Abstract

PIP: "Dual protection" refers to the use of methods which will prevent both unwanted pregnancy and HIV/STD infections during sexual intercourse. Such protection may be achieved through either the use of a barrier method such as a male or female condom together with another contraceptive method, or through the use of the male or female condom alone. In descending order of effectiveness, the following methods can protect against unwanted pregnancy: abstinence; sterilization; Norplant; injection; oral contraceptive pill; IUD; male condom with spermicide; male condom; female condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap; vaginal spermicide alone; and natural family planning. In descending order of effectiveness, the following methods can protect against the transmission of HIV and STDs: abstinence, nonpenetrative sex, long-term mutual monogamy with HIV testing, male condom with spermicide, male condom, female condom, diaphragm and cervical cap, and vaginal spermicide alone. When attempting to provide clients with the family planning and HIV/STD prevention method(s) which best suits their needs, clients' degrees of reproductive health, HIV/STD risk, and motivation must first be assessed. Counseling upon and selection of particular methods may then ensue, followed by skills building of method use and other prevention strategies, follow-up counseling, and HIV/STD testing and treatment either on-site or through referral.