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[[ File:Flag of Vietnam.svg.png|400px | thumb|right|]]
[[ File:Flag of Vietnam.svg.png|400px | thumb|right|]]


[[File:Flag of Vietnam.svg.png|300px | thumb|right]]
'''OVERVIEW'''


'''OVERVIEW'''
Vietnam 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.


==Contraception (Birth Control)==
==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 [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control here]. It is recommended that you consult with a health practitioner to determine the best contraceptive choice for you. If you want to find which hormonal contraceptives are available by brand, manufacturer or country, click [http://contraceptive.ippf.org/search here].


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===


[[File:Contraceptivefilmvietnam.jpg|300px | thumb|left|'''Spermicide found in Hanoi pharmacy (Hoan Kiem district)''']]
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>


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>
Since 1963, Vietnam has had some form of population control. This began under the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), when the government advocated capping families at two to three children. After reunification of Vietnam in 1975 under the communist government, family planning policies extended throughout the country. Ultimately, a 2-Child Policy was implemented in 1983. During the 1980s, the Vietnamese government provides incentives for those who followed the policy, like contraceptive availability, and those who did not, like enforcing penalties. The government also took cue from the Chinese government's stance by encouraging its citizens to get married later and to space out children 3-5 years apart. This policy is currently being reconsidered but seems to remain in place.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-child_policy Wikipedia: Two-child Policy]</ref>


Since 1963, Vietnam has had some form of population control. This began under the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), when the government advocated capping families at two to three children. After reunification of Vietnam in 1975 under the communist government, family planning policies extended throughout the country. Ultimately, a 2-Child Policy was implemented in 1983. During the 1980s, the Vietnamese government provides incentives for those who followed the policy, like contraceptive availability, and those who do not, like enforcing penalties. The government also took cue from the Chinese government's stance by encouraging its citizens to get married later and to space out children 3-5 years apart. This policy is currently being reconsidered but seems to remain in place.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-child_policy Wikipedia: Two-child Policy]</ref>
Despite widespread contraceptive use in Vietnam, there is limited knowledge of all methods. According to one study in the late 1990s: "Several contraceptive methods, such as the pill and the condom, are not widely used even in urban areas, where they are easily obtainable. A study on oral contraceptives in Vietnam indicated that the major reason women who had used modern contraceptive methods had never used the pill was that they did not know about the method. If this lack of information is the result of the strong campaigns conducted in Vietnam in the 1980s to promote IUD use and in the mid-1990s to promote sterilization, contraceptive use depends not only on availability but also on the intensity of promotion. Thus, along with availability of contraceptives, access to information on individual methods could reduce the bias in Vietnam toward urban areas and toward IUD and traditional contraceptive use."<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/about/journals/ipsrh/2002/12/accessibility-and-use-contraceptives-vietnam Accessibility and Use of Contraceptives in Vietnam]</ref>


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
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===Costs===
===Costs===


[[File:Victoriavietnam.jpg|300px | thumb|right|'''aseVictoria - an emergency contraceptive that can be purchased in Hanoi''']]
For Depo, it's reported that the Hanoi Family Program does it for 300,000 dong. Supposedly, the French Vietnamese hospital does it for 7 million dong. For IUD, you can expect to pay between $100-$400.


==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)==
==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)==


''Dedicated Products / Anti-Progestin
'''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) For combined pills, 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].
Take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex:''
 
* Ciel EC (this is only available in Vietnam, so it seems to be a Vietnamese brand)
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
* Mifestad 10 (this appears to be a Vietnamese brand)


