Hanoi: Difference between revisions

As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has many women's health resources. Contraceptives, including emergency contraceptives, are legal and do not require a prescription. There are a plethora of pharmacies throughout the city though you may struggle to find certain international brands. Since the 1960s, the North Vietnamese government has advocated family planning -- and, after reunification in 1975, family planning policies extended throughout the country. There is a 2-child policy that has remained in place for decades, although this policy seems to be on its way out (Note: It may have been removed in 2015... waiting for confirmation). Nowadays in Vietnam, you can get STI tests at many hospitals and clinics. However, if you're a foreigner or don't speak Vietnamese, it's recommended that you visit an international facility (list of such facilities below). You can find both pads and tampons, typically without applicators (like OB), at many markets and stores. Furthermore, abortion is fully legal for up to 22 weeks of pregnancy, and there are no known restrictions related to age or reasons. Due to its high prevalence, Vietnam has been called the "abortion capital" of Asia, a title that has also been given to [[China]]. You will find that both surgical and medical abortion options are available, and there are many resources, including international organizations like Marie Stopes, that can help you identify the appropriate services.

Birth control is legal and widely accessible in Vietnam. It is estimated that 73%-75% of Vietnamese women (of reproductive age) use some form of birth control.<ref>[http://www.dktinternational.org/country-programs/vietnam/ DKT International: Vietnam]</ref> Typically, you'll be able to find oral contraceptive pills, IUDs, injectables (Depo Provera) and Implanon. The most commonly used forms of modern contraceptives tend to be IUDs and condoms. However, it is estimated that approximately 54% of Vietnamese women use modern methods of birth control; the remaining percentage use older methods, like withdrawal, the rhythm method or periodic abstinence.<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/about/journals/ipsrh/2002/12/accessibility-and-use-contraceptives-vietnam Accessibility and Use of Contraceptives in Vietnam]</ref>

* International SOS Clinic in Hanoi administers tests for HIV, STIs, hepatitis. Address: 51 Xuan Dieu (behind Fraser Suites), Tay Ho Quang An, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel: +84 4 3934 0666 Email: infovn@internationalsos.com

*[http://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/en/location-contact-us/hanoi/ Family Medical Practice Hanoi]: Tests STIs including HIV and hepatitis. Does rapid tests. Also has access to PEP. Address: 298 I Kim Ma Street, Van Phuc Compound, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam, Tel: +84 4 3843 0748, Fax: +84 4 3846 1750, Email: hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com

* [http://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/en/location-contact-us/hanoi/ Family Medical Practice Hanoi]: Tends to have more international selection of medications and accommodates foreigners. 298 I Kim Ma Street, Van Phuc Compound, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel: +84 4 3843 0748. Fax: +84 4 3846 1750. Email: hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com.

** [http://www.lintimate.com Lintimate] is a social enterprise that officially distributes US-made FDA-approved menstrual cups (otherwise known as [http://www.lintimate.com cốc nguyệt san] in Vietnamese) under their flagship brand - Lincup. This is the only menstrual cup distributor that qualifies to enter pharmacies in Vietnam. They have a 24/7 hotline with english speaking operator: 091 151 2091 and can also be contacted via Lintimate's official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lintimate. Email: info@lintimate.net

* [http://theintimateinitiative.com/ The Intimate Initiative]: "A new and exciting social enterprise that promotes sexual health education and gender equality in Vietnam."