Hong Kong: Difference between revisions

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Hong Kong is an incredibly international city with fantastic medical facilities. You can purchase contraception at pharmacies and tampons are relatively easy to find. However, you do need a prescription for emergency contraception (morning after pill). Furthermore, if you want an abortion, it can be rather expensive and must be done within 10 weeks of pregnancy. Due to these medical and financial restrictions, many Hong Kong women seek abortions in mainland China. Socially, the city is rather tolerant and open-minded. There are various feminist, gender studies and LGBT organizations.  

==Contraception==

While many generic oral contraceptives are available in Hong Kong, you may want to research some brands in advance. For example, the Yasmin/Yaz brand, which has been found to cause blood clots, is available with no pharmacist's/doctor's warnings in HK pharmacies, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Says the [http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/1857809/handle-care-hong-kong-health-expert-urges-more article], "When a female Post journalist tried to buy the pills at a popular Hong Kong pharmacy chain, no questions were asked; it was only when the journalist asked about their side effects, after purchase, that the pharmacist told her she should consult her doctor."

Some places to check out:

==Emergency Contraception==

'''Important Notes:''' The earlier you take emergency contraception, the more effectively it works. After unprotected sex, take EC '''as soon as possible'''. If you don't have access to EC, you can use oral contraceptives as EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC (so confirm they work as EC) 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages to work as EC (so get the proper instructions) 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) You must also take the pills as soon as possible.

In Hong Kong, you need a prescription to obtain emergency contraception at pharmacies. However, you can obtain EC from the Family Planning Association Hong Kong (FPAHK), family doctors and government clinics without a prescription. FPAHK also allows people to purchase in EC in advance, which they can store at home in case of emergencies. There is no confirmed data on age restrictions for EC in Hong Kong. If you do have a prescription, you can find EC at pharmacies. Note that, while Hong Kong is technically a part of China, it has different policies than mainland China (where EC is widely accessible).

'''Note:''' The most effective emergency contraceptive is currently [http://www.ellaone.com/ ellaOne]. It lasts up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Other EC brands are generally effective for 1-3 days with occasional protection for up to 5 days. So check to see if your country carries ellaOne. If your country doesn't carry ellaOne, copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy for up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, look for regular EC, which may sometimes protect you for up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective, and they should be taken as soon as possible.

* Fanda Pharmacy (near Pedder street in Central)

'''Important Note:''' 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 that may prevent HIV infection, and it may be available in your city (see below for details). Take PEP as soon as possible.

For low-cost or free STD tests, visit the 'Hong Kong Social Hygiene Clinics'. They medical check-up, treatment and counseling on STIs/STDs. All information is confidential. If you are 1) a holder of Hong Kong Identity Card issued under the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Chapter 177), except those who obtained their Hong Kong Identity Card by virtue of a previous permission to land or remain in Hong Kong granted to them and such permission has expired or ceased to be valid 2) a child who is an HK resident and 11 years old or 3) approved by the Director of Health, you can receive all services for free. If you do not fall under one of these categories, you will be charged.  

* [aids.org.hk Hong Kong AIDS Foundation] - Only tests for HIV/AIDS.. Clinic at 8 Chai Wan Rd5/F Shaukeiwan Jockey Club Clnc, Shaukeinwan, Phone:  852 2560 8528.  

* [http://www.std-hiv-clinic.hk/ Sexual Health Specialists] - Not clear from their website what they test for. But they seem LGBT-friendly, knowledgeable and very progressive so probably worth an email/call to find out. Phone number: (852) 3162 0001. Email: sexhealth@neohealth.com.hk.