Counselling on Contraception Methods

I have had numerous clinical encounters with clients relating to contraception. In all
these encounters my goal has always to provide the clients with adequate contraception
information so that they could make informed and voluntary decisions about the
contraception method that is medically and personally appropriate for them.
For contraceptive counseling to be effective, Bitzer, Marin & Lira (2017) explain that
it should be personalized and interactive. The counselling should also be patient-centered
(Dehlendorf et al., 2016). The method that I use to achieve both of these aims is BRAIDED
(Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Inquiries, Decision, Explanation, Documentation) method
(OpenLearn, 2020). In B (benefits), I explain to the clients the benefits of a given
contraception method that I believe is appropriate for the patient. In R (risks), I explain the
consequences that the client faces in case the proposed method fails to work as expected. In
A (alternatives), I explain to clients other methods that may be appropriate for them. In I
(inquiries), I allow the client to ask as many questions as possible about the proposed method
and their alternatives. In D (decision), I explain how and when a client may make the
decision of withdrawing from the proposed method (OpenLearn, 2020). E (explanation)
generally involves providing the client all the information about the method that they finally
choose for contraception. Finally, in D (documentation), I write down details and of the
session and document them for my own records.
After the first session, I usually arrange for follow-up counselling. Follow-up
counselling allows me to discuss with the client about their continued use of the method and
manage some of the problems and even side effects that they may be encountering as a result
of the use of a given contraceptive method. For instance, if the client has been using
hormonal methods such as rings, patches, and pills and are having problems such as weight

COUNSELLING ON CONTRACEPTION METHODS 3
gain, I may advise how to manage these problems or propose alternatives if the side effects
are severe. In this manner, I ensure that my clients use contraception method that works best
for them.

COUNSELLING ON CONTRACEPTION METHODS 4

References

Bitzer, J., Marin, V., & Lira, J. (2017). Contraceptive counselling and care: a personalized
interactive approach. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health
Care, 22(6), 418-423.
Dehlendorf, C., Fox, E., Sobel, L., & Borrero, S. (2016). Patient-centered contraceptive
counseling: evidence to inform practice. Current Obstetrics and Gynecology
Reports, 5(1), 55-63.
OpenLearn (2020). Family Planning Module: 3. Counselling for Family Planning. The Open
University. Retrieved on 15 th June, 2020 from
https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=138&printable=1

:~:text=Summary%20of%20Study%20Session%203&text=Family%20planning%20

counselling%20is%20the,the%20children%20within%20their%20family.