly menstrual products, so those should be purchased online. Regarding abortion, for the first ten weeks of pregnancy, abortion is completely legal in Serbia. If you're under 16 years old, you need permission from your parents to receive an abortion. On this page, we have included some recommended gynecologists and obstetricians (from locals), which you may find in the sections below. | |||
==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Serbia, you can purchase | In Serbia, you can purchase condoms and birth control pills at pharmacies without a prescription.<ref>[http://ocsotc.org/wp-content/uploads/worldmap/worldmap.html Global Oral Contraception Availability]</ref> <ref>[http://freethepill.org/where-on-earth/ Free the Pill: Where on Earth?]</ref> However, for other forms of birth control, such as implants, injectables, and IUDs, you may need to directly visit a hospital or clinic to obtain them. | ||
While there are minimal religious or moral stigmas attached to birth control pills, according to locals, some women may avoid the pill because they consider it detrimental to hormonal health. | |||
When discussing contraception in Serbia, it's important to consider the state of sex education. As of September 2016, Serbia has no nationwide sex education in public schools,<ref>[http://www.telegraf.rs/english/2375458-sex-education-introduced-in-serbian-schools Sex education introduced in Serbian schools!]</ref> although at least one province has introduced an optional sex education program.<ref>[http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/sex-education-classes-kick-off-in-serbian-province Serbian Province Launches Sex Education Classes]</ref> In total, sex education remains uncommon and even taboo in parts of Serbia, which therefore makes discussion of contraceptive options all the more uncomfortable for some women. | |||
When examining Serbian family planning policies, one must consider the country's recent history. From the end of WWII to 1991, Serbia was a part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* You can buy '''birth control pills''' in Serbia without a prescription at pharmacies. Some brands you can expect to see are Neogynon, Stediril, Stediril-d and Microgynon-30.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> Note that progestin-only pills, like Cerazette and Azalia, are not sold in | * You can find condoms in Belgrade pharmacies. Typically, Durex brand condoms are sold. | ||
* You can buy '''birth control pills''' in Serbia without a prescription at pharmacies. Some brands you can expect to see are Neogynon, Stediril, Stediril-d and Microgynon-30.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> Note that progestin-only pills, like Cerazette and Azalia, are not sold in all Serbian pharmacies (as of May 2017), so some local women tend to purchase them in Croatia or Hungary (and then bring them back to Serbia). However, other pharmacies do carry progestin-only pills in Serbia. | |||
* If you have a prescription for birth control from another country, you can probably get the prescription filled in a Belgrade pharmacy. Bring the prescription with you and show it to the pharmacist. | * If you have a prescription for birth control from another country, you can probably get the prescription filled in a Belgrade pharmacy. Bring the prescription with you and show it to the pharmacist. | ||
* You can get an '''IUD''' in Serbia. It is typically used by women who have already had children, but it's not commonly used in general in Serbia. One local said: "I don't know the price or if they will give them to a younger woman." If you know of gynecologists giving IUDs to younger, unmarried or women without children in Serbia, please add information to this section. | * You can get an '''IUD''' in Serbia, where you'll find the Mirena and Novaplus brand at pharmacies.<ref>[Conversation with Belgrade pharmacist, May 2017]</ref> It is typically used by women who have already had children, but it's not commonly used in general in Serbia. One local said: "I don't know the price or if they will give them to a younger woman." If you know of gynecologists giving IUDs to younger, unmarried or women without children in Serbia, please add information to this section. Dr. Djorje Petkovic at Ginekološka ordinacija Palmotićeva [https://www.palmoticeva.com/?fbclid=IwAR2xI3hqIaEVfgmQCflbbFj-868GVswbax47Moj2kSEFo5UZ9CHXbf6V0yM] agrees to giving IUDs to unmarried women without children. The IUD he recommends is Mona Lisa. A list of pharmacies selling this type of IUD in Belgrade can be found on this website [http://eumed.rs/index.php/service/bakarne-spirale-mona-lisa/]. | ||
* You may be able to find '''contraceptive ring (Nuvaring)''' in Belgrade pharmacies.<ref>[Conversation with Belgrade pharmacist]</ref> However, local women report it difficult to find and often say that they've never seen it. | |||
