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  • Title: Fertility awareness affects method use.
    Author: Barnett B.
    Journal: Netw Res Triangle Park N C; 1996; 17(1):9. PubMed ID: 12320448.
    Abstract:
    A couple's awareness of fertility affects use of any contraceptive method. Staff members who educate clients about fertility awareness need to discuss how family planning methods affect ovulation and menstruation. The methods that have no effect on ovulation or menstruation include natural family planning methods, male contraceptive methods, and barrier methods. Hormonal contraceptive methods and the IUD affect menstruation. Hormonal methods also interfere with ovulation. Combined oral contraceptives (OCs) suppress ovulation and can reduce the number of days of menstrual bleeding and minimize menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome symptoms. They can effect changes in bleeding patterns. Progestin-only contraceptives may also effect menstrual changes and ease menstrual cramps. Counseling on possible effects of progestin-only contraceptives is needed to minimize their discontinuation. Women can use emergency contraception (some OCs) within 48 or 72 hours of unprotected intercourse (e.g., rape), depending on OC type, and again 12 hours later to prevent unwanted pregnancy. An advisory committee of the US Food and Drug Administration has recently recommended the use of some OCs for emergency use. IUDs thwart sperm movement and viability. IUD users tend to have increased menstrual bleeding and pain. IUDs with synthetic progestin reduce these effects. Female sterilization methods do not affect ovulation but may induce changes in bleeding patterns or cause painful periods. Providers should inform clients which genital symptoms are normal and which are not. For example, purulent vaginal discharge may be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Untreated STDs may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Changes in cervical secretions call for clients to seek medical advice.
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