In Vietnam, emergency contraception is available directly from pharmacists without a prescription. There appears to be no age restrictions. However, if you want to purchase certain EC brands, like ella, Ciel EC and Mifestad 10 you may need a prescription.<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/vietnam/ EC Status and Availability: Vietnam]</ref>
In Vietnam, emergency contraception is available directly from pharmacists without a prescription. There appears to be no age restrictions. However, if you want to purchase certain EC brands, like ella, Ciel EC and Mifestad 10 you may need a prescription.<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/vietnam/ EC Status and Availability: Vietnam]</ref>
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Generally, Vietnamese pharmacists support EC usage but lack proper understanding of its usage and side effects. According to one study: "A series of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews conducted in 1995-96 with hospital-based family planning workers from Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, revealed widespread support for the concept of emergency contraception, but a lack of accurate information about method use. Emergency contraception was regarded as especially appropriate for rape victims, unmarried adolescents, those not in a permanent union, and perimenopausal women. Providers from eight of the nine hospital sites had heard of or used Postinor (a levonorgestrel-only regimen), while participants at seven sites were familiar with the Yuzpe regimen (ethinyl estradiol and either norgestrel or levonorgestrel) and postcoital insertion of a copper-bearing IUD. Providers typically learned about postcoital methods during medical school or at a continuing education seminar. However, even those aware of emergency contraception had substantial misinformation about dosages, intervals between doses, and the maximum length of time after intercourse that the regimen can be initiated. Moreover, they tended to exaggerate side effects and specify unnecessary contraindications. All participants expressed a need for more comprehensive training. Because these methods are often available from pharmacies, respondents urged that druggists be trained to counsel women about the correct use of emergency contraception and suggested that the regimens be specially packaged with clear, simple instructions."<ref>[http://www.ibisreproductivehealth.org/publications/knowledge-attitudes-about-ec-among-health-workers-ho-chi-minh Knowledge and attitudes about emergency contraception among health workers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam]</ref>
Generally, Vietnamese pharmacists support EC usage but lack proper understanding of its usage and side effects. According to one study: "A series of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews conducted in 1995-96 with hospital-based family planning workers from Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, revealed widespread support for the concept of emergency contraception, but a lack of accurate information about method use. Emergency contraception was regarded as especially appropriate for rape victims, unmarried adolescents, those not in a permanent union, and perimenopausal women. Providers from eight of the nine hospital sites had heard of or used Postinor (a levonorgestrel-only regimen), while participants at seven sites were familiar with the Yuzpe regimen (ethinyl estradiol and either norgestrel or levonorgestrel) and postcoital insertion of a copper-bearing IUD. Providers typically learned about postcoital methods during medical school or at a continuing education seminar. However, even those aware of emergency contraception had substantial misinformation about dosages, intervals between doses, and the maximum length of time after intercourse that the regimen can be initiated. Moreover, they tended to exaggerate side effects and specify unnecessary contraindications. All participants expressed a need for more comprehensive training. Because these methods are often available from pharmacies, respondents urged that druggists be trained to counsel women about the correct use of emergency contraception and suggested that the regimens be specially packaged with clear, simple instructions."<ref>[http://www.ibisreproductivehealth.org/publications/knowledge-attitudes-about-ec-among-health-workers-ho-chi-minh Knowledge and attitudes about emergency contraception among health workers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam]</ref>


''Oral Contraceptives used for EC / Progestin-Estrogen Combined
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
Note: in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used
Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later:''
* FMP


[[File:Victoriavietnam.jpg|300px | thumb|right|'''aseVictoria - an emergency contraceptive that can be purchased in Hanoi''']]
[[File:Victoriavietnam.jpg|300px | thumb|right|'''aseVictoria - an emergency contraceptive that can be purchased in Hanoi''']]
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===Costs===
===Costs===


There is no PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) in Vietnam. The closest country that appears to have this is [[Thailand]].
==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 [https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/post-exposure-prophylaxis/ 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 [http://www.whatisprep.org/ here].
'''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 [https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/post-exposure-prophylaxis/ 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 [http://www.whatisprep.org/ here].
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===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===


* Ford Foundation: Phone: 976 0164 , Fax: 976 0163 , E-mail: l.messersmith@fordfound.org, Contact person: Lisa Messersmith (Programme Officer)
'''Note''': "There is a decree requiring HIV positives to report to the immigration officer. However, the ordinance is not applied. None of my friends have ever declared their condition. Therefore, we don't know what would happen if somebody would actually do it!"<ref>[http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryCode=VN VIETNAM - REGULATIONS ON ENTRY, STAY AND RESIDENCE FOR PLHIV]</ref>
* NGO Resource Centre: Phone: 832 8570, Fax: 832 8611, E-mail: NGOCentr@netnam.org.vn, Contact person: Michelle Brown (Co-Director)
* Ho Chi Minh City AIDS Committee: 4b Ngo Van Nam - Q1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Phone +84 8 822 6675, Contact person: Jamie Uhrig (freelance consultant) , E-mail: jamie@hcmc.netnam.vn
* Family Health International (FHI): Works to strengthen governmental response to HIV/AIDS, expand prevention and education programs and support community-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
* Institute for Social Development Studies (ISDS): Conducts research, advocacy, information dissemination efforts and trainings in gender, sexuality, social development and health.


'''Important Note:''' Avoid self-diagnosing or seeking treatment (before diagnosis) at a pharmacy. According to one study: "Even though 74% (51 of 69) of pharmacists and drug sellers know that they should not treat STD patients, in fact 84% (250 of 297) did treat. When they did treat, no one gave the correct combination of drugs for treatment by the syndromic approach, as only 12% (36 of 297) gave tetracycline or doxycycline, and of those who sold them no one gave them for a sufficient number of days. Quinolones were by far the most common drug given but are not recommended by the Vietnam Institute of Venereology..."<ref>[http://sti.bmj.com/content/76/4/299.full STD management by private pharmacies in Hanoi: practice and knowledge of drug sellers]</ref>
There are no known travel restrictions or requirements attached to any STI, including HIV, in Vietnam. For foreigners seeking work, especially teaching, there are some reports of schools asking for health checks (especially agencies that recruit from public ones). However, health checks are not required by authorities in order to receive a work permit.  


Today, there is no conclusive data on STI rate in Vietnam, with estimated infection rates ranging from 300,000 to 2 million annually.<ref>[http://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/plastic-bag-is-the-new-condom-vietnamese-injured-after-strange-safe-sex-practice-3468256.html Plastic bag is the new condom? Vietnamese injured after strange safe sex practice]</ref>
Today, there is no conclusive data on STI rate in Vietnam, with estimated infection rates ranging from 300,000 to 2 million annually.<ref>[http://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/plastic-bag-is-the-new-condom-vietnamese-injured-after-strange-safe-sex-practice-3468256.html Plastic bag is the new condom? Vietnamese injured after strange safe sex practice]</ref>
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


===What To Get & Where to Get It===
Regarding HPV, Vietnam has a vaccination pilot program in place.


