March 2019 — These tools contain guidance for health care workers to counsel family planning clients on bleeding changes associated with the use of hormonal contraception and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). Fears and misconceptions about menstrual bleeding often contribute to discontinuation and non-use of contraception. Although amenorrhea or reduced bleeding can have important noncontraceptive health and lifestyle advantages, these potential benefits are often not emphasized in counseling sessions.

To fill a gap in counseling tools that address women’s concerns about bleeding changes, FHI 360 co-developed these tools with PSI and with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development.

• Facility-based tool — For use by health care providers in clinics and other health care facilities
• Community-based tool — For use by community health workers and volunteers to counsel low-literacy clients
• Training slides — For use by health care workers with family planning training experience to train other providers on the use of the facility-based and community-based tools