Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

• After stopping the injection, it usually takes 6-10 months to become pregnant
(reversibility of the method is delayed).
• Because of these side-effects some women give up using injectable contraceptives
which are one of the most effective methods of family planning. Emphasize that
these side effects are not signs of sickness.
• There are also some situations or conditions in which women should not use the
method. Thus, it is necessary for women to seek the services of a trained health
provider (such as a Family Doctor) if they are interested in using injectable
contraceptives.
[Note: A pre-prepared flipchart may be used to explain the method].
d) INTRA-UTERINE DEVICE (IUD) (20 minutes)
Explain that usually in rural communities, the health providers (family doctors) distribute
only condoms, pills and injectables. Other long-term family planning methods are
available in Family Planning clinics, hospitals and private clinics, and they must be
promoted.
Ask the group to name the methods for which women must be referred to a clinic, health
center or hospital. List them on the flipchart
• IUDs
• Voluntary surgical contraception
- Vasectomy
- Tubal ligation
Show packets of IUDs to the participants. Let them see how small the IUD is in
comparison to the uterine cavity of the women where it is placed.
Explain that:
• An IUD is a small plastic device (which may contain copper or progesterone
hormone) that is placed in the uterus of a non-pregnant woman where it acts as an
effective long-term but reversible contraceptive.
• The most commonly used IUD is a Copper T. The Copper T looks like the letter
“T. The stem of “T” is wound with copper wire. Two thin nylon threads are
attached to its lower end and lie in the vagina. The threads are very important for
a woman using an IUD: they allow her to check after each menstrual period to
verify that the IUD is still in place, and they allow a medical doctor to remove the
IUD from the uterus when necessary.
Briefly explain the method using the trainer document Intra-Uterine Device
(presentation) as a basis.
[Note: A pre-prepared flipchart may be used to explain the method].
Explain that Family Doctors usually know where to refer women for IUD insertion.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 4: FP Methods