* According to a Belgrade local, '''contraceptive shots/injectables''' are not available in Serbia. | * According to a Belgrade local, '''contraceptive shots/injectables''' are not available in Serbia. | ||
* It seems like '''contraceptive patches''' aren't available in Serbia (as of May 2017). One Belgrade pharmacist says, "We don't have contraceptive patches in my pharmacy, nor [am I aware of] their current availability."<ref>[Conversation with Belgrade pharmacist, May 2017]</ref> Also, no contraceptive patches are listed on the official Serbia page from the International Planned Parenthood contraceptive database. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
Serbian health insurance covers about 20% (or more) of birth control costs, according to a Belgrade local (May 2017). | * Serbian health insurance covers about 20% (or more) of birth control costs, according to a Belgrade local (May 2017). | ||
* For condoms, you can expect to pay the following: Durex brand, 252 din- 300 din box, or Romed, 15 din single piece (May 2017).<ref>[Conversation with Belgrade pharmacist, May 2017]</ref> | |||
* Here are the prices for various birth control pill brands at a Belgrade pharmacy (May 2017): cerazette 1021.69, cyclo proginova 238.02 din, diane-35 524,46 din, jeanine 752.38, legravan 199.83, lindynette 483.44, logest 586.56, microgynon 408.41, novynette 518.55, primolut-nor 264.39, qlaira 1345.96, yasmin 1157.09, yaz 1153.28, orgametril was 399.29 (but currently unavailable at the pharmacy).<ref>[Conversation with Belgrade pharmacist, May 2017]</ref> | |||
* For Pharmatex vaginal caps (local spermicidal contraception), you can expect to pay 528.53 din (6 caps) (May 2017)<ref>[Conversation with Belgrade pharmacist, May 2017]</ref> | |||
* For IUDs, here are prices that you may see at a Belgrade pharmacy (May 2017): hormonal - mirena - 13740.74. copper-Ag - novaplus t380 -normal size - around 5000 dins.)<ref>[Conversation with Belgrade pharmacist, May 2017]</ref> | |||
* For a Nuvaring, here's the price that you may see at a Belgrade pharmacy (May 2017): 1282.27)<ref>[Conversation with Belgrade pharmacist, May 2017]</ref> | |||
==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | ==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | ||
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===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
You may pay the equivalent of € 8,80 for LNG emergency contraception and € 24 for UPA contraception. Note that EC is not reimbursed or covered by social security.<ref>[http://www.ec-ec.org/emergency-contraception-in-europe/country-by-country-information-2/serbia/ ECEC: Serbia]</ref> | You may pay the equivalent of € 8,80 for LNG emergency contraception and € 24 for UPA contraception. Note that EC is not reimbursed or covered by social security.<ref>[http://www.ec-ec.org/emergency-contraception-in-europe/country-by-country-information-2/serbia/ ECEC: Serbia]</ref> At one Serbian pharmacy, the price for Escapelle was 1781.27 dinars (May 2017).<ref>[Conversation with Belgrade pharmacist]</ref> | ||
==Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)== | ==Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)== | ||
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===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* You can supposedly access PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) for free in Serbia.<ref>[http://www.nelp-hiv.org/uploads/pep-in-nelp.pdf PEP in Nelp]</ref> Contact a local emergency room or hospital to get more information. | * You can supposedly access '''PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)''' for free in Serbia.<ref>[http://www.nelp-hiv.org/uploads/pep-in-nelp.pdf PEP in Nelp]</ref> Contact a local emergency room or hospital to get more information. | ||
* There is currently no PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) program in Serbia, as of May 2017.<ref>[http://www.prepwatch.org/ PrEPWatch World Map]</ref> | * There is currently no '''PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)''' program in Serbia, as of May 2017.<ref>[http://www.prepwatch.org/ PrEPWatch World Map]</ref> | ||
* If you have a yeast infection, you can try to get Fluconazole (the generic name for the active ingredient) at pharmacies. In Serbia, Fluconazole may found in the following medications: Diflucan, Fluco Sandoz, Fluconal, Flukonazol Zdravlje or Flumycozal.<ref>[https://www.drugs.com/international/fluconazole.html Flucanozale]</ref> | * If you have '''menstrual pain''' ("menstrualne tegobe" in Serbian), you can tell the pharmacist "Boli me stomak; dobila sam," which means "I have a stomach ache; I got my period." | ||
