As with so many things in KL, word of mouth is the best way to find a gynaecologist you feel comfortable with. There are both male and female doctors to choose from and many have trained overseas, usually in the UK or Australia. It’s usual to visit a gynaecologist for anything to do with sexual and reproductive health, so for example rather than having a cervical smear test at a GP practice, or visiting a family planning clinic for contraception, you would see your gynaecologist.

Contraception is widely available; you’ll find condoms in pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience stores and both oral contraceptive pills and emergency contraceptive (morning after) pills are available at pharmacies without prescriptions to women over 18. For other methods such as the cap, diaphragm or coil you’ll need to visit the doctor.

The majority of HIV and Aids cases in Malaysia involve injecting drug users, with 75% infected in this way. 90% of those infected are men. The government runs an awareness campaign which promotes the use of condoms as a means of preventing transmission in the general population. For more information about sexual and reproductive health see the Malaysian Aids Council website (www.mac.org.my) or contact the Federation of Family Planning Associations Malaysia on 03 5633 7514.