Chapter 18 Download Chapter

Supporting New and Continuing Users

How Can a Partner Help?

The client’s partner is welcome to participate in counseling and learn about the method and what support he can give to his partner. A male partner can:

  • Support a woman's choice of a fertility awareness method
  • Discuss and agree to use a fertility awareness method with a full understanding of how to use it
  • Share responsibility for keeping track of cycles and knowing when is the fertile period
  • Not insist on sex without contraception during the fertile period
  • Agree in advance how to avoid pregnancy if they are going to have sex in the fertile period (for example, use of another method)
  • Help to make sure she has ECPs on hand in case they have unprotected sex during the fertile period
  • Use condoms consistently in addition to a fertility awareness method if he has an STI/HIV or thinks he may be at risk of an STI/HIV

"Come Back Any Time": Reasons to ReturnMan and woman

No routine return visit is required. Providers should invite a woman or couple to meet with them a few times during the first few cycles if they want more help. Assure every client that she is welcome to come back any time—for example, if she has problems, questions, or wants another method; she has any major change in health status; or thinks she might be pregnant. Also if:

  • She is having difficulty identifying her fertile days.
  • She is having trouble avoiding sex or using another method on the fertile days. For example, her partner does not cooperate.

 

Helping Clients at Any Visit

  1. Ask clients how they are doing with the method and whether they are satisfied. Ask if they have any questions or anything to discuss.
  2. Ask especially if they are having difficulty identifying her fertile days or trouble avoiding unprotected sex on the fertile days.
  3. Check whether the couple is using the method correctly. Review observations or records of fertility signs. If needed, plan for another visit.
  4. Ask a long-term client if she has had any new health problems since her last visit. Address problems as appropriate.
  5. 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.