* Serbia has no nationwide HPV vaccination program (as of April 2017), despite the fact that cervical cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer for women (ages 15-44) in Serbia.<ref>[http://www.hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/SRB_FS.pdf Serbia: Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2017]</ref> | * If you have a '''urinary tract infection (UTI)''' (or "urinarna infekcija, infekcija urinarnog trakta" in Serbian), here's what a Belgrade pharmacist says: "For sistemic antibiotics for uti, yes, we need a prescription and it's valid 3 days from prescript.date. for antibiotics-uroantiseptics like pipemidic acid (pipem, pipegal, palin), norfloxacin (uricin, nolicin), phosphomycin (monural) we don't need a prescription. some doctors like to advice patients to find nitrofurantoin for persistent e.coli."<ref>[Conversation with Belgrade pharmacist]</ref> | ||
* If you have a '''yeast infection''' (or "gljivicna infekcija" in Serbian), you can try to get Fluconazole (the generic name for the active ingredient) at pharmacies. In Serbia, the active ingredient Fluconazole may be found in the following medications: Diflucan, Fluco Sandoz, Fluconal, Flukonazol Zdravlje or Flumycozal.<ref>[https://www.drugs.com/international/fluconazole.html Flucanozale]</ref> Also, here's more information from a Serbian pharmacist (May 2017): "The most popular antimicotics are clotrimazole ("canesten"-vag.tbl 3x200mg 554.4, 1x500mg 529,76, vag.cream 554.4; or domestic "kansen" with lower prices: 3x200mg 431.2, cream 431.2), miconazole (gino-daktanol 7x200mg tbl. 374.28 ), enticonazole (lomexin 1cps 351.24), nystatin (macmiror -12 tb 1095.99 re cream 819.77, polygynax-6cps 388, 12 cps 776.04), butoconazole (cream name - gynofort, 526.80 ). And then some wide broad spectrum antimicrobials for mixed infections like povidone iodine (povidon jod tbs - i lost the price, betadine), dequalinium chloride (fluomizin tb. 890.37) or oral cps like diflucan, 1x150mg or 7x50 mg (forgot to check the exact prices). And there are vaginal probiotics, alone or with hormones (gynoflor), or fitoeostrogens (vagilact 746.46) probiotics only: gynophilus 14 tbs, or gynophilus SR 2 tbs (1377.34), lactogyn vaginal and oral cps (around 1200-1300). Then different gels or tbs for balancing vaginal flora: multigyn gels lubricants or infection treating,vaginal gels for moisture lactogyn (lactic acid); intimo help tbs (558.6), and many others on the market."<ref>[Conversation with a Serbian pharmacist]</ref> | |||
* Serbia has no nationwide '''HPV vaccination''' program (as of April 2017), despite the fact that cervical cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer for women (ages 15-44) in Serbia.<ref>[http://www.hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/SRB_FS.pdf Serbia: Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2017]</ref> | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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'''Private Health Centers''' | '''Private Health Centers''' | ||
* It's common for Serbian women to visit private health centers (if they can afford it) for gynecological exams, since they tend to be efficient and less crowded. | * It's common for Serbian women to visit private health centers (if they can afford it) for gynecological exams, since they tend to be efficient and less crowded. | ||
* [https://www.palmotićeva.com/ Ginekološka ordinacija Palmotićeva (Palmoticeva Clinic)]: Address: Palmotićeva 33, Beograd, Serbia. Phone: +381 11 322-60-40. Email: ordinacija@palmoticeva.com | |||
* [http://roncevic.rs/ Poliklinika dr Rončević (Roncevic Clinic)]: One Belgrade local says, "As for private clinics, I would personally recommended Roncevic clinic, they offer a full package of exams for about 35 euros and their doctors are nice and great experts." Address: Baba Višnjina, Beograd, Serbia. Phone: +381 11 3447517. | * [http://roncevic.rs/ Poliklinika dr Rončević (Roncevic Clinic)]: One Belgrade local says, "As for private clinics, I would personally recommended Roncevic clinic, they offer a full package of exams for about 35 euros and their doctors are nice and great experts." Address: Baba Višnjina, Beograd, Serbia. Phone: +381 11 3447517. | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/clinicanova/ Clinica Nova]: "Dr Maglic is amazing and he explains everything in perfect english!!!" - Belgrade local. From the clinic (May 2017): "Regular price for gynecologial examination is 3500,00 rsd [edit: we believe they mean 35,000 - waiting for confirmation]. But now we have special offer for ladies for only 1900 rsd. This price include gynecological scanning, ultrasound, colposcopy, papanicolau and VS test with final opinion. For appointment you can call our Call center +381 71 51 777." Address: Višegradska 26, Belgrade, Serbia. Phone: +381 11 7151777. Email: