Contraceptive shortage in South Africa fuels concerns over unproven methods — TimesLIVE
In South Africa, shortages of common oral contraceptives have raised concerns that women who cannot obtain their usual medications may turn to unproven methods. Experts warn of health risks and unintended pregnancy, TimesLIVE reports.
Supply recovery
Pharmaceutical company Aspen Pharmacare said it expects equivalent oral contraceptives to appear on the private market by the end of September following approval by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, Sahpra. The company attributed the disruptions to the decommissioning of a manufacturing facility in East London and lengthy regulatory procedures.
The restrictions affected Triphasil, Nordette and Microval. Pharmacy chain Clicks confirmed that Triphasil and Nordette remain in short supply at its pharmacies nationwide, but noted that the issue concerns only Aspen oral contraceptives. According to Clicks healthcare executive Graham Leon, alternatives from other suppliers are available, including replacements produced by Aspen.
South Africa's Department of Health said the availability of medicines affected by the disruptions remains stable, although supplies are limited. The department said Aspen is supplying approved alternative brands as needed until the current tender ends on September 30, 2026, while stocks are being distributed among provinces.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Doctors' warnings
Gynaecologist and obstetrician Zan Ngwenya stressed that the shortage is particularly concerning against the backdrop of declining contraceptive coverage in the country: South Africa's Health Ministry annual plan for 2026 indicates that the relevant rate fell from 60.7% in 2018/19 to 45% in 2022/23. According to her, without access to their usual method, women may stop using contraception altogether, including because of widespread myths about side effects.
Lufuno Mahado, a professor at the University of Venda's Faculty of Health Sciences, warned against homemade herbal mixtures, drinks and supplements marketed as pregnancy prevention methods. He also stressed that douching or attempts to wash out sperm after sexual intercourse are not contraception and may disrupt the vagina's natural bacterial flora. Ngwenya separately described advice to use lemon juice, ginger or a sponge with lemon juice as ineffective and not something that should be used.
Experts advise women who cannot find their usual medication to consult a healthcare worker or pharmacist to select an alternative and receive instructions on how to use it.
