Condoms last for a long time but you should always check the expiration date printed on the wrapper or box. Open condoms carefully so you don’t damage them, don’t use your teeth or scissors.

Yes. Condoms are very effective in preventing HIV and many other STDs when used the right way every time. Condoms may prevent the spread of other STDs like Human Papillomavirus (HPV, genital or venereal warts) or genital herpes, only when the condom covers the infected areas or sores.

All SMC’s condoms adhere to quality assurance. These include electronic testing, water leak test, air burst test and strength test.

No, reuse of any condom is not recommended. A new condom should be used every time you have intercourse.

Injectable contraceptive is for women and it can can protect couples from pregnancy for upto three months. It is a progestin-based (DMPA) short term reversible contraceptive known as Depo-Provera. It is widely available in Bangladesh both from the public and the private sector.

Contraceptive Injections (DMPA) has many advantages. Being a progestin only method, it can be safely used by lactating mothers and also by estrogen contra indicated women. It can be used immediately after delivery and within seven days after miscarriage or abortion. The injection prevents the risk of developing uterine tumors. It is reversible and protects pregnancy for up to three months.

SOMA-JECT is an SMC brand injectable contraceptive. It is Depo Medroxy Progesterone Acetate (DMPA) and it contains 150 mg progesterone in a 1 ml vial. It is administered through intramuscular route. It is 99.7% effective if taken properly (right dose and right schedule).

It is available at trained providers under SMC Blue Star Program. One can find their private chamber by looking at the branded Blue Star signboard in front of their shop

An IUD or intrauterine device is a long-acting reversible form of birth control that is highly effective (over 99%). It is a small “T” shaped device that is placed in uterus to help prevent pregnancy. It is hassle-free as no daily attention is required.

‘Relax’ is an SMC branded intrauterine device (IUD) that can provide long-term birth control. Relax is a small, T-shaped, copper-based device of the type IUD TCu 380A which is safe, effective for 10 years and completely reversible upon removal.

Relax IUD is not available in market or pharmacies; it is only available with trained doctors and some selected hospitals under SMC’s Pink Star program. Pink Star is a network of privately practicing graduate doctors who promote and provide long acting reversible contraceptives from their private facility. In addition, they are also offering family planning injectable (SOMA JECT – 3 months protection). One can call 16387 (SMC tele-counseling center) to find any doctor.

IUDs are also available at government hospitals, FP centers and some NGO clinics.

• Offers long-term contraception up to 10 years after insertion
• Effective immediately after insertion
• Fertility returns just after removal
• Non-hormonal so no chance of hormonal side effects
• Safe for lactating mothers
• Can be inserted in post partum (NVD and CS) period
• Can be used more than once and inserted following removal of the previous one (if desired)

Diarrhoea is the passage of loose or watery stools, usually at least three times in a 24-hour period. However, it is the consistency of the stools rather than the number that is most important.

Four clinical types of diarrhoea can be recognized:

*  Acute watery diarrhoea (including cholera): This lasts several hours or days, the main danger is dehydration, weight loss also occurs if feeding is not continued.

*  Acute bloody diarrhoea: This is also called dysentery, the main dangers are intestinal damage, sepsis and malnutrition; other complications, including dehydration, may also occur.

*  Persistent diarrhoea: This lasts 14 days or longer, the main danger is malnutrition and serious non-intestinal infection; dehydration may also occur.

*  Diarrhoea with severe malnutrition: the main dangers are severe systemic infection, dehydration, heart failure and vitamin and mineral deficiency.

During diarrhoea there is an increased loss of water and electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium, and bicarbonate) in the liquid stool. Water and electrolytes are also lost through vomit, sweat, urine and breathing. Dehydration occurs when these losses are not replaced adequately and a deficit of water and electrolytes develops.

The volume of fluid lost through the stools in 24 hours can vary from 5 ml/kg (near normal) to 200 ml/kg, or more. The concentrations and amounts of electrolytes lost also vary. The total body sodium deficit in young children with severe dehydration due to diarrhoea is usually about 70-110 millimoles per litre of water deficit. Potassium and chloride losses are in a similar range. Deficits of this magnitude can occur with acute diarrhoea of any aetiology.

Two main dangers of diarrhoea are death and malnutrition. Death from acute diarrhoea is most often caused by loss of a large amount of water and salt from the body. This loss is called dehydration. Dysentery is another important cause of death related to diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is worse in children with malnutrition. Diarrhoea can cause malnutrition and can make it worse because:

- Nutrients are lost from the body in diarrhoea,
- It may develop loss of appetite
- Mothers may not feed children during diarrhoea, or even for some days after the diarrhoea is better.

To reduce this malnutrition, additional foods should be given to children as soon as dehydration has been corrected.

Iron is an essential micronutrient for the body. It is a component of body systems that are involved in the utilization of oxygen. It forms part of hemoglobin, the red pigment in blood, which allows oxygen to be carried from the lungs to the tissues.