visegradska@clinicanova.rs | * [https://www.facebook.com/clinicanova/ Clinica Nova]: "Dr Maglic is amazing and he explains everything in perfect english!!!" - Belgrade local. From the clinic (May 2017): "Regular price for gynecologial examination is 3500,00 rsd [edit: we believe they mean 35,000 - waiting for confirmation]. But now we have special offer for ladies for only 1900 rsd. This price include gynecological scanning, ultrasound, colposcopy, papanicolau and VS test with final opinion. For appointment you can call our Call center +381 71 51 777." Address: Višegradska 26, Belgrade, Serbia. Phone: +381 11 7151777. Email: visegradska@clinicanova.rs | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/taurunum.medical/?ref=br_rs&hc_location=ufi Ginekološka Ordinacija Taurunum Medical]: Address: Ugrinovačka 117, Zemun. Phone: +381 66 6334225. Email: taurunum.medical@gmail.com. | * [https://www.facebook.com/taurunum.medical/?ref=br_rs&hc_location=ufi Ginekološka Ordinacija Taurunum Medical]: Their price for a gynecological exam (with a pap) was 4000 dinars in May 2017.<ref>[Conversation with clinic over Facebook, May 2017]</ref> Address: Ugrinovačka 117, Zemun. Phone: +381 66 6334225. Email: taurunum.medical@gmail.com. | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/GinekoloskaOrdinacijaRaovic/ Ginekoloska Ordinacija Raovic]: Address: Golsvordijeva 6, Belgrade, Serbia. Phone: +381 11 244.77.63; 063 687889. Email: office@ordinacijaraovic.com | * [https://www.facebook.com/GinekoloskaOrdinacijaRaovic/ Ginekoloska Ordinacija Raovic]: Address: Golsvordijeva 6, Belgrade, Serbia. Phone: +381 11 244.77.63; 063 687889. Email: office@ordinacijaraovic.com | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/drZivaljevic/ Ginekološka Ordinacija Biljana Živaljević]: Address: Kumanovska 23, Belgrade, Serbia. Phone: +381 11 3863716. Email: biljanazivaljevic@gmail.com | * [https://www.facebook.com/drZivaljevic/ Ginekološka Ordinacija Biljana Živaljević]: Address: Kumanovska 23, Belgrade, Serbia. Phone: +381 11 3863716. Email: biljanazivaljevic@gmail.com | ||
* Dr Corac: Address: 128/II/7 CVIJICEVA, 11060, Belgrade (Palilula), Belgrade county, Serbia. Phone: +381 11 3294220. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
For the first ten weeks of pregnancy, abortion is completely legal in Serbia. In other words, you can get an abortion upon request if you're over 16 years old. If you're under 16 years old, you'll need parental permission.<ref>[http://www.svss-uspda.ch/pdf/Abortion%20legislation_Europe2012.pdf Abortion Legislation in Europe]</ref> Between 10 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, you can get an abortion for the following reasons: if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or if the pregnant woman is suffering from psychological trauma or socio-economic challenges that prevents her from carrying the pregnancy to term. To receive an abortion after 10 weeks, the pregnant woman must receive approval from a panel of experts.<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/6047/undefined Women on Waves, Serbia]</ref> | |||
Historically, Serbian abortion policy has been rather lenient. Abortion was legalized in 1969, when Serbia was a part of the former Yugoslavia.<ref>[http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/12/reframing-abortion-debate-serbia-world-2013121792636454311.html Reframing the abortion debate in Serbia and the world]</ref> For decades, abortion was rather common, and it was even a primary birth control method for many Serbian women. This was partially due to the limited availability and usage of others contraceptives, and the fact that many women perceived birth control pills to be unhealthy. However, women have progressively begun using more preventative contraceptive methods over the years.<ref>[https://eps.revues.org/466?lang=en The Question of Abortion in Serbia]</ref> | |||
In 2012, it was reported that Serbia had the highest abortion rate in Europe, with about 8000 abortion rater per year. However, the numbers are hard to gauge as many abortions go unreported. In fact, one of the greatest challenges for Serbian abortion providers are the strict laws around licensing. It's so difficult for physicians to become licensed practitioners of abortion that many simply work as unlicensed practitioners at private clinics, and the abortions go unreported. Generally speaking, it seems like many Serbian women go through the private clinics.<ref>[http://www.eurasiareview.com/17012012-serbia-has-highest-abortion-rate-in-europe/ Serbia Has Highest Abortion Rate In Europe]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* As of 2012, the following '''surgical abortion methods''' were available in Serbia: aspiration (this is performed until 6 week of gestational pregnancy, and it's commonly used in private clinics), curettage – surgical intervention (this is performed between 12 to 15 weeks of gestation, and it's most commonly used in public/state clinics), and dilatation & evacuation.<ref>[http://www.svss-uspda.ch/pdf/Abortion%20legislation_Europe2012.pdf IPPF - ABORTION: Legislation in Europe]</ref> | |||
