"Morning After" pills out selling condoms in Bulawayo

A snap survey conducted by ZimKasi news in Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe has concluded that abortifacient drugs are out selling condom sales and inversely condom usage has declined.

Counter drugs such as poponol and levonnelle, which can stop successful implantation of a human embryo in the womb if taken 72 hours after intercourse thus preventing pregnancy are out-selling orthodox contraception methods such as condoms.

It has become a cause for concern that the youth in particular, were risking their lives for the sensitivity of unprotected sex.  

Particular concerns are that morning after tablets do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV and could therefore could be an indirect fuel for the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Dumisile Ncube (19) said she used the tablets when she and her boyfriend sustained condom failure to guard against an unwanted pregnancy.

Another realisation however has been that free condoms provided by the government and non state organisations are less appealing to users because of the strong latex odour they have.

Top  brands of condoms such as Carex cost between three to four dollars while morning after tablets cost two dollars at most pharmacies.

The temptation to opt for the cheaper solution is therefore the main problem leading to morning after tablets being considered mainstream contraception rather than emergency contraception.

Due to this trend, the recent public HIV testing by ministers in a bid to fight the spread and stigmatisation of HIV may not have the desired effect.

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