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Embracing Self-Pleasure: The Mental Health Benefits You Need To Know
Self-pleasure, also known as masturbation, is a natural and normal part of human sexuality. Yet, many individuals feel embarrassed or ashamed to discuss it openly due to societal norms and cultural taboos. It’s time to break down these barriers and challenge the stigma surrounding self-pleasure. By fostering open and honest conversations, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel empowered to explore and embrace their sexuality without judgment.
What are the Top Ten Benefits of Sex?
February is the month of love and what better way to celebrate it than by talking about the numerous health benefits of sex. Sex and sexuality are an essential part of everyone’s life and have multiple benefits for both your physical and mental health. It is sometimes...
10 Myths about the Contraceptive Pill
When researching birth control, it is important that you use reliable sources for information. Every pill has a different effect on every female body, and so it is important for you and your doctor to work together to determine the right pill for you. Our Partner...
Trichomoniasis: Everything You Need to Know
What is Trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is an STI which is often present alongside other STIs and is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Although symptoms vary, most of those who have the parasite wont know they are infected. How does a...
Breaking Down the Outrageous Pink Tax: Unveiling Gender-Based Pricing Disparities
Pink Tax is a term that describes that products and services specifically targeted toward women tend to be more expensive than the nearly identical products and services for men. It is not an actual tax that has been implemented by the government, but rather it is...
Genital warts 101
What is Genital Warts? Genital warts are a STI and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and affects both women and men, but women are more vulnerable to complications. How does a Genital Warts infection occur? Unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex; Sharing...
Can Eating Cranberries Help you Avoid Getting UTIs?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common type of infection which can affect your urethra, kidneys, or bladder (your urinary system). They can affect both men and women; some people may get them frequently throughout their lifetime. Common Symptoms of a UTI...
Hormone Health: 6 Tips to Balance your Hormones the Natural Way
Hormones are chemical messengers that take information around your body via your bloodstream. They regulate physiology and behaviour, ensuring our body is functioning properly, and affect all aspects of our health and well-being. It is natural for hormones to become...
Gonorrhea: Everything You Need To Know
What is Gonorrhea? Gonorrhea is a STI that can infect both men and women. It’s caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can cause infections in warm, moist areas of the body such as the genitals, rectum, and throat. How does the infection occur? This STI is...
Why are we still embarrassed to talk about Periods?
Periods! Periods! Periods! They’re a natural, biological function that half of the world’s population experience during their lifetime. Yet the word often makes many of us feel embarrassed or even ashamed. There is an undeniable stigma associated with female menstrual...
Syphilis: Everything You Need To Know
What is Syphilis? Syphilis is an STI caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. There are four stages of the infection: Primary Secondary Latent; and Tertiary. Syphilis is most infectious in the primary and secondary stages (the first two stages). When it is in the...
Do Hair Loss Shampoos Work?
Hair loss shampoos are often the first treatment option for individuals experiencing hair loss, as they are easy to use and can be incorporated into a daily hair care routine. However, the question remains whether these shampoos are effective in preventing hair loss...
6 Common Myths about Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects young and old men everywhere. It is estimated that in South Africa, 4 out of 10 men, both young and old, suffer from ED. Erectile dysfunction happens when a man is unable to get or keep an erection that is...
Porn-induced ED
Did you know that watching an excessive amount of porn can be a cause of erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. Healthy and sexually active men are finding that they are struggling...
The Shocking Truth About STIs and Infertility
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, with over 1 million STIs acquired every day worldwide and where the majority are asymptomatic. In South Africa, the prevalence of STIs is also high. Fortunately, most do not pose any threats as long as they are...
Can bubble baths cause thrush?
When you hear the words bubble bath, usually the first things you probably think of include relaxing the body and mind, wine in hand and reading a book. However, the bad news is that they may not be as great for your vaginal health. Thrush and bubble baths are...
7 Reasons Why Women are getting their Birth Control Online
The world is stepping away from brick-and-mortar retailers and moving towards a reliance on online shopping for daily needs. In the UK and the US, Amazon has become a way of life, delivering everything from your weekly shop to your new TV, even offering same-day...
8 Ways to Take Better Care of your Vagina
There are lots of dos and don’ts out there on how to best look after your vagina. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to sift through the internet. Here’s our list of 8 simple steps you can do to take better care of your vagina. Firstly, let’s quickly define...
Navigating the Birth Control Conversation: 6 Tips for Couples
Just because you're the female in a relationship doesn't mean birth control just involves you, and it’s important that both you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to contraceptives and family planning. Whether you’re in a new relationship, looking for...
Introduction to the Contraceptive Pill
All women should have the choice to protect their bodies and manage their lives and futures through the use of contraception. So, you’re thinking about contraception. The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you are currently sexually active or intend to...
Shocking Historical Myths about Periods
The taboos sometimes surrounding a woman’s period today are nothing new, in fact, negative attitudes towards them can be found all throughout history. The lack of medical understanding surrounding a woman’s menstrual cycle and their hormones has often made periods the...
Chlamydia: Everything You Need to Know
What is Chlamydia? Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs that can be contracted by both men and women. If left untreated it can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system making it difficult or even impossible to get pregnant. It is caused by the...
Period Poverty in South Africa
The average woman will approximately menstruate for 3,000 days or more than 8 years in her lifetime. Periods are a monthly reality and a normal occurrence for most women and girls. However, for those who live in poverty, having a period can be stressful and shameful....
Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common concern that affects individuals of all backgrounds and ages. At Contro, we understand the importance of addressing your questions and concerns about hair loss. In this blog post, we'll provide you with comprehensive answers to frequently asked...
Genital Herpes: Everything You Need to Know
What is Genital Herpes? Genital Herpes is a STI that causes herpetic sores around the mouth, anus and/or genital area, which are painful blisters (fluid-filled bumps) that can break open and ooze fluid. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that cause...
4 Common Vaginal Infections: UTI, STI, BV and Thrush
We’ve all been here before. It starts with an uncomfortable itch. And we are left wondering ‘Oh no, what is it this time?’. Vaginal infections are not fun or pleasant. After experiencing the first symptoms, we often spend the next few days hoping it will go away on...
The basics you should know before starting the contraceptive pill
Before starting the contraceptive pill and using Contro’s service, it is important that you understand what this method of birth control is, how it works and the advantages and risks you should be aware of. To make this simple, we’ve broken down the key facts you need...
