Untitled
Couple
Contraception
HIV
Rights
Pregnancy
Table of contents
Female genital organs
2
Male genital organs
4
Contraception
5
Your rights
13
Sexually transmitted infections
14
HIV
16
Pregnancy
18
Termination of pregnancy (abortion)
20
BroschĂĽre fĂĽr Migrantinnen in der Schweiz / Englisch / PLANES 2008
From one country to another, the forms of
contraception available, planning for
pregnancy, birth as well as sexuality talk vary.
This booklet on sexual health matters is for all
women immigrants in Switzerland.
We hope it will help you understand better
our practices and choose the right moment
for a pregnancy under the best circumstances.
Everywhere in Switzerland, you can be heard,
informed or counselled in family planning and
Aids prevention centers.
A list of useful contacts is available on the
website: www.isis-info.ch
Female genital organs
The outer part of the female genital organs (sex) is the vulva. It is
formed of labia (lips) which rim the vagina and the urethra. Urethra
is a thin tube which carries urine from the bladder. Passing over the
urethra is the clitoris, a small sensitive organ which plays an
important role in sexual excitement.
The vagina... …is a supple tube 7 to 10 cm long. It is where the man’s penis enters
during sexual intercourse. It is very elastic so it can stretch around the
baby during labour. It also carries the menstrual blood. Sexual desire
produces the lubrication of the vagina which facilitates penetration.
The hymen... …is a thin membrane partly open and situated at the entrance of the
vagina that women have when virgins. Its shape is different from one
woman to another. Some women do not have a hymen. Generally, it
breaks during the first sexual intercourse. Slight spotting may occur
in some cases.
Fallopian
tubes
Ovary
Uterus
Endometrium
Cervix
Vagina
2
It is where the foetus develops itself. It looks like a pear upside
Uterus or down. In the womb, a thin layer of mucous called the endometrium
grows each cycle. When you are pregnant, the endometrium forms a
Womb nest for the embryo but if fecundation does not take place, it is shed
through the monthly period.
The lower part which joins the vagina to uterus is called the cervix.
It is a small opening which allows the passage of menstrual blood
and spermatozoa. At birth time, the cervix and vagina open and
stretch to make a passage for the baby.
There are two ovaries, each about the size of an almond and its
Ovaries shape. They have two functions:
N They produce sexual hormones which regulate the cycle.
N They produce a mature egg cell once a month (ovulation).
… are two thin tubes between 10 to 15 cm long that connect the
The fallopian uterus to the ovaries which receive the ovules. The fecondation takes
place in there. The fertilized egg then goes down to the uterus.
tubes...
… is the time elapsed between the first day of the monthly period
The female and the first day of the next monthly period. The cycle can last from
21 to 35 days. Periods begin around the age of 11 to 15 and ends
cycle... between the age of 45 to 55. The end of the cycle is called the
menopause.
At each cycle women prepare themselves to an eventual pregnancy
by the growth of the endometrium. Ovulation takes place 15 days
before the next monthly period. Sexual intercourse around the time
of ovulation is the best moment to get pregnant.
Ovulation does not always happen at the same moment, the safe
period method is therefore not very reliable if you want to avoid a
pregnancy.
… you can take baths, showers and wash your hair. You can also
During have exercise and go swimming with tampons.
periods...
3
Male genital organs
The outer part of the male genital organs (sex) are the
penis and two testicles. The inner parts are the vas
deferens, the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles.
Vas deferens
Prostate gland
Seminal vesicles
Penis
Testicles
The ...have two functions:
N Constant production of spermatozoa from puberty until death.
N
testicles...
Production of male hormone.
From each testicle the vas deferens carry the spermatozoa to the
penis.
The penis... … allows the passage of urine and sperm. With sexual excitement, it
becomes rigid. This erection is caused by a flow of blood and it
permits the penetration of the penis into the vagina.
The sperm... …is constituted of spermatozoa and a liquid produced by the
prostate and the seminal vesicles. Ejaculation is when sperm spurts
out of the penis.
Important!
