Unwanted pregnancies are a significant issue in South Africa, leading to many girls dropping out of school, trapping them in a cycle of poverty, and leaving them stigmatised by society.
A recent report by the Guttmacher Institute revealed that around 65% of all pregnancies in South Africa between 2015–2019 were unintended. Over this period, there were a total of nearly 2 million pregnancies annually, of which, almost 1.3 million were unintended and over 450,000 ended in abortion.
One of the major factors contributing to unwanted pregnancies is the lack of confidentiality, access, and affordability when it comes to obtaining safe contraceptive options. Understanding this, a new healthtech company, Contro, has stepped in to offer an online service that makes obtaining advice from registered doctors on the correct contraception method easily accessible, discreet, and affordable.
“When assessing patients, our processes and our Partner Doctors don’t only consider the individual’s health, but also their financial capabilities to ensure the correct method, type, and brand of birth control is prescribed for the individual’s body, budget, and lifestyle,” says Alex Schmid, Contro Founder and CEO.
Birth Control Should Be Accessible, Convenient, and Affordable for All.
The ability to access and use safe and effective birth control methods has the potential to positively impact the lives of women across South Africa and beyond.
- Family planning: Contraception allows women to plan and space their pregnancies, which can improve their health, the health of their children and their family’s lives.
- Improved health outcomes: Contraceptives can reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as ectopic pregnancy, ovarian and endometrial cancer.
- Better educational and career opportunities: By preventing unintended pregnancy, contraception can allow women to pursue their education and career goals without interruption.
- Improved relationships: Contraception can improve relationships by reducing conflict and stress related to unintended pregnancy and allowing partners to plan their families together.
- Increased autonomy and empowerment: Contraception gives women control over their reproductive health, allowing them to make decisions about their bodies and their futures.
- Reduction of poverty: By allowing women to plan and space their pregnancies, contraception can help reduce poverty by improving women’s economic stability and reducing the burden of caring for multiple children.
How Does It Work?
Get your birth control delivered to your door each month, from R150 p/m with medical aid or from R240 p/m without.
Book a virtual consultation with one of Contro’s specialist Partner Doctors, and receive private and discreet care, from the comfort of your home.
After your consultation, Contro’s Partner Pharmacy will ship your medication to you every month anywhere in South Africa at no additional cost. Plus, your treatment is discreetly delivered in plain packaging with a security seal.
Contro’s mission is to allow women to take control of their reproductive health, bodies and futures on their terms. Contro offers a unique and affordable solution by providing discreet reproductive healthcare through the use of technology to ensure access to contraception and in turn, to a future with choice.
Visit www.contro.co.za for more information.
