Provides a comprehensive guide to the many factors that must be considered when planning to expand the range of contraceptive methods offered by family planning programmes. Noting that the reproductive health needs of women vary greatly, the book shows how the provision of a range of different methods can improve user satisfaction, enhance a programme s reputation, increase contraceptive prevalence, and thus contribute to the ultimate goal of reducing unwanted fertility. The book has nine chapters. General policy issues are considered in the first two, which explain how an appropriate mix of contraceptive methods contributes to both overall reproductive health and the increased prevalence of contraceptive use. The third and most extensive chapter provides a detailed guide to the advantages and disadvantages of all currently available contraceptive methods. Each method is assessed in terms of recent data on effectiveness, safety, confirmed or suspected risks to health, contraindications, appropriateness to the specific needs of users, factors influencing user satisfaction, and demands on programme staff, time, and resources. Subsequent chapters present information that can help programme managers understand the factors that influence a client s choice of method and then adjust their programmes to provide the best possible contraceptive method mix consistent with local needs and available resources. The importance of helping couples make informed choices is underscored in a chapter on information, education and communication, which includes extensive advice on counselling, supported by a series of decisions trees for use when assessing client needs. Additional guidelines, checklists, model forms, and sample protocols conclude the book.

DC.HQ

eng fre rus.

ind vie.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

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