During erection and before ejaculation, the penis discharges a liquid
that may contain spermatozoa. Withdrawing before ejaculation will
therefore not keep you from getting pregnant. For the same reason,
if you use condoms, they must be put on before any contact
between the vulva and the penis.
4
Contraception
There is no perfect method of contraception. Therefore it is important that you choose a
method which is convenient to you and which corresponds to your needs.
In this booklet, you f ind a short presentation of different methods available in
Switzerland, their prices, effectiveness and how or where you can get them. You will get
further information in a family planning center (free) or at your doctor’s. Do not hesitate
to write down all the questions you have and take an appointment.
Vaginal ring It is a flexible ring which is fitted in the vagina and contains two
hormones similar to those produced by women.
N The ring is placed on the first day of the period and removed
3 weeks later on the same day.
N Periods come during the break and contraception is guaranteed
all the time.
N Insert a new ring after 7 days
N Important! The break must never be longer than 7 days!
Where to find it ? At any drugstore, with a medical prescription.
Price : Between 21.- and 25.-
The trans- It is a hormonal contraceptive containing two hormones similar to
those produced by women. It is a set of 3 patches which are stuck on
dermique the skin, one patch per week.
N After 3 weeks, take off the patch; periods come during the break
patch
and contraception is guaranteed all the time.
N Stick on a new patch after 7 days
N Important! The break must never be longer than 7 days!
Where to find it ? At any drugstore, with a medical prescription.
Price : Between 21.- and 25.-
3
Oestropro- The pill is a hormonal contraceptive. Taken everyday and at the
same time of the day it is very reliable. If you forget it for more than
gestative 12 hours after the moment you are supposed to take it, its
contraceptive effect is no more guaranteed.
Pill N Usually taken with a break of 6 to 7 days after 21 or 22 pills.
(Some pills are taken without a break.)
Periods come during the break and contraception is guaranteed
all along.
N Important! The break must not go on more than is prescribed.
Where to find it ? At any drugstore, with a medical prescription.
Price : Between 12.- and 20.-
N
Progestative
There is no monthly break: at the end of the pack you go on
directly with the next one, even in case of bleeding.
Pill N The monthly period may disappear, shorten or become irregular.
N It can be taken during breastfeeding.
N If you forget the pill for more than 12 hours, contraception is no
longer guaranteed.
Where to find it ? At any drugstore, with a medical prescription.
Price : 15.- per monthly course
IUD is a small plastic device about 2,5 to 3,5 cm long, either with a
Intra-uterus copper thread rolled around it or containing a progestative hormone.
It is fitted inside the uterus by a doctor. It has a nylon thread attached
device IUD to it with which the doctor can take the IUD out.
N The progestative IUD is changed every 5 years
N The copper IUD is changed every 3 or 5 or 8 years
N They are usually proposed to women who have already
undergone pregnancy
N See your doctor in case of any abnormalities, infection, pain or
missed periods
N IUD are fitted or removed in the course of a gynecological
consultation.
Where to find it ? At any drugstore, with a medical prescription.
Price : 80. - to 250. - plus the fitting.
6
Contraceptive The 3-month contraceptive injection (or Depo-Provera) is injected
every 12 weeks in a medical service.
injection N Contraceptive injections can sometimes cause irregular
bleeding which can reduce or often completely stop the
monthly period.
N Usually, when you stop Depo Provera, monthly periods come
back and you can become pregnant again but it is possible that
you have to wait a few months to recover both periods and
fecundity.
Where to find it ? At any drugstore, with a medical prescription.
Price : 35.- for the Depo-Provera, without the injection.
Hormonal The under-skin implant is placed and withdrawn by the gynecologist
under a local anesthetic. It is efficient during 3 years and efficiency
implant starts 8 hours after intervention.
N It is a short plastic stick containing a progestative hormone. It is
placed under the inner part of the arm.
N The implant can provoke irregular periodical bleedings or stop
them completely.
N Return to fertility is in principal immediate after the removal
of the implant.
