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'''OVERVIEW''' | '''OVERVIEW''' | ||
In Switzerland, you can obtain contraception, and you can purchase condoms without a prescription. However, you will need a prescription for most forms of contraception, such as pills or an intra-uterine device (IUD). Emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) are available in pharmacies, and no prescription is required. You can get an STI test at various clinics and health centers, and there are organizations and health groups that offer STI education and support. Abortion is fully legal and available upon request in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. | |||
Switzerland has one of the longest lifespans in the world. The majority of the populace is Swiss (70%, as of 2017), but there are also many foreigners, particularly from other European countries, such as German, Italy, Portugal, and France.<ref name="ciaworldfactbook_switzerland">[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sz.html CIA World Factbook - Switzerland]</ref> In terms of religion, 41% of the population consider religion to be an important part of their daily lives<ref>[https://news.gallup.com/poll/142727/religiosity-highest-world-poorest-nations.aspx Religiosity Highest in World's Poorest Nations]</ref>, and the most commonly practiced religions are Catholicism and Protestantism.<ref name="ciaworldfactbook_switzerland" /> | |||
==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ||
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In Switzerland, you can purchase condoms without a prescription at pharmacies. However, you need a prescription to obtain most other forms of contraception, such as birth control pills, implants, injectables, and IUDs.<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> | In Switzerland, you can purchase condoms without a prescription at pharmacies. However, you need a prescription to obtain most other forms of contraception, such as birth control pills, implants, injectables, and IUDs.<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> | ||
In 2015, it was estimated that about 77% of Swiss women (who were married/in unions and between the ages of 15-49) were using any form of contraception, including traditional methods. This was higher than the Western European average (70% of women).<ref name="unreport_contraceptives2015">[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* Tip: For a list of contraceptive options, you can check out this [https://www.sex-i.ch/en/contraception/ overview] from SANTE SEXUELLE Suisse. | |||
* You can purchase '''condoms''' in supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, erotic stores, and from online vendors, such as [http://www.shop.aids.ch/ the Swiss AIDS Foundation online shop]. No prescription is needed. | |||
* You can purchase '''oral contraceptives (birth control pills)''' at pharmacies, but you'll need to first have a prescription. | |||
* We know that the '''contraceptive ring (Nuvaring)''' was available in Swiss pharmacies in the past, but we'll need more updated information. You need a prescription before you can purchase the ring. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
* The cost of contraception is often not covered by Swiss health insurance.<ref name="internations_swisshealth">[https://www.internations.org/go/moving-to-switzerland/healthcare/personal-health-and-family-planning-womens-health-in-switzerland Personal Health and Family Planning: Women’s Health in Switzerland]</ref> | |||
==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | ==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 [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception here] and [http://ec.princeton.edu/info/ecp.html here]. | '''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 to prevent pregnancy. 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 [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception here] and [http://ec.princeton.edu/info/ecp.html here]. | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Switzerland, emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) are available over-the-counter at pharmacies. No prescription is required | In Switzerland, emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) are available over-the-counter at pharmacies. No prescription is required, and there are no age restrictions on who can purchase the pills.<ref name="icec_switzerland">[https://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/switzerland/ EC Status and Availability - Switzerland]</ref> For a few years, ellaOne was available at pharmacies by prescription-only, but it has been available over-the-counter at pharmacies since November 2015.<ref name="ecec_switzerland">[http://www.ec-ec.org/emergency-contraception-in-europe/country-by-country-information-2/switzerland/ ECEC - Switzerland]</ref> | ||
