Module 11: Barrier, emergency, and permanent methods of contraception
In the previous sections we have looked at hormonal methods of contraception and IUDs and implants. Our intention in this section is to ensure you are familiar with barrier methods of contraception. For some couples, barrier methods are the chosen method of contraception, and are used each time they have intercourse. Other couples who use "natural family planning" will use a barrier method only at times of the woman's cycle that are thought to be unsafe. You might like to review your natural family planning that we covered before.
As with the pill, barrier methods have a user failure rate and it is important for clients to know about back up emergency or postcoital contraception. More commonly this is given as the emergency contraceptive pill (ecp) but the IUD can also be used as a postcoital contraceptive.
We will also be looking at permanent methods of contraception in this section. New Zealand men and women often choose sterilisation as they get older and indeed vasectomy is quite a popular choice for NZ men.
Objectives
By the end of this section you should be able to:
- Counsel men and women on the correct use of condoms
- Inform clients regarding the failure rates of barrier methods and what can be done to maximise efficacy.
- Counsel women on the evidence of effectiveness and need for emergency contraception to allow them to make an informed choice regarding use.
- Explain the mode of action and potential side effects of emergency contraception.
- Inform couples regarding the advantages, disadvantages and failure rates of tubal ligation and vasectomy
Readings
Family Planning. Resources.
Information and brochures on:
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, Clinical Effectiveness Unit. Barrier methods for contraception and STI prevention. 2012 [updated 2015 Oct]. Available from: https://www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/ceuguidancebarriermethodscontraceptionsdi/
Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, Clinical Effectiveness Unit. Emergency contraception. 2017. Available from: https://www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/ceu-clinical-guidance-emergency-contraception-march-2017/
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. Male and female sterilisation. 2014. Available from: https://www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/cec-ceu-guidance-sterilisation-cpd-sep-2014/
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