There is no PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) in Vietnam. The closest country that appears to have this is [[Thailand]].
There is no PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) in Vietnam. The closest country that appears to have this is [[Thailand]].


* For details on PrEP and PEP, visit the "Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)" section of this page
There seems to be PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) in Vietnam: According to UNAIDS: " In such cases, there is PEP at some private clinics if the person can afford, such as the Family Medical Practice clinics in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City."<ref>[http://unaids.org.vn/en/frequently-asked-questions/ Frequently Asked Questions: Vietnam]</ref> Furthermore, "Mylan Pharmaceuticals donated a supply of tenofovir/emtricitabine tablets to provide free post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after high-risk sexual exposure to HIV in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City."<ref>[http://carmah.vn/partners.html Carmah]</ref>
* If you have a yeast infection, try to say "Nhiễm nấm âm đạo" (can someone confirm if this is correct?). If you go to a pharmacy, you can ask for "Canesten." This is basically the Asian version of Monistat. Note that you may receive a pill version, which means you have to insert pills into your vagina through an insertion device. The pills need to actually dissolve inside of you and, if they're clumpy at all, the pills may not work. So the pharmacists may also recommend that you buy some sort of vaginal lubricant/cleaner that will help dissolve and clean out the pills.
* If you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), you can try to say "nhiễm trùng đường tiết niệu," though we're not sure if this is accurate (can someone confirm?). If you go to a pharmacy, may be given Midasol at a Hanoi pharmacy. But first confirm that you have a UTI before you proceed wit medication.


===Costs===
====Testing Facilities====


* 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
* 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
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There are no known specific HIV treatment centers in Vietnam. But here are some resources in Hanoi and Vietnam:
There are no known specific HIV treatment centers in Vietnam. But here are some resources in Hanoi and Vietnam:


Please visit city pages for local recommendations, like [[Hanoi]] and [[Ho Chi Minh City]].
* Ford Foundation: Phone: 976 0164 , Fax: 976 0163 , E-mail: l.messersmith@fordfound.org, Contact person: Lisa Messersmith (Programme Officer)
* NGO Resource Centre: Phone: 832 8570, Fax: 832 8611, E-mail: NGOCentr@netnam.org.vn, Contact person: Michelle Brown (Co-Director)
* Ho Chi Minh City AIDS Committee: 4b Ngo Van Nam - Q1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Phone +84 8 822 6675, Contact person: Jamie Uhrig (freelance consultant) , E-mail: jamie@hcmc.netnam.vn
* Family Health International (FHI): Works to strengthen governmental response to HIV/AIDS, expand prevention and education programs and support community-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
* Institute for Social Development Studies (ISDS): Conducts research, advocacy, information dissemination efforts and trainings in gender, sexuality, social development and health.


'''Important Note:''' Avoid self-diagnosing or seeking treatment (before diagnosis) at a pharmacy. According to one study: "Even though 74% (51 of 69) of pharmacists and drug sellers know that they should not treat STD patients, in fact 84% (250 of 297) did treat. When they did treat, no one gave the correct combination of drugs for treatment by the syndromic approach, as only 12% (36 of 297) gave tetracycline or doxycycline, and of those who sold them no one gave them for a sufficient number of days. Quinolones were by far the most common drug given but are not recommended by the Vietnam Institute of Venereology..."<ref>[http://sti.bmj.com/content/76/4/299.full STD management by private pharmacies in Hanoi: practice and knowledge of drug sellers]</ref>
'''Important Note:''' Avoid self-diagnosing or seeking treatment (before diagnosis) at a pharmacy. According to one study: "Even though 74% (51 of 69) of pharmacists and drug sellers know that they should not treat STD patients, in fact 84% (250 of 297) did treat. When they did treat, no one gave the correct combination of drugs for treatment by the syndromic approach, as only 12% (36 of 297) gave tetracycline or doxycycline, and of those who sold them no one gave them for a sufficient number of days. Quinolones were by far the most common drug given but are not recommended by the Vietnam Institute of Venereology..."<ref>[http://sti.bmj.com/content/76/4/299.full STD management by private pharmacies in Hanoi: practice and knowledge of drug sellers]</ref>
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===Costs===
===Costs===


Pregnancy tests are widely available at pharmacies throughout the city. Pharmacies in tourist areas most likely have someone who speaks English.
==Medications & Vaccines==


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


To find clinics or hospitals where abortions are performed, visit city pages like [[Hanoi]] or [[Ho Chi Minh City]].
[[File:Canestenvietnam.jpg|300px | thumb|left|'''Canesten - yeast infection medication, which requires that you insert pills vaginally''']]


* For details on PrEP and PEP, visit the "Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)" section of this page
* For details on PrEP and PEP, visit the "Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)" section of this page
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