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Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers

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Family Planning

A GLOBAL HANDBOOK FOR PROVIDERS

Correcting Misunderstandings (see also Questions and Answers)

Couple back to back, in background a menstrual cycle is displayedFertility awareness methods:

  • Can be very effective if used consistently and correctly.
  • Do not require literacy or advanced education.
  • Do not harm men who abstain from sex.
  • Do not work when a couple is mistaken about when the fertile time occurs, such as thinking it occurs during monthly bleeding.
Fertility Awareness Methods for Women With HIV
  • Women who are infected with HIV, have AIDS, or are on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy can safely use fertility awareness methods.
  • Urge these women to use condoms along with fertility awareness methods. Used consistently and correctly, condoms help prevent transmission of HIV and other STIs. Condoms also provide extra contraceptive protection for women on ARV therapy.