Hormonal and natural contraceptives: a review on efficacy and risks of different methods for an informed choice.

The debate about contraception has become increasingly important as more and more people seek safe and effective contraception. More than 1 billion women of reproductive age worldwide need a method of family planning, and wellbeing, socio-economic status, culture, religion and more influence the reasons why a woman may ask for contraception. Different contraceptive methods exist, ranging from 'natural methods' (fertility awareness-based methods - FABMs) to barrier methods and hormonal contraceptives (HCs). Each method works on a different principle, with different effectiveness.FABMs and HCs are usually pitted against each other, although it's difficult to really compare them. FABMs are a valid alternative for women who cannot or do not want to use hormone therapy, although they may have a high failure rate if not used appropriately and require specific training. HCs are commonly used to address various clinical situations, although concerns about their possible side effects are still widespread. However, many data show that the appropriate use of HC has a low rate of adverse events, mainly related to personal predisposition.The aim of this review is to summarize the information on the efficacy and safety of FABMs and HCs to help clinicians and women choose the best contraceptive method for their needs.

A comprehensive overview by region of condoms, natural family planning, and spermicide as a contraceptive method among men aged 13-54 years attending contraceptive services in England.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to (1) provide a comprehensive overview of contraceptive methods self-reported by men in England, over 5 years, focusing on condoms in comparison to any male method; and (2) explore condom as a contraceptive method by region and ethnicity. STUDY DESIGN: Data were from the Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (Contraception) England census data set from 2014/15 to 2018/19. Once missing data were removed, this left a total of 365,292 men. Two binomial logistic regression models were performed. Model 1 examined ethnicity, region, and time on condom as a method of contraception; and Model 2 examined ethnicity, region, and time by any male contraceptive. Descriptive statistics were run for natural family planning and spermicide. RESULTS: Model 1 revealed a significant model, χ2 (15) = 30,976, P < 0.001, and predicted that condoms as a method decreased in London with a greater decrease in Midlands. London saw the lowest rate of decline among the non-White ethnic group, whereas North and South regions increased probability over time. The North started at a higher probability and the South at the lowest. Model 2 also revealed a significant model, χ2 (15) = 32,472, P < 0.001, with a similar pattern to Model 1. Contingency tables showed natural family planning and spermicide were the least reported methods and decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: As any male contraceptive method appears to be decreasing in both models, reproductive health promotion is required. This study has implications for commissioning funds and for identifying regional areas of further investigation.

A comparison of app-defined fertile days from two fertility tracking apps using identical cycle data.

OBJECTIVE: The Natural Cycles app employs daily basal body temperature to define the fertile window via a proprietary algorithm and is clinically established effective in preventing pregnancy. We sought to (1) compare the app-defined fertile window of Natural Cycles to that of CycleProGo, an app that uses BBT and cervical mucus to define the fertile window and (2) compare the app-defined fertile windows to the estimated physiologic fertile window. STUDY DESIGN: Daily BBT were entered into Natural Cycles from 20 randomly selected regularly cycling women with at least 12 complete cycles from the CycleProGo database. The proportion of cycles with equivalent (±1 cycle day) fertile-window starts and fertile-window ends was determined. The app-defined fertile windows were then compared to the estimated physiologic fertile window using Peak mucus to estimate ovulation. RESULTS: Fifty seven percent of cycles (136/238) had equivalent fertile-window starts and 36% (72/181) had equivalent fertile-window end days. The mean overall fertile-window length from Natural Cycles was 12.8 days compared to 15.1 days for CycleProGo (p < 0.001). The Natural Cycles algorithm declared 12% to 30% of cycles with a fertile-window start and 13% to 38% of cycles with a fertile-window end within the estimated physiologic fertile window. The CycleProGo algorithm declared 4% to 14% of cycles with a fertile-window start and no cycles with a fertile-window end within the estimated physiologic fertile window. CONCLUSIONS: Natural Cycles designated a higher proportion of cycles days as infertile within the estimated physiologic fertile window than CycleProGo. IMPLICATIONS: Use of cervical mucus in addition to BBT may improve the accuracy of identifying the fertile window. Additional studies with other markers of ovulation and the fertile window would give additional insight into the clinical implications of app-defined fertile window differences.

Trend natural family planning - an online survey to assess attitudes towards NFP among German-speaking women.