- Iron transports and stores oxygen in human body.
- Supports proper physical and mental growth of children.
- Aids in energy production and cell diffusion in human body.
- Helps the immune and central nervous systems.

Iron absorption refers to the amount of dietary iron one obtains from the food s/he eats. Healthy adults absorb about 15% of the iron in their diet.

Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron. The actual amount of iron a body absorbs depends on the amount of iron already stored in the body. When the body has low amounts of iron stored, it will absorb more iron from the foods eaten. When the body has a large amount of iron stored, the amount of iron it absorbs will decrease.

Iron Deficiency Anemia is a common condition that occurs when there is not enough iron in the body. It is the most common type of anemia. A lack of iron in the body can come from not eating enough foods that contain iron, bleeding, or not absorbing enough iron from food that is eaten.

The term anemia is used for a group of conditions in which the number of red blood cells in the blood is lower than normal, or the red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin — an iron-rich protein that gives the red color to blood — carries the oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

Children need to absorb an average of 1 mg per day of iron to keep up with the needs of their growing bodies. Since children only absorb about 10% of the iron they eat, most children need to ingest 8-10 mg of iron per day. Breast-fed babies need less, because iron is absorbed 3 times better when it is in breast milk.

A common time for iron deficiency is between 6 and 24 months of age. The adolescent growth spurt is another high-risk period.

Zinc is classified as an essential mineral. It is essential to over 180 biologic functions. Many foods rich in trace minerals contain zinc, with the highest amounts in meat products. Lesser amounts are found in milk, spinach, nuts, oats, rice and beans.

Many experts say that zinc deficiency is widespread. People living in poverty with diets low in zinc, especially children below five years of age, need zinc the most. Deficiencies result in poor wound healing because of zinc's role in cellular repair. Zinc deficiency also leads to slower growth. Most importantly, children with low levels of zinc are at increased risk for infection, severe infections and death.

Zinc is prescribed to treat and prevent diarrhea for children < 5 years of age.

Yes, zinc and ORS can be given at the same time when a child has diarrhea. Zinc is given once a day. Give the zinc at a time of day that is easy for you to remember and repeat every day for 10-14 days. ORS needs to be given throughout the day only as long as your child has loose or watery stools, but zinc should be given for the entire 10 to 14 days.

Use a calendar to keep track of your menstrual cycle. Mark each of the days of your period with an X. Calculate the length of your cycle by counting the days from the first day of bleeding in one period to the first day of bleeding in the next period. In addition to noting the days of your period, it is helpful to make notes about the flow, any pain that is felt, and changes in mood or behavior.

The presence of menstrual irregularities can be a sign of other health problems such as Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), Endometriosis, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Polyps, and Uterine fibroids. If left untreated, menstrual irregularities can lead to other conditions. These possible conditions vary depending on the type of menstrual irregularity and include endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the endometrium), low bone density, and iron-deficient anemia. It is important for a woman with a menstrual irregularity to consult to a doctor to determine the cause of the irregularity and to receive appropriate treatment as necessary.

According to studies conducted by the World Health Organization, the hygiene of female sanitary products is especially important to a woman, as the pelvis, uterus, vagina of a women’s body are all inter-connected, thus it increases the chances of bacterial infection if sanitary napkins of low hygiene standards or unhygienic clothes were used during the menstruation period.

Menstruation flow and secretion are highly prone to growth of bacteria; therefore sanitary napkins should be changed on a regular basis. It is strongly advised that a new napkin is used every 3-4 hours during the menstruation period.

Smile baby diapers are made from ingredients that are thoroughly tested and proven to be safe. The ingredients we use are common in most diapers and are used safely by millions of babies around the world every day.

Unfortunately, diaper rash is quite common. More than half of babies between the ages of 4 months and 15 months develop diaper rash, and nearly all babies will get at least one diaper rash before they are potty trained. Changing the diaper promptly after it becomes wet or soiled is the best way to prevent diaper rash.

Because babies come in all different shapes and sizes, diapers fit babies differently. Our diaper system was designed to achieve the highest level of leak protection. We measure thousands of babies' legs, bottoms, and waists to try to get a good fit that helps contain leaks. Sometimes leaks happen because the leg cuff or waist is a bit folded. Running your finger around the waist band and cuffs sometimes helps to ensure a better fit. Another reason for leaks is if there isn't enough absorbent material for baby’s urine output. If your baby is close to the upper end of the weight range of the diaper you are currently using, you may want to try the next size up diaper as there is more absorbent material in the larger diapers.

Newborns: Newborn babies require changing often, especially if they are breastfed. Our recommendation is every 3-4 hours during the day. 

Older Babies: As babies get older, they gain in bladder control. They tend to wet less often, in higher volume. We recommend that you change your baby's diaper every 6-8 hours.

However, Smile baby diaper can give a complete protection for 12 hours which will give the baby a good night’s sleep.