Family Planning

óIf she has had unprotected sex in the past 5 days she can consider ECPs(see Emergency Contraceptive Pills, p. 45)Calendar-Based MethodsóóCycles are outside the 26–32 day range for Standard Days MethodIf she has 2 or more cycles outside the 26 to 32 day range within any 12months, suggest she use the calendar rhythm method or a symptomsbasedmethod instead.Very irregular menstrual cycles among users of calendar-basedmethodsSuggest she use a symptoms-based method instead.Symptoms-Based MethodsóóóóDifficulty recognizing different types of secretions for theovulation methodCounsel the client and help her learn how to interpret cervical secretions.Suggest she use the TwoDay Method, which does not require the user totell the difference among types of secretions.Difficulty recognizing the presence of secretions for theovulation method or the TwoDay MethodProvide additional guidance on how to recognize secretions.Suggest she use a calendar-based method instead.Questions and Answers AboutFertility Awareness Methods1. Can only well-educated couples use fertility awareness methods?No. Couples with little or no formal schooling can and do use fertilityawareness methods effectively. Couples must be highly motivated, welltrainedin their method, and committed to avoiding unprotected sexduring the fertile time.17Fertility Awareness Methods2. Are fertility awareness methods reliable?For many couples, these methods provide reliable information aboutthe fertile days. If the couple avoids vaginal sex, or uses condoms or adiaphragm during the woman’s fertile time, fertility awareness methodscan be very effective. Using withdrawal or spermicides during the fertiletime is less effective.Questions and Answers About Fertility Awareness Methods253