Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Explain that the movement of the ring could be a little difficult at the beginning, but in
time this will be easier.
Distribute participants the Cue-card Standard Days Method (Cycle Beads). Check if they
have any questions and explain that this job-aid will help them to conduct discussion with
clients in their communities, using the drawings to explain the method.
Summarize:
• CycleBeads are based on a natural family planning method called the Standard
Days Method (SDM). This method is more than 95% effective when used
correctly.
• A woman can use this method if her cycles last between 26 and 32 days. To use it
effectively, the couple needs to avoid unprotected intercourse on days when the
woman can get pregnant.
II.
EVALUTION OF CLIENTS FOR SDM USING (20 minutes)
Ask participants:
‣ Who can use this method?
Note their answers on the flipchart
Possible answers:
• Women who have the cycles between 26 and 32 days
• Couples who jointly decided to avoid a pregnancy
• Couples able to avoid intercourse for 12 days (during the fertile perioad)
• Couples at no risck for sexually transmited infections
If the list provided with participants’ inputs is not including all the above criteria, add
them on the list and explain their importance. Emphasize that the method addresses to a
couple and is very important to ask woman questions which will help her to think about
method appropriateness for her and her partner.
Underline “cycles between 26 and 32 days” on the list. Remind participants what
menstrual cycles means.
Demonstrate how one can determine if the client’s menstrual cycle length is 26 to 32
days, using a list of questions and a calendar:
[Note to the trainer: prepare in advance a flipchart with one month calendar with big
figures, visible to all participants]
Ask the following questions:
• Do your periods usually come when you expect them?
• When was the first day of your most recent period? (note the day in the calendar
on the flipchart)
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RFHI Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 5: SDM