Helping Continuing Users

Helping Clients at Any Visit

Ask clients how they are doing with the method and whether they are satisfied. Ask if they have any questions or anything to discuss.
Ask especially if they are having difficulty identifying her fertile days or trouble avoiding unprotected sex on the fertile days.
Check whether the couple is using the method correctly. Review observations or records of fertility signs. If needed, plan for another visit.
Ask a long-term client if she has had any new health problems since her last visit. Address problems as appropriate.
Ask a long-term client about major life changes that may affect her needs—particularly plans for having children and STI/HIV risk. Follow up as needed.

Problems with fertility awareness methods affect women's satisfaction and use of the method. They deserve the provider's attention. If the client reports any problems, listen to her concerns and give her advice.
Offer to help the client choose another method—now, if she wishes, or if problems cannot be overcome.

Discuss the problem openly with the couple and help them feel at ease, not embarrassed.
Discuss possible use of condoms, diaphragm, withdrawal, or spermicides or sexual contact without vaginal sex during the fertile time.
If she has had unprotected sex in the past 5 days she can consider ECPs (see Emergency Contraceptive Pills)

If she has 2 or more cycles outside the 26 to 32 day range within any 12 months, suggest she use the calendar rhythm method or a symptoms-based method instead.

Counsel the client and help her learn how to interpret cervical secretions.
Suggest she use the TwoDay Method, which does not require the user to tell the difference among types of secretions.