Where to find it ? At any drugstore, with a medical prescription
Price : 330. - for the implant, plus fitting and removal by the gynecologist.
The female condom or Femidom is a thin membrane which you
Female place in the inner side of the vagina.
It can be placed a few hours before the sexual relation.
condom To be used for each sexual relation and put before penetration.
Where to find it ? Femidom can be easily bought at any drugstore or supermarket.
Price : About 10 fr. for 3.
7
Male Several sizes and models exist. Only those which have the “OK”,
“CE”, “MD” or “NF” symbol are safe. This method requires the
condom cooperation of your partner.
N Insist on using it for all sexual intercourse and even when you
have your periods.
N If it splits, slips or remains in the vagina, ask for an emergency
contraception to avoid becoming pregnant.
N For persons suffering an allergy to latex, polyurethane condoms
exist.
Where to find them ? At any drugstore or supermarket, without medical prescription.
Price : Between 0.50 to 2.-. each.
Male and female condoms are the only contraceptive devices
which protect against HIV
and other sexually transmitted infections.
Emergency Also known as “the morning after pill”. It is an emergency method
and must be taken whenever pregnancy is not desired.
contraception N If the condom splits or slips
N If you have forgotten the pill after a sexual intercourse
N After an unprotected sexual relation , including rape
N After using unreliable contraception methods.
It has to be taken as soon as possible, at the latest within 72 hours
(3 days) after having unprotected sex.
Where to find it ? At any drugstore without a medical prescription, for people over 16
years old. You can also ask for help at the emergency service at the
hospital, from your doctor or at the family planning center.
Price : Between 12. - and 30.-
8
Benzalkonium Spermicide is a chemical product which destroys spermatozoa. It is
placed at the bottom of the vagina before a sexual relation.
Spermicides Spermicide only works on contact.
The spermicide exists only as a tampon.
Read the instructions on the packet.
Where to find it ? At any drugstore, without prescription.
Price : About 30. - the pack of 6 tampons.
Diaphragm It is a circular dome made of soft rubber with a flexible rim. You can
put it yourself, making sure it covers your cervix. It must always be
and cap used with a spermicide.
Where to find it ? A medical consultation is necessary to determine which size of
diaphragm and to learn how to insert it. It can be bought at any
drugstore and used until it starts to wear.
Price : Between 30. - and 50. - each diaphragm.
This method is based on women’s observation of the signs that
Self - accompany the fecund as well as the unproductive times of women’s
cycles.
examination On fecund periods, you can either not have sexual relations or use a
method barrier contraceptive.
To become familiar with this method both partners need to be
motivated and to collaborate.
9
Ligature of the Fallopian tubes and vasectomy are the only
Ligature irreversible methods. These methods are very sure. It is the most
reliable method and is advised to couples who have decided not to
of the have any more children. Advice and information are available in
family planning centers for couples considering this method of
Fallopian contraception.
tubes
N Female sterilization.
(sterilization
The cycles follow up and
women have their normal
for women)
monthly period.
Women’s sexual life
Vasectomy
does not change.
(sterilisation for men)
N Male sterilization.
The vasectomy does not
change the quality of
intercourse, erection,
orgasm and ejaculation.
For a few weeks after
the sterilization a safe
method of contraception
should be used, until the
sperm no longer contains
spermatozoa.
Where to obtain For women : This is a surgical intervention performed by a surgeon
a ligature of the or a gynecologist and therefore hospitalization is necessary.
Fallopian tubes For men: It is performed in a outpatient sector by a urologist or a
or a vasectomy? surgeon.
Price : A ligature of the Fallopian tubes or a vasectomy are not covered by
the basic health insurance. The process for men is simpler and less
expensive. Ask your doctor’s advice.
10
Unreliable
If you want to avoid becoming pregnant,
methods
Do not use the following methods.
They are unreliable methods.
Calculating or Ogino-Knauss method...
... is not a very reliable method as a woman’s body is not a clock, and
therefore ovulation can be delayed by sickness, emotional shock and
tiredness.
Withdrawal method...
