Frequently Asked Questions

There's a common myth that only men should think about condoms, but that couldn't be more wrong. Protection is a shared responsibility. Sexual health is about partnership, communication, and mutual respect. Women and girls have every right and every decision to take part of their sexual health. And here is something many don't realize that they are also female condoms. They give women more control, more choice, more power to protect themselves. Using condoms isn't only a man's job. It is a team effort. When both partners make safety a priority, everyone wins. Healthier relationship, stronger trust, and peace of mind.

Many people out there believe if a person is looking healthy, they can spread HIV or they can't be positive. But that's also a myth. The only way you can know of someone's status is either they have disclosed to you that they are living positive or after going for a test with them and they share with you the results, which are either positive or negative. So it's most important that you get to know your status. Remember, being positive is not the end of life. You can still live to achieve your goals as long as you adhere to treatment and follow the doctor's prescriptions.

Can HIV be spread through saliva? No. However, deep kissing can pose risks if both partners have open or bleeding gums, which is extremely rare. But the most important thing is the first step to a healthy relationship is to visit a health facility, get tested together with your partner and live a normal life.

Some people believe that you can wash and reuse a condom, but this is completely false. Condoms are designed for one time use only. Once a condom is used, it weakens and loses its protective ability. Washing it doesn't restore it, and reusing it puts you at greater risk of acquiring HIV, STI, and also getting unended pregnancies. It's a safety tool meant to protect you once and throw it away for safety. I know it's cost concern but many clinics and facilities provide these condoms for free. Come at the teenage center and pick for yourself free condoms for your own safety.

Most people say they don't need a condom with a person they trust. Trust only will not save you from contracting HIV, contracting STI like gonorrhoea, syphilis, candida and many other illnesses. And also it will not save you from unwanted pregnancies. So making sure that you test for HIV is a way to prevent yourself from contracting the disease and also using a condom correctly keeps you safe from STI and unwanted pregnancies.

Consent is freely given, enthusiastic, ongoing agreement to engage in sexual activity. It can be withdrawn at any time, must be given by someone capable of consenting, and is essential for healthy, respectful sexual relationships. Consent cannot be given when someone is intoxicated, unconscious, or under pressure.

Open, honest communication is key. Discuss sexual history, STI testing, contraception preferences, boundaries, and consent before becoming sexually active. Choose a comfortable, private setting and approach the conversation with respect and without judgment.

Some people believe prayer or traditional medicine can cure HIV, but this is not true. HIV has no cure; it is managed with antiretroviral treatment (ARVs), which control the virus and protect the immune system. ARVs do not cure HIV. Anyone who believes they are healed should get a confirmatory test at a hospital, and no one should stop treatment without a doctor’s guidance.

Muvubuka offers comprehensive SRHR services including educational resources, peer counseling, professional health worker consultations, service location assistance, community forums, and 24/7 AI chatbot support for immediate questions.

Yes! All Muvubuka services are completely free of charge. We believe that access to SRHR information and support should not be limited by financial barriers.

Absolutely. Your privacy is our top priority. All conversations with counselors are confidential, and we use industry-standard encryption to protect your data. We never share personal information without your explicit consent.

Use Muvubuka's service locator feature to find nearby health centers, or contact our helpline at 0800311222. You can also ask for referrals through our counseling services or visit local health facilities directly.

Contraception refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy. Available methods include barrier methods (condoms), hormonal methods (pills, injections), intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, and natural family planning. Each method has different effectiveness rates and considerations.

Effectiveness varies by method: IUDs and implants are over 99% effective, hormonal methods are 91-99% effective with perfect use, barrier methods like condoms are about 85% effective with typical use. Consult with a healthcare provider to choose the best method for you.

Emergency contraception (morning-after pill) can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It's most effective when taken within 72 hours but can work up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. It's not intended for regular use.

STIs are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV. Many STIs can be prevented with barrier methods like condoms and treated if detected early.

Use barrier methods like condoms consistently and correctly, limit your number of sexual partners, get regular STI testing, communicate openly with partners about sexual health, and consider vaccination for preventable STIs like HPV.

Testing frequency depends on your risk factors. Generally, sexually active individuals should get tested annually, or more frequently if you have multiple partners, unprotected sex, or symptoms. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Your first visit will include a health history discussion, physical examination if needed, STI testing if appropriate, contraception counseling if desired, and answering any questions you have. Healthcare providers are trained to make you feel comfortable and respected.

See a provider if you're sexually active, experiencing unusual symptoms, want contraception, need STI testing, have menstrual irregularities, are planning pregnancy, or simply have questions about your reproductive health.

Take a pregnancy test, which can be done at home or at a healthcare facility. If positive, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss your options, which may include continuing the pregnancy, adoption, or abortion, depending on your circumstances and local laws.