Sis, in South Africa we are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to contraception and safe sex. Sometimes we can get overwhelmed, neh? But don't be intimidated - with the right combination of protections you can enjoy a stress-free sex life; knowing you and your partner can get freaky and have peace of mind at the same time!
Chom, think of it this way - why would you only cover 50% of your bases, when in SA you can get all your protection needs met for Mahala? If you go outside in the sun, do you only put sunscreen on half of your body? Of course not, chom. We lather up head to toe mos. Melanoma? We don't wanna know her. The same thing goes with your sexual health. We wanna prevent unwanted pregnancy, nasty STIs and that sneaky-sneaky HIV. So We put our team on duty:
Condoms: The only protection against STIs. Used right, these stop nasty germs from moving between partners.
Injection or pill contraception: This keeps us baby-free till we are ready!
PrEP: This one is if or when we are in ‘at risk’ situations, chom. Sharing needles? Having sex with an infected partner. PrEP can keep you HIV-Free.
PEP: She’s for emergencies. You know how you take the morning-after pill for when you think you may be in danger of pregnancy - now PEP is like that, but for exposure to HIV. Same-same, they both only for sometimes, if other methods fail. With PEP, you will need to take repeat doses for 28 days, to be sure you're in the clear. It’s for those “Oops!” moments.
So, here’s the tea: condoms, PrEP, and PEP all do their part, but they work best together, not solo. For anyone who wants to be proactive – especially if you’re sexually active or dating – using a combination of these tools gives you peace of mind and covers you from all angles.
In Mzansi, clinics and some pharmacies offer all three options. Condoms are often free at clinics, and PrEP and PEP are available, sometimes at no cost, depending on the program. It’s a quick chat with a health provider, and they’ll guide you on which is best for you and help you get started.
So, babes, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here – it’s all about using what works for you and not being shy about layering up that protection. Taking care of yourself isn’t just smart; it’s responsible. Get your armour on.
Love,
Big Sis