There are national policies and guidelines regarding emergency contraception. In 2014, a paper was published by a team of gynecologists, pharmacies, and family planning center health workers. The paper outlines three forms of acceptable emergency contraception, according to the team, which include: levonorgestrel EC pills, ulipristal acetate EC pills, and copper IUDs. The paper is available in [http://www.ec-ec.org/custom-content/uploads/2014/04/PositionspapierNK_M%C3%A4rz14_de_def.pdf German] and [http://www.ec-ec.org/custom-content/uploads/2014/04/Prise_de_Position_CU_fr_def.pdf French]. Furthermore, in 2016, the Interdisciplinary Group of Experts on EC (IENK) developed a set of tools for pharmacists, which included a decision making chart, protocols to how to handle a missed pill, a guide for how to refer women to health services, and more.<ref name="ecec_switzerland" /> You can read these guidelines in [https://www.sante-sexuelle.ch/fr/nos-activites/acces-pour-tous/contraception-durgence/ienk/ French]. | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* You can find emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) at pharmacies, and they are sold over-the-counter. Some brands you may find are NorLevo 1.5mg and ellaOne.<ref | * You can find emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) at pharmacies, and they are sold over-the-counter. Some brands you may find are NorLevo 1.5mg and ellaOne.<ref name="icec_switzerland" /> | ||
* Note: The longest-lasting EC is currently [http://www.ellaone.com/ ellaOne]. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Check to see if your country carries ellaOne. If your country doesn't carry ellaOne, copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, and it's been over 3 days since you had unprotected sex, you can still take EC, which may work up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective and should be taken as soon as possible. | * Note: The longest-lasting EC is currently [http://www.ellaone.com/ ellaOne]. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Check to see if your country carries ellaOne. If your country doesn't carry ellaOne, copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, and it's been over 3 days since you had unprotected sex, you can still take EC, which may work up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective and should be taken as soon as possible. | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
* The price of emergency contraceptive pills may depend on your age. In some cantons, you can purchase LNG pills, like NorLevo, for around € 12 if you are under 20 years old or for around € 20 if you are over 20 years.<ref | * If you visit a pharmacy, you can expect to pay around € 17,50 for LNG pills (such as NorLevo) and € 32,85 for UPA pills (such as ellaOne), as of 2013.<ref name="icec_switzerland" /> | ||
* | * The price of emergency contraceptive pills may depend on your age. In some cantons, you can purchase LNG pills, like NorLevo, for around € 12 if you are under 20 years old or for around € 20 if you are over 20 years.<ref name="ecec_switzerland" /> | ||
* There are 26 cantons in Switzerland, and reimbursement laws around emergency contraception vary by canton. In some cantons, LNG pills are partially reimbursed if you obtain them at special family planning centers.<ref name="ecec_switzerland" /> | |||
==Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)== | ==Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
=== | In Switzerland, there are no known travel or residency restrictions for people with HIV/AIDS. This means that you can enter the country, regardless of your HIV status, and you should not be deported if you test positive for HIV while you are in the country.<ref>[http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=171 SWITZERLAND - REGULATIONS ON ENTRY, STAY AND RESIDENCE FOR PLHIV]</ref> | ||
Generally speaking, Switzerland has a low HIV infection rate, and the rates have been dropping. In November 2018, it was reported that there were 20,000 living with HIV in Switzerland. There were 445 new cases of HIV infection in 2017, which was a 16% drop from the previous year. Women make up about 22% of diagnosed cases.<ref>[https://www.aids.ch/en/faq/hiv-test/statistics.php Statistics on HIV/AIDS]</ref> However, people with HIV report that they face stigma and judgment in Switzerland -- and, in some cases, they face harassment and discrimination.<ref>[https://www.thelocal.ch/20171129/report-hiv-positive-people-suffer-discrimination-in-switzerland Report: HIV positive people suffer discrimination in Switzerland]</ref> | |||
===Testing Facilities=== | |||
* [https://www.hug-ge.ch/en/ Hôpitaux universitaires (Geneva University Hospital)]: You can visit their [https://www.hug-ge.ch/en/sexual-health-and-family-planning Sexual Health and Family Planning clinic], which is a "free, confidential public service." They provide consultations, confidential HIV tests, and referrals. There is also Programme santé migrants (HUG), which is for low-income migrants. Address: Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil 4. Phone: 022 372 96 17 | |||
* [http://www.cite-generations.ch/ Cité Générations]: They provide anonymous HIV tests and may also test for other STIs. Route de Chancy 98, 1213 Onex. Phone: 022 709 00 35. | |||
* Camsco: They provide HIV and syphilis tests. For people in precarious situations, including uninsured people and migrants. Address: Rue Hugo-De-Senger; Tel: 022 372 53 11 | |||
* Checkpoint Genève: They provide tests for men who have sex with men. They also have post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Address: Rue du Grand-Pré 9; Phone: 022 906 40 30 | |||
