Dynamics of contraceptive use in a rural community of Haryana.

A cross-sectional survey was carried out to study the dynamics of contraceptive use in three villages of Raipur Rani block in district Panchkula, Haryana. A female social worker interviewed 600 ever-married women aged 15-44 years using a semi-structured interview schedule. More than 75% of the respondents were aware about modern contraceptives. Fifty-nine percent of the couples had used contraceptives. Among the 351 ever-users, the first contraceptive method used was sterilization in 41.3%, condom in 35.6%, IUD in 17.9%, and oral pills in 5.1%. Subsequently, many of them either discontinued or shifted to other methods. At the time of survey, 236 (39.3%) were using a contraceptive. Most of the current users (225) had opted for tubectomy, and only a few (4) had accepted vasectomy. Supplies of contraceptives were obtained mainly from government hospitals and sub-health centres. Common reasons for discontinuation were perceived untoward effects (37.1%), desire for more children (32.6%), and failure of the contraceptive method (19.0%). Most of the respondents obtained contraceptives from Government health posts. Counselling and follow-up services should should be strengthened so that contraceptives are used regularly and effectively for longer periods.

Contraceptive methods during lactation methods performance

This study was designed to compare the performance of progestogen- only contraceptive methods [Norplant, NET-EN, POP, DMPA, CVR] to non- hormonal contraceptive method [IUD] during lactation. Eight hundred and forty-one lactating women were divided into seven groups according to the contraceptive method selected. All women were exclusively breast-feeding at admission. They were generally comparable regarding education, parity, weight and height. Fatigue, headache and lower abdominal pain were the main complaints, but the incidence was generally low in all women. Vaginal soreness and discharge were significantly higher in IUD and CVR groups only in the first three months of use. Otherwise, women using hormonal contraceptives did not complain of any vaginal problem. At the end of the first three months, the incidence of excessive bleeding among hormonal contraceptive users [13.6%-27.6%] was high relative to the IUD groups [8.0%-8.7%]. Amenorrhea was initially higher among IUD groups [44.5%-46.1%] relative to hormonal contraceptive groups [30.2%-33%]. However, after the first three months the reverse was observed and amenorrhea was significantly commoner among all hormonal contraceptive users relative to the IUD users

Contraceptive technology and safety

This one of 13 technical background papers prepared for the International Conference on Better Health for Women and Children, through Family Planning, held in Nairobi, Kenya October 5-9, 1987. The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views in every respect of the Conference's Co-sponsoring organizations or of its Technical Consultative Group