PURPOSE: To study trends regarding the use of contraceptive methods and digital health modalities and to identify target groups of natural family planning (NFP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using an online questionnaire specifically developed for this study in German (utilizing the online tool at 'www.surveymonkey.com'), we analysed the attitude towards NFP -methods and -apps, the need for contraceptive effectiveness in general, the perceived contraceptive effectiveness of NFP methods, and differences between NFP users and non-NFP users among 779 sexually active German-speaking women of fertile age (18-50 years) from November 2019 to October 2020. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Participants used NFP more frequently than they did five years ago. Women aged 30 years and older, with higher levels of education, who are living with a partner and have children, seem to be the target group for NFP methods. Concerning the wish for contraceptive effectiveness we found significant (p < .001) differences between NFP and non-NFP users. Furthermore, an increasing number of women wants to use NFP-methods and -apps for contraception; thus, non-hormonal contraceptive options should be offered. The majority of current NFP users stated that the handling and effectiveness of NFP have been improved by digitalisation.

"Tabela Periódica" da Anticoncepção ­ uma ferramenta na escolha contraceptiva / "Periodic Table" of Contraception ­ a tool in the contraceptive choice

Estima-se que 40% das gestações no mundo sejam não planejadas. Em países de baixa renda, complicações no parto são a maior causa de morte entre mulheres de 15 a 19 anos. A disponibilidade de métodos contraceptivos reversíveis é necessária para o adequado planejamento reprodutivo. Entre os métodos reversíveis, os de longa ação (LARCs) são os mais efetivos. Métodos de curta ação (SARCs) são preferenciais para pacientes que desejam gestar a curto prazo e para as quais a gestação não será indesejada. O presente estudo é uma revisão narrativa da literatura, de artigos em inglês e português publicados entre 2009 e 2020, utilizando as bases de dados SciELO, Medline e Embase. O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar os LARCs e SARCs em uma tabela com dados comparativos que auxiliem na tomada de decisão do médico e da paciente e permita estabelecer estratégias para um planejamento familiar adequado.(AU)

It is estimated that 40% of pregnancies in the world are unplanned. In low-income countries, complications in childbirth are the major cause of death among women aged 15 to 19 years. The availability of reversible contraceptive methods is necessary for proper reproductive planning. Among the reversible methods, long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) is the most effective. Short-acting reversible contraception (SARCs) methods are preferred for patients who wish to become pregnant in the short term and for whom pregnancy will not be undesirable. The present study is a narrative review of the literature, of articles in English and Portuguese published between 2009 and 2020, using the databases SciELO, Medline and Embase. The purpose of this review is to present the LARCs and SARCs in a table with comparative data that assist in the decision making of the doctor and the patient and allow to establish strategies for adequate family planning.(AU)

Determinants of the use of family planning methods among rural women in Plateau state, Nigeria

This study aimed at determining the factors that influence family planning practice among rural women of Pankshin district inPlateau state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study using a simple random sampling method was conducted from October to December 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection among 302 respondents. Among respondents, 48.3% had practised family planning and the most popular family planning method ever practised was injectables (57.5%). The determinants of family planning practice were age group 29-39 and 40-49 years old (AOR=4.373, p<0.001; AOR=5.862, p<0.001), discussion with partner (AOR=9.192, p<0.001) and partner's approval (AOR=2.791, p=0.007). Findings showed an encouraging family planning prevalence with the main determinants involving male partners. Further efforts need to be made to promote family planning practice among male partners and to empower women of all reproductive age groups by providing them with relevant information that is needed for them to make informed decisions. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[4]: 32-41).

Drivers of contraceptive use choice in Zambia

Modern approaches of birth control have emerged as broadly accepted family planning methods in replacement of traditional alternatives. However, the effectiveness of modern contraceptives has been challenged by serious side effects, either experienced or expected, with inhibiting consequences on the acceptability and utilisation of family planning service. This paper disentangles the drivers of none-use, traditional and modern contraceptive use in Zambia using the 2018 Zambian Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) data. The Conditional logit choice modelling technique is employed to account not only for the differences in alternative contraceptive options but also the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of individual woman making the choice. Empirical results indicate that educated, older and poorer women are likely to adopt the traditional contraceptive methods whereas employed women are indifferent between traditional and modern birth control options. Furthermore, Christian women and those from other religions as well as women with no education prefer no birth control method. The study concludes that employment has the potential to serve as an alternative and safer birth control tool in developing countries and namely in Zambia. Therefore, government's effort to expand family planning program should mainly target non-educated women while promoting safer contraceptive methods. This can be achieved through women education and job creation. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[5]:13- 27).

Factors influencing utilization of modern family planning services by persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus at Luwero Hospital, Uganda

Introduction: The use of modern family planning methods is key for achieving the prevention of unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV, in the prevention of Mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) package. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing the utilization of modern family planning services by persons living with HIV at Luwero Hospital, Uganda. Methods: The study was conducted among 210 persons living with HIV attending the ART clinic and was based on cross-sectional descriptive and analytical design. Sampling was by simple random techniques. Data was collected using researcher-administered questionnaires. Results: The uptake of Modern FP services is low (36.7%) among persons living with HIV. It was attributed to client-related factors such as being married [AOR: 2.2, 95% CI [1.123-4.140], p = 0.038]) and other factors. These are; religious views discouraging use of modern FP (p= 0.034), negative side effects (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI [0.043-1.968], p = 0.044) and services being unfriendly for persons living with HIV (p=0.000]). Conclusions: Despite the presence of modern family planning services, uptake among persons living with HIV is low. Poor utilization is a recipe for unintended pregnancy and thus jeopardizes efforts in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV

Quantitative versus qualitative estrogen and luteinizing hormone testing for personal fertility monitoring.

BACKGROUND: A new fertility monitor is now available that provides quantitative measurement of urinary hormones, but clinical use requires validation against an established fertility monitor that provides only qualitative results. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Two fertility monitors were compared using daily first morning urine samples over 3 cycles of use in 21 women users with experience using a fertility monitor with the Marquette Method of Natural Family Planning. RESULTS: Women were aged 33.4 ± 5.5 years and had menstrual cycles ranging between 23 and 41 days. The quantitative Mira Monitor estimates of ovulation were highly correlated with the qualitative ClearBlue Fertility Monitor (CBFM) estimates of ovulation. Both monitors provided an accurate estimate of the fertile window. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary trial, the Mira monitor was shown to be effective at delineating the fertile window and ovulation. We demonstrated the feasibility of applying the Marquette Method algorithm with the use of the Mira monitor. Satisfaction differences between the two monitors did not reach statistical significance. We anticipate that quantitative fertility monitoring will give couples and health-care providers new and unprecedented insights into the menstrual cycle and fertility.

Método de Ovulação Billings: entre eficácia e desconhecimento / Billings Ovulation Method: between efficacy and lack of knowledge / Método de Ovulación Billings: entre la eficacia y el desconocimiento

Resumo Apesar dos grandes investimentos, os métodos artificiais de planejamento familiar ainda apresentam limitações. Desde a década de 1950, cientistas trabalham para desenvolver um método natural confiável. Este artigo revisa a literatura sobre o Método de Ovulação Billings, apontando sua lógica, sua eficácia, seus benefícios, seus desafios e suas regras. Trata-se de método natural, embasado em mais de cinquenta anos de pesquisas. Sua chave de leitura é o muco cervical, confiável indicador da fertilidade, e sua eficácia está entre 97% e 99%, comparável aos métodos mais eficazes. O método também é indicado para todo tipo de ciclo, pois não se baseia em cálculos, e sim na observação do muco. Conclui-se que no Brasil é preciso fortalecer programas que ofereçam educação sexual mais global à população, capacitando ainda profissionais da saúde a respeito dos métodos naturais de planejamento familiar.

Abstract Despite large investments, artificial family planning methods still have limitations. Since the 1950s, scientists have worked to develop a reliable natural method. This article reviews the literature on the Billings Ovulation Method, pointing out its logic, efficacy, benefits, challenges, and rules. It is a natural method, based on more than fifty years of research. Its reading key is the cervical mucus, a reliable indicator of fertility, and its efficacy is between 97 and 99%, comparable to most effective methods. Billings is also suitable for all types of cycles, as it is not based on calculations, but on the observation of the mucus. In conclusion, Brazil needs to strengthen programs that offer more global sexual education to the population, also training health professionals on natural family planning methods.

Resumen A pesar de las grandes inversiones, los métodos artificiales de planificación familiar todavía tienen limitaciones. Desde la década de 1950, los científicos vienen trabajando para desarrollar un método natural confiable. Este artículo revisa la literatura sobre el Método de Ovulación Billings, presentando su lógica, efectividad, beneficios, desafíos y reglas. Se trata de un método natural, basado en más de cincuenta años de investigación. Su clave es el moco cervical, un indicador confiable de fertilidad, y su efectividad está entre el 97% y el 99%, comparable a los métodos más efectivos. El Método de Ovulación Billings también es adecuado para todo tipo de ciclos, ya que no se fundamenta en cálculos, sino en la observación de mocos. Se concluye que en Brasil es necesario fortalecer programas que ofrezcan una educación sexual más global a la población, además de capacitar a los profesionales de la salud sobre métodos naturales de planificación familiar.

Como as mulheres jovens vivenciam o uso do método contraceptivo sintotérmico (método de percepção da fertilidade que usa a temperatura corporal basal associada à análise do muco cervical)? / How do young women experience the use of the symptothermal method (a fertility awareness-based method that uses temperature associated with the analysis of cervical mucus)?

Nossos objetivos foram conhecer as razões pelas quais mulheres jovens optam pelo uso do método contraceptivo sintotérmico (análise da temperatura corporal basal associada à análise do muco cervical) e descrever o uso e as fontes de obtenção de informação sobre o método. Participantes do grupo fechado no Facebook "Adeus hormônios: contracepção não hormonal" foram convidadas a preencher um instrumento semiestruturado disponível on-line em 2018. Os resultados (n=35) mostraram que a opção por usar o sintotérmico como método contraceptivo ocorreu, predominantemente, pela preferência por um método mais natural ou por terem vivenciado os efeitos adversos da pílula hormonal. Usuárias do método sintotérmico o vivenciam como fonte de empoderamento por se apropriarem das variações que o ciclo menstrual exerce sobre o corpo. As usuárias do sintotérmico obtiveram conhecimento e esclarecem dúvidas a respeito do método por meio da Internet. Como rotina de uso, chama atenção o uso de aplicativos de celular para ajudá-las no controle e anotação dos indicadores de período fértil. O uso constante de aplicativos e a criação de grupos de discussão em mídias sociais mostram a pouca participação dos serviços de saúde nesta opção, ratificando ser essa uma trajetória autônoma das próprias mulheres.

Fertility Awareness-Based Methods for Family Planning: A Literature Review.

A review of 23 research articles to examine fertility awareness-based methods revealed biologic indicators and tracking methods to identify the fertile window in reproductive-aged women. This literature review indicated that a woman's cycle regularity is a major determinant of which method is best. Additionally, the woman's desire to achieve a pregnancy and her preference regarding the intensity of training are factors in method choice. Some evidence suggests that use of at least two biologic indicators is most effective for determining the fertility window. Recommended web and mobile applications also are discussed.

'Innate Nature' and 'Complete Nature': The Catholic Natural Family Planning Program and the Competition of Natural Methods in Mid-1970s Korea.

This article reviews the competition of two natural family planning methods in the mid-1970s when the Catholic Natural Family Planning program was underway in Korea. The Catholic Church, emphasizing the natural law, has recommended Natural Family Planning (NFP), a method of regulating childbirth by abstinence during the fertile period, since the mid-twentieth century. However, a group of gynecologists working at St. Mary's Hospital, a Catholic general hospital in Korea, questioned the utility of NFP. As an alternative, they proposed the method of Ovulation Regulation (OR), which regulates the menstrual cycle by inducing ovulation with steroids agents. This seemed to be no different than contraception with oral contraceptives disapproved of by the Catholic Church, but many doctors who advocated OR thought that this could be a new 'natural' family planning method to replace NFP. What is noteworthy here is the fact that not only NFP advocates, but also OR advocates attempted to justify their methods based on the authority of the 'nature.' In the debate over natural family planning methods, nature's legitimacy was given premise, not the object of doubt. Rather, the issue was the definition of nature. First, 'nature' in NFP signifies 'innate nature,' which excludes human intervention. According to this point of view, OR with steroids agents could not be natural. On the contrary, a group of doctors who advocated OR considered nature 'primal completeness.' If the natural order of the menstrual cycle could be restored, the artificial intervention of the administration of steroids was not a problem. Thus, both groups defended their arguments by redefining nature, rather than raising an issue of nature itself. The competition between 'innate nature' and 'complete nature,' a proxy war between NFP and OR, resulted in the victory of the former as the meaning of nature became fixed. Advocates of NFP pointed out that OR inhibits other physiological functions in the process of inducing ovulation, suggesting that the idea of 'complete nature' could never be achieved. The meaning of nature could no longer be controversial. Since the intervention was unnatural, nature meant innateness, the absence of intervention. Accordingly, the Catholic Bishops of Korea approved the Billings Method, a kind of the NFP, as the official family planning method, and gynecologists at St. Mary's Hospital of Korea also focused on the development and supplementation of the Billings Method. In short, the debate over the methods of natural family planning in mid1970s Korea was a clash of 'innate nature' and 'complete nature.' As a result, this confirmed the limitations of medical practice and reconfirmed the power of magisterium, the church's authority over medical practice.

Myths about modern and traditional contraceptives held by women in Minia, Upper Egypt

Background: Misconceptions about modern contraceptives affect their use in low- and middle-income countries.Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of myths about modern contraceptives and their association with ever and current use of contraceptives by women in Minia, Upper Egypt.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 1212 married Egyptian women aged 18–49 years attending urban and rural health centres in Minia. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire and analysed by logistic regres-sion analysis; odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.Results: Most of the women (88.7%) had one or more misconceptions about contraceptives. The most prevalent miscon-ceptions were that birth control pills cause cancer and intrauterine devices (IUDs) can penetrate the uterus and move to the heart. The current use of birth control pills and IUDs was significantly lower in women with misguided beliefs than those without such beliefs; adjusted OR = 0.59 (95% CI: 0.37–0.90) and adjusted OR = 0.50 (95% CI: 0.34–0.76) respective-ly. Belief in an increasing number of myths was associated with lower odds of ever use of birth control pills: OR = 0.72 (95% CI: 0.57–0.96), OR = 0.61 (95% CI: 0.43–0.91), OR = 0.48 (95% CI: 0.29–0.69) and OR = 0.43 (95% CI: 0.24–0.63) in wom-en with 1, 2, 3 and ≥ 4 misconceptions versus those with none. Conclusions: Myths about contraceptives are common in women in Minia and may have a significant effect on their choice and use of contraceptive method. Reproductive health programmes to refute such misguided beliefs are recom-mended.

Contexte : Les idées fausses concernant les méthodes contraceptives modernes ont une incidence sur leur utilisation dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire.Objectifs : La présente étude avait pour objectif de déterminer la prévalence des mythes concernant les méthodes contraceptives modernes et leur association avec une utilisation de contraceptifs, antérieure ou au moment de la réalisation de l’étude, par les femmes de Minya en Moyenne-Égypte.Méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale portant sur 1212 Égyptiennes mariées, âgées de 18 à 49 ans, fréquentant les centres de santé des zones urbaines et rurales de Minya. Les données ont été recueillies à l’aide d’un questionnaire d’entretien structuré et traitées dans le cadre d’une analyse de régression logistique ; les odds ratios (OR) et les intervalles de confiance à 95 % (IC) ont été calculés.Résultats : La plupart des femmes (88,7 %) avaient une ou plusieurs idées fausses sur les méthodes de contraception. Les idées les plus répandues étaient que la pilule contraceptive provoque des cancers et que les dispositifs intra-utérins (DIU) peuvent perforer l’utérus et migrer vers le cœur. Le taux d’utilisation de la pilule contraceptive et des DIU au moment de l’étude était significativement plus faible chez les femmes ayant des croyances erronées que chez celles qui n’en avaient pas, OR ajusté = 0,59 (IC à 95 % : 0,37-0,90) et OR ajusté = 0,50 (IC à 95 % : 0,34-0,76) respectivement. La croyance dans un nombre de plus en plus important de mythes était associée à une probabilité plus faible d’un éventuel recours à la pilule contraceptive : OR = 0,72 (IC à 95 % : 0,57-0,96), OR = 0,61 ; IC à 95 % : 0,43-0,91), OR = 0,48 (IC à 95 % : 0,29-0,69) et OR = 0,43 (IC à 95 % : 0,24-0,63) chez les femmes ayant un nombre d’idées fausses égal à 1, 2, 3 ou supérieur ou égal à 4 comparativement à celles qui n’en avaient aucune. Conclusions : Les mythes concernant les moyens de contraception sont largement répandus chez les femmes de Minya et peuvent avoir une incidence notable sur le choix et l’utilisation d’une méthode contraceptive. Il est recommandé de mettre en place des programmes de santé génésique permettant de réfuter ces croyances erronées.

History of unintended pregnancy and patterns of contraceptive use among racial and ethnic minority women veterans.

BACKGROUND: Nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States each year are unintended, with the highest rates observed among non-Hispanic black and Hispanic women. Little is known about whether variations in unintended pregnancy and contraceptive use across racial and ethnic groups persist among women veteran Veterans Affairs users who have more universal access than other populations to health care and contraceptive services. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to identify a history of unintended pregnancy and describe patterns of contraceptive use across racial and ethnic groups among women veterans accessing Veterans Affairs primary care. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional data from a national random sample of women veterans (n = 2302) aged 18-44 years who had accessed Veterans Affairs primary care in the previous 12 month were used to assess a history of unintended pregnancy (pregnancies reported as either unwanted or having occurred too soon). Any contraceptive use at last sex (both prescription and nonprescription methods) and prescription contraceptive use at last sex were assessed in the subset of women (n = 1341) identified as being at risk for unintended pregnancy. Prescription contraceptive methods include long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (intrauterine devices and subdermal implants), hormonal methods (pill, patch, ring, and injection), and female or male sterilization; nonprescription methods include barrier methods (eg, condoms, diaphragm), fertility-awareness methods, and withdrawal. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity with unintended pregnancy and contraceptive use at last sex. RESULTS: Overall, 94.4% of women veterans at risk of unintended pregnancy used any method of contraception at last sex. Intrauterine devices (18.9%), female surgical sterilization (16.9%), and birth control pills (15.9%) were the 3 most frequently used methods across the sample. Intrauterine devices were the most frequently used method for Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, and other non-Hispanic women, while female surgical sterilization was the most frequently used method among non-Hispanic black women. In adjusted models, Hispanic women (adjusted odds ratio, 1.60, 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.21) and non-Hispanic black women (adjusted odds ratio, 1.84, 95% confidence interval, 1.44-2.36) were significantly more likely than non-Hispanic white women to report any history of unintended pregnancy. In the subcohort of 1341 women at risk of unintended pregnancy, there were no significant racial/ethnic differences in use of any contraception at last sex. However, significant differences were observed in the use of prescription methods at last sex. Hispanic women (adjusted odds ratio, 0.51, 95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.75) and non-Hispanic black women (adjusted odds ratio, 0.69, 95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.95) were significantly less likely than non-Hispanic white women to have used prescription contraception at last sex. CONCLUSION: Significant racial and ethnic differences exist in unintended pregnancy and contraceptive use among women veterans using Veterans Affairs care, suggesting the need for interventions to address potential disparities. Improving access to and delivery of patient-centered reproductive goals assessment and contraceptive counseling that can address knowledge gaps while respectfully considering individual patient preferences is needed to support women veterans' decision making and ensure equitable reproductive health services across Veterans Affairs.

Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning.

Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) of family planning involve monitoring various signs and symptoms of fertility during the menstrual cycle to identify the "fertile window," or the days of the cycle when unprotected intercourse is most likely to result in pregnancy. Signs and symptoms include menstrual cycle length, basal body temperature, urinary hormone measurements, and/or cervical fluid and may be used alone or in combination. Fertility signs reflect both physiological changes during the menstrual cycle and the life cycle of the ovum and sperm. Women learn to observe or measure and interpret these signs according to the instructions of their chosen FABM and avoid unprotected intercourse on fertile days. FABMs are appropriate for those who choose to use them, are able and willing to observe one or more fertility signs, and are in relationships that support the use of a coitus-related method such as a condom or abstaining from intercourse on fertile days.

Implementation and Scale-Up of the Standard Days Method of Family Planning: A Landscape Analysis.

The Standard Days Method (SDM), a modern fertility awareness-based family planning method, has been introduced in 30 countries since its development in 2001. It is still unclear to what extent the SDM was mainstreamed within the family planning method mix, particularly in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings, where the SDM had been introduced by donors and implementing partners. This review of implementation science publications on the SDM in LMICs first looked at community pilot studies of the SDM to determine the acceptability of the method; correct use and efficacy rates; demographics of users; and changes to contraceptive prevalence rates and family planning behaviors, especially among men and couples. Then, we examined the status of the SDM in the 16 countries that had attempted to scale up the method within national family planning protocols, training, and service delivery. At the community level, evidence demonstrated a high level of acceptability of the method; efficacy rates comparable to the initial clinical trials; diversity in demographic characteristics of users, including first-time or recently discontinued users of family planning; increased male engagement in family planning; and improved couple's communication. Nationally, few countries had scaled up the SDM due to uneven stakeholder engagement, lackluster political will, and competing resource priorities. Results of this review could help policy makers determine the added value of the SDM in the contraceptive method mix and identify potential barriers to its implementation moving forward.