June 2025

What is Contraception? Contraception is the prevention of conception or prevention of pregnancy. There are different types of contraceptive methods and these can be classified as: How do contraceptives work? Contraceptive methods work in a variety of ways. Hormonal methods prevent ovulation to varying degrees depending on the type of method. They also thicken cervical mucus, thus impairing sperm passage into the womb. Others cause the lining of the womb to become thinner, thus making it less favourable for implantation. Barrier methods such as condoms, caps and diaphragms block sperms from meeting with eggs. The copper IUD prevents fertilization through toxicity to both the sperms and eggs. Female steriliastion blocks an egg that has been ovulated from passing along the fallopian tube into the womb. Vasectomy prevents sperms from getting into the ejaculate or semen. Contraceptive Choices Your contraceptive choice is best made in consultation with your doctor or nurse. It depends on a variety of factors, which may include: Age alone is not an absolute contraindication for use of any method of choice. However, certain factors may be taken into consideration with respect to age. Benefits of Contraception Use of contraception comes with many benefits for couples. Visit us at our Walvis Bay Practice or our Windhoek Practice for a more comprehensive discussion about your contraceptive choices with our gynaecologists.

Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which an individual realizes her/his abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. (WHO). Every year we celebrate Mental Health Day. This indicates how important mental health is for our well-being. Mental health is crucial during pregnancy and postpartum and women need good health during pregnancy and postpartum. Depression and anxiety are most common mental health problems in pregnancy and 10-15% of pregnant women are affected. Women who stop getting medication when they get pregnant have high risk of getting ill during pregnancy (up to 70% of women who suddenly stop anti-depressants because they are pregnant will get ill. Ask yourself: If you do have any of these emotions/feelings, please communicate with your Doctor Pregnancy symptoms can be confused with symptoms of mental illness Feelings during pregnancy might be mixed and confusing: When you have had a mental illness in the past, please, discuss this with your Doctor/ psychologist/psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Talk to your Doctor before stopping your medication. If possible, talk to your Doctor before pregnancy, but… many pregnancies are unplanned, therefore see your Doctor ASAP. You need to be well during pregnancy so that… How can I maintain mental wellbeing during pregnancy? Be more aware of your thoughts that will lead to your feelings and resulting in the way you act Don’t be embarrassed about any emotion/feeling, you are not alone, it’s not your fault, talk to your Doctor!!! Mental health is crucial for your wellbeing during pregnancy and postpartum.

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs only in pregnancy. It usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy. It resolves after the woman has given birth and blood sugar levels return to normal. In some women, pregnancy hormones make it harder for the body to use insulin hormone for control of blood sugar levels. They are unable to produce the extra insulin which is required. Therefore a higher than normal amount of sugar stays in the blood circulation. This causes gestational diabetes to develop. This condition may occur without the woman having any noticeable symptoms. In women with risk factors, screening for gestational diabetes with a special blood test called the oral glucose tolerance test is carried out around 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. Urine is checked for sugar at antenatal visits. Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes Certain factors increase a woman’s risk of developing this condition. They include: Gestational diabetes is associated with the following problems for the mother and her unborn baby Risks to the mother Risks to the baby Prevention and Treatment If a woman is overweight and obese, lifestyle changes that promote a healthy weight before pregnancy will reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Stopping smoking is also recommended. Treatment of gestational diabetes may involve dietary management and medications to control blood sugar. Regular check-ups are required to check the health of the mother and unborn baby Specialist care may be required.