Family Planning

Explaining How to Use1. Give pills ó Give as many packs as possible—even as muchas a year’s supply (13 packs).2. Explain pill pack ó Show which kind of pack—21 pills or 28 pills.With 28-pill packs, point out that the last 7pills are a different color and do not containhormones.óShow how to take the first pill from the packand then how to follow the directions orarrows on the pack to take the rest of the pills.3. Give key ó Take one pill each day—instruction until the pack is empty.óóDiscuss cues for taking a pillevery day. Linking pill-takingto a daily activity—such ascleaning her teeth—mayhelp her remember.Taking pills at thesame time each dayhelps to rememberthem. It also mayhelp reduce someside effects.4. Explain starting ó 28-pill packs: When she finishes one pack, shenext pack should take the first pill from the next pack onthe very next day.óó21-pill packs: After she takes the last pill fromone pack, she should wait 7 days—no more—and then take the first pill from the next pack.It is very important to start the next pack ontime. Starting a pack late risks pregnancy.5. Provide backup ó Sometimes she may need to use a backupmethod and method, such as when she misses pills.explain useó Backup methods include abstinence, male orfemale condoms, spermicides, and withdrawal.Tell her that spermicides and withdrawal arethe least effective contraceptive methods. Giveher condoms, if possible.14 Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers