Contraceptive Pearls

The "Pearls" offer answers to commonly asked questions about family planning. These "Pearls" are prepared by Dr. James D. Shelton, Senior Medical Scientist, Office of Population and Reproductive Health, United States Agency for International Development.

New Pearls

• This new subcutaneous injection approach for Depo-Provera (DMPA) you described is interesting. But what are the potential advantages?
  


• One criterion for Standard Days Method (SDM) is that women have regular periods between 26 and 32 days. But many of our clients don't keep track of their periods precisely. Is there a way to find out if such women are eligible?
  


• OK, I see now how to make the initial screening for SDM practical. But once a woman starts SDM is it important for her to monitor her cycles on an ongoing basis to assess regularity and duration of her cycles?
  

Related Pearls

Family Planning Pearls 

Birth Spacing Pearls 

HIV Pearls 

For more information on Population, please contact USAID at msessions@usaid.gov.