* As of 2012, the following '''medical abortion methods''' were available in Serbia: prostaglandin suppositories (but they're not common), RU-486 (available for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy in clinics, though supervision is required) and induced labor (this is available for "older than 16 gestational weeks").<ref>[http://www.svss-uspda.ch/pdf/Abortion%20legislation_Europe2012.pdf IPPF - ABORTION: Legislation in Europe]</ref> | |||
* [http://www.srh.rs Asocijacija za seksualno i reproduktivno zdravlje Srbije - SRH Srbija (Serbian Association for Sexual and Reproductive Rights)]: They should be able to direct you to the best information/resources. Address: Strahinjića Bana 55/1, 11000 Beograd, Srbija.T/F: +381 11 3036 248. email: office@srh.rs | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
If someone is covered by Serbian health care and receives an abortion in a public health institution, the procedure should be covered by their health insurance. If they go through a private clinic, they may pay between180 – 300 EUR.<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/6047/undefined Women on Waves, Serbia]</ref> | |||
==Advocacy & Counseling== | ==Advocacy & Counseling== | ||
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===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* [https://www.womenngo.org.rs/en/support-for-women/individual-consultations Autonomous Women's Center]: If you're a victim or if you're under the risk of becoming the victim of gender-based violence, you can get help from Autonomous Women's Center. They can also provide free legal aid. "You can schedule an appointment by calling our Telephone helpline 011/266-222 (working days from 12pm to 8pm). Counseling sessions are run every working day between 2.30pm and 6.30pm. This service is free of charge." | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
==List of Additional Resources== | ==List of Additional Resources== | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/sveokontracepciji/ Kontracepcija - sve što jeste i niste znali]: This Facebook provides educational information for women in Serbia about contraception. | |||
* Click [https://www.equaldex.com/region/serbia here] to learn about LGBTQ rights and laws in Serbia. | |||
* [https://www.womenngo.org.rs/en/ Autonomous Women's Center - Belgrade]: This is a feminist NGO, founded in 1993, that focuses on women's empowerment, education, issues related to gender-based violence, etc. They also work on issues related to multiple forms of discrimination faced by women, such as Roma women, women with disabilities, etc. Address: Tiršova 5a, 11000 Belgrade. Email: azc@azc.org.rs. For consultations, call +381 11 266 2222. Email: tt@azc.org.rs | |||
* [http://zeneucrnom.org/ Women in Black]: This is an antimilitarist group, formed in the former Yugoslavia (during the war). It's been a pivotal group in the history of Serbian women's mobilization. | |||
* [http://www.rwfund.org/ Reconstruction Women's Fund]: "Reconstruction Women's Fund is the first local women's foundation in Serbia, established in 2004." They fight issues related to nationalism, militarism, racism, sexism, etc. Address: 6 Braće Baruh (Apt No 41), 11000 Belgrade. Phone: +381 11 2184674. e-mail: office@rwfund.org | |||
* [http://www.poslovnezene.org.rs/en/ Association of Business Women in Serbia]: Focuses on female entrepreneurship. | |||
* [https://www.facebook.com/sveokontracepciji/ Kontracepcija - sve što jeste i niste znali]: This Facebook provides educational information for women in Serbia about contraception. | |||
* [http://www.zenskestudie.edu.rs/en/ Women’s Studies Center]: "Women’s Studies Center is an autonomous, non-profit, non-governmental organization, independent in its work from political structures or groups. Mission of the Center for Women’s Studies is to create and promote models which celebrate differences. One of the aims is to theoretically point out the possibilities of resistance and political challenge against social practices of discrimination and exclusion based on gender, nationality, sexuality, color, class, religion and others. Long-term strategy of the Center is to develop academic educational programs which are grounded in the right to be different." Address: Centar za ženske studije Jove Ilića 165, 11 040 Beograd, Serbia. Tel/fax: +381 11 2491 219. Tel: +381 11 30 92 999/ext. 963. E-mail: zenske.studije@gmail.com | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||