... is not a very safe method as the man may not be able to withdraw at
the right moment and because a secretion containing spermatozoa is
possible before ejaculation.
Spermicide ...
... a spermicide used by itself is not sure because its efficiency is
limited. It must always be used with a condom or a diaphragm.
Douching or vaginal shower...
... is not a very safe method as the spermatozoa are very fast and can
enter the uterus in a matter of seconds.
11
Questions - Answers
«Can I get Ligature of the Fallopian tubes and vasectomy are the only
irreversible methods.
pregnant After the 3-month hormonal injection, return of fertility happens
after about 5 months, but can sometimes take more than one year.
when I stop
contra-
ception ?»
What is No method is 100 percent efficient but efficiency depends on the
correct use of the contraceptive. Inform yourself precisely and
efficiency of follow the indications.
the different
Safest methods: women’ ligature of the Fallopian tubes and
men’ vasectomy, the 3-month hormonal injection Depo-Provera,
methods ?
IUD with progestative hormone, the hormonal implant
Very safe methods: the pill, IUD with copper thread, the minipill
Less safe methods: male and female condom, diaphragm,
benzalkonium spermicide
Not very safe methods: sympto thermalmethod
After delivery, ovulation may occur, therefore you can become
«Which pregnant straight after childbirth and before the return of your
periods.
contraceptive
If you do not want another pregnancy immediately use a
should I use contraception!
while breast- The following contraceptive methods do not reduce the flow of milk
and are not dangerous for the infant.
feeding?» N The condom
N The progestative pill (”minipill”)
N The contraceptive injection «Depo Provera»
N Six weeks after the birth, IUD with copper thread or with
progestative hormone, or the hormonal implant
N Benzalkonium spermicide
12
Your rights
Independently of your nationality and your legal status, you have the right to be informed
and taken care of. You have the right to understand all the explanations given by doctors.
Do not hesitate to ask questions and if necessary to write them down before your
appointments. If you have difficulties expressing yourself or understanding, you can take
someone to translate along with you. Certain services work with interpreters, inform
yourself.
You can be accompanied by a family member or a friend in all your visits at the doctor’s
or at the family planning center.
For women who have sexual relationships, it is advised to have
yearly gynecological check ups. If you don’t want to go to a male
gynecologist you certainly can find a female one in your region.
For contraception, it is up to you to find a suitable method and to
change it according to the course of your life and your beliefs.
In Switzerland one is obliged to have a health insurance. For
foreigners without a residence permit, it is also possible to get a
health insurance.
If you have a health ... the following charges are undertaken:
insurance...
Consultations: All medical and gynecological visits will be
refunded with the exception of deductible amounts and your
participation in charges.
Maternity: All visits to your gynecologist during pregnancy,
7 visits to the midwife, delivery charges, all the controls done by
the midwife during 10 days after delivery and 3 breast-feeding
consultations are fully refunded by the health insurance with the
exception of deductible amounts and your participation in charges.
Termination of pregnancy (abortion): All charges undertaken
for a pregnancy termination are refunded by the health
insurance with the exception of deductible amounts and your
participation in charges.
Contraceptives: All contraceptives (condoms, pills, IUD, etc)
are at your expense.
Any women having had a professionnal activity for at least
9 months before the childbrith, is in benefit of a maternity
allowance. The amount represents the 80% of the last salary and
is paid during 14 weeks.
If you do not have a ... enquire about the medical treatment that you will have to pay. In
health insurance... case of difficulties, you can refer to social services.
Benefits allowed in In some cantons, mothers or parents in need are entitled to benefits.
case of necessity: Get in touch with either family planning centers, Pregnancy
consultation centers or social services.
13
Sexually transmitted infections
N These infections are mostly transmitted during sexual
What are
intercourse from one partner to the other. They can affect the
genital organs as well as the other parts of the body.
sexually N Used properly, condoms provide a very effective barrier
transmitted
against most sexually transmitted infections.
infections? N Not treating infections or delaying treatment can have harmful
consequences on your health and fecundity. For most of them
efficient treatments exist.
There are many types of sexually transmitted infections.