=== | ===Support=== | ||
* [https://www.aids.ch/de/ Swiss AIDS Federation]: Address: Konradstrasse 20, Postfach, CH-8031 Zurich; Phone: +41 1 447 1111; Fax: +41 1 447 1112; E-mail: aids@aids.ch | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
* The cost you pay for a test will depend on the clinic that you visit, your economic situation, and your insurance situation. You can expect to pay anything from no cost to around 60 euros per test. | |||
* It is often cheaper to buy STI tests in a bundle (for example, buying an HIV and syphilis test in a bundle) than individual tests. | |||
==Medications & Vaccines== | ==Medications & Vaccines== | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
There is an HPV vaccine in Switzerland, and there are protocols for vaccination. You can visit the [https://www.aids.ch/en/faq/sti/human-papillomavirus-HPV.php Aids-Hilfe Schweiz website] for details. | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* You can obtain the '''HPV vaccine''' in Switzerland, and you can visit the [https://www.myvaccines.ch/login.html My Vaccines website] to manage your online booking of the vaccine. In addition, Switzerland has a nationwide HPV vaccination program, which was launched in 2008, which targets adolescents.<ref>[https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/CHE.pdf Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases Report - SWITZERLAND]</ref> | |||
* You can obtain '''PrEP''' in Switzerland at certain clinics and health care facilities, which are listed [https://www.drgay.ch/de/wichtige-adressen/notfall-kontakte#emergency_types=83954®ion=all here]. It is generally quite expensive to purchase PrEP in Switzerland, so people often purchase PrEP online or in other European countries.<ref>[https://myprep.ch/en/ Are you on PrEP]</ref> | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* You can find '''pads/pantyliners''' in Switzerland. | |||
* You can find '''tampons''' (with and without applicators) in Switzerland. | |||
* You can find '''menstrual cups''' in Switzerland. For example, you can find Lunette and Mooncup sold in a variety of pharmacies, along with other brands. You can also purchase menstrual cups from online vendors, such as [https://www.afriska.ch/ Afriksa], [https://ladyplanet.ch/de/ladycup Lady Planet], [http://tampon.ch/ Tampon.ch]. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
==Gynecological Exams== | ==Gynecological Exams== | ||
In Switzerland, there are many gynecologists and women's health centers to choose from -- and you can browse resources like [https://www.doktor.ch/gynaekologen/index.html doktor.ch] to select your provider. It is common for clinic staff to speak many languages, including German, French, and English. | |||
Generally speaking, Swiss health insurance covers the following: a breast examination, a blood pressure check, a blood test and urine test, and a pap test (i.e. a cervical cancer screening).<ref name="internations_swisshealth" /> | |||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
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===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
* If you have a Swiss health insurance policy, and if you're between teen years and 69 years old, gynecological exams are covered by your insurance.<ref name="internations_swisshealth" /> | |||
* Typically, the excess fees of first two checkups, plus a retention fee, are included in a yearly bill. After that, checkups are paid every three years.<ref name="internations_swisshealth" /> | |||
==Pregnancy== | ==Pregnancy== | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
Switzerland has a low maternal mortality rate (5 deaths/100,000 live births, as of 2015)<ref name="ciaworldfactbook_switzerland" /> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Switzerland, abortion is fully legal and available upon request in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. After the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, abortion is legal in certain circumstances.<ref name="angloinfo_switzerlandabortion">[https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/switzerland/healthcare/pregnancy-birth/termination-abortion Termination of Pregnancy/Abortion in Switzerland]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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==List of Additional Resources== | ==List of Additional Resources== | ||
* [https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home.html Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)] | |||
* [http://www.sante-sexuelle.ch/ SEXUAL HEALTH Switzerland (SANTÉ SEXUELLE Suisse)]: "SEXUAL HEALTH Switzerland (SANTÉ SEXUELLE Suisse) is the umbrella organisation of the Swiss centers for sexual and reproductive health and the professional associations active in the areas education and counselling on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). SEXUAL HEALTH Switzerland runs a total of three offices in the French, the German and Italian speaking region of Switzerland." | |||
* [http://www.equaldex.com/region/switzerland Equaldex - Switzerland]: Click here to learn about LGBTQ rights and laws in Switzerland. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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