Types of N Genital warts, Chlamydia, genital herpes, Gonorrhoea (or the
sexually
clap), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Syphilis (the pox), HIV
(Human Immunodeficiency Virus), genital herpes, hepatitis,
transmitted
crab lice, scabies...
infections
If any one of the above infections are diagnosed by your doctor, it is
How to important to advise your sexual partner(s). A medical check up is
necessary even if he (or she) has no symptoms.
avoid
Avoid sexual intercourse until the end of your treatment.
sexually
To avoid HIV transmission, follow SAFER SEX rules given in this
transmitted booklet.
infections?
14
Men and women can have different symptoms sometimes very
discreet, or even no symptoms at all.
If you observe the following symptoms immediately go to your
doctor or to a health clinic, a family planning or a HIV
consultation center.
N Spots, warts, rashes, sores blisters or pain in the genital area.
Women N An unusually thick or watery, cloudy or smelly discharge from
the vagina.
N A pain or burning sensation when you pass urine.
N Abnormal bleeding apart from the monthly period.
N Pelvic pain which is not related to the monthly period.
N Spots, warts, rashes, sores, blisters or pain in the genital area.
Men N A pain or burning sensation when you pass urine.
N A discharge from the penis.
Insist on using a condom
N if you change partners
N if you have several partners
whatever the method you use.
15
HIV
Aids is caused by HIV virus. It weakens the body’s immunity system
and its resistance to infections or other diseases. There is yet no
vaccine and actual treatments don’t totally eradicate the virus.
Prevention is the only mean to protect yourself from HIV.
N By sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) without a condom
How is HIV
with someone who has HIV.
N By using needles infected with HIV.
transmitted? N During pregnancy, at birth and while breastfeeding, a
seropositive mother can infect her baby.
N By transfusion of infected blood or by blood products. Today in
Switzerland there is almost no risk.
By following the rules of SAFER SEX:
How to N Insist on the use of condom for every vaginal or anal sex.
N Avoid cunnilingus (stimulation of the vulva by mouth and
avoid a HIV
tongue) during the monthly period.
N Avoid semen in the mouth and do not swallow it.
infection?
For those who inject drugs, always use your own material and never re-use it.
Warning !
Don’t forget that anybody can be an HIV carrier no matter how
much you know this person or whatever his/her well-to-do
appearances.
16
You can pass a test 3 months after the last unprotected sexual
How to relation. You do not have to be referred by your GP for the test.
Certain centers propose anonymous tests. You can also pass it at
detect your GP, at an Aids unit, at hospitals, and at certain family planning
centers.
a HIV A test now exists called the“ rapid-answer test”. It has to be made 3
infection? months after the last unprotected or badly protected sexual relation.
The price of the test varies between 30.- fr. to 90.- fr.
You pay for the anonymous test, other tests can be refunded by
health insurance.
Muammer Kotbafl / AIDS Savaflım Derne¤i / Istanbul
Male and female condoms protect you from HIV and sexually
transmitted infections.
Condom Put it on before penetration. Take the condom out of the pack carefully. Do not use
on the male side your teeth. Watch out for rings and sharp finger nails which can split the condom.
Hold the condom by the reservoir tip between your thumb and forefinger. No air
should be trapped in the tip.
Now place the condom over the penis head so that it can be rolled down the penis.
Use only the lubricants for condoms (without fat or oil). Never use body lotion,
massage oil or vaseline.
After ejaculation, the man must withdraw from the vagina before he loses his
erection.
Do not expose condoms to heat, sun and do not keep them in a wallet.
Use a new condom everytime you have sex and never re-use it.
17
Pregnancy
If your periods are late and you think you could be pregnant you can
use a pregnancy test just after a few day of delay. The test detects if
urine contains pregnancy hormone. You can buy a test kit at the
drugstore or super market, and do it yourself at home or have it done
at your GP or at certain family planning centers.
During ... it is better to have regular controls at the gynecologist or by a
midwife.
pregnancy You can get more information from a midwife on pregnancy,
... nutrition, delivery. She will also give you the necessary advices on
babycare, breast-feeding and baby nutrition. She will also visit both
you and your baby at home.
You can also prepare for childbirth by attending classes. These
courses can be taken in group with other future parents.
Certain drugs are not suitable for pregnant women. Find out from
your GP. Alcohol and smoking are harmful for the baby during
pregnancy and while breast feeding.
You can … while pregnant if there is no complications. In case of any doubts
talk to your midwife or your GP. Good communication between you
have sex... and your partner is the key to a harmonious pregnancy and will help
you to adapt your sexual life to the development of your pregnancy.
18
If you have any questions or problems during your pregnancy
Questions ? concerning your job, insurance, health, family life, money, etc get in
touch with a family planning center or Pregnancy consultation
center. You will be heard and advised in a discrete and confidential
manner. The consultations are free.
... and you are thinking of an abortion (termination of pregnancy)
If your talk to a trustworthy person without any delay. Many women have
faced this decision of whether keep on pregnancy or interrupt it.
pregnancy Family planning centers will inform you and answer all your queries.
Further information is available on this subject in the following
is chapter.
unintended...
19
Termination of pregnancy (abortion)
Under Swiss law, all pregnant women can obtain a medical
pregnancy interruption, which must take place within 12 weeks
following the beginning of the last monthly periods. If you consider
inter rupting your pregnancy, you should rapidly make an
appointment with a doctor or at a family planning center. You will
have to conf irm your decision by signing a written query for
termination of pregnancy saying that you are in distress.
If you are pregnant and cannot or do not desire to go on with the
pregnancy, contact a family planning center or your GP with no
further delay.
Hospitalization varies from 1 to 3 days. For early pregnancy, certain
medical cabinets, hospital centers or health clinics perform the
intervention without hospitalization.
Where to get In a Pregnancy advisory service, or a family planning center. You
information will find professional advice by people who are there to help you,
and help? listen to you, support you and give you the necessary information,
all which are free.
How does it go? The pregnancy interruption is performed in hospital or at a doctor’s.
It can be done in an outpatient sector.
The surgical method by aspiration is the most common one. A drug
method exists and can be taken within the first 7 weeks of pregnancy
(outpatient treatment of Mifégyne and prostaglandin followed by
several medical check-ups).
How much The termination of pregnancy (abortion) is a medical act and
does it cost? therefore the charges are undertaken by the insurance companies. If
you do not have an insurance, consult a pregnancy advisory service,
family planning center or the hospital’s social service.
20
Impressum
Impressum
Acknowledgements
BrochĂĽre fĂĽr Migrantinnen in der
Promotion Santé Suisse
Schweiz / Englisch :
OFSP
PLANeS Schweizerische Stiftung fĂĽr
UNFPA
sexuelle und reproductive Gesundheit.
Loterie romande
Lausanne, Neuauflage 2008
Fondation Stanley Thomas Johnson
Fédération des coopératives Migros
Caritas Suisse
Conception and Text
Canton de Genève
Aide Suisse contre le Sida
Catherine Stangl
Catherine Robbiani
Sonia Damián
New edition
Nurflen Demirkan-Güvenç
Susana Lara
With the support of :
Miradje Maliqi
Migesplus
Lutka Keller
Aide Suisse contre le Sida
In collaboration with OFSP Office fédéral
de la santé publique
Order
You can get this brochure free of charge at :
Graphism
Aids-Hilfe Switzerland
Anne Monard
www.shop.aids.ch
e-mail: shop@aids.ch
Kontakt
TĂ©l. +41 (0)44 447 11 11
PLANeS, av. de Beaulieu 9,
Case postale 1229, 1001 Lausanne
Languages available: German, French,
Tel. +41 (0)21 661 22 33
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info@plan-s.ch
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www.plan-s.ch
Tamoul.
Office Berne, Marktgasse 36
3011 Berne
Tel. +41 (0)31 311 44 08
Order
BroschĂĽre fĂĽr Migrantinnen in der Schweiz
Brochure pour les femmes migrantes
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