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Network: Hormonal Contraception and HIV
 Vol. 24, No. 1, 2007
Hormonal contraceptives are among the most popular and effective methods of family planning. But some studies have suggested that the use of these methods might be associated with an increased risk of acquiring HIV from an infected partner. Scientists also wonder whether HIV-infected users of hormonal contraceptives might be more likely to transmit the virus or whether they might experience an accelerated progression of the disease.
This issue of Network examines these questions and considers the results of the most comprehensive study ever conducted on hormonal contraceptive use and the acquisition of HIV. Based on this evidence, the World Health Organization continues to advise women at risk of acquiring HIV and those who are already infected with the virus that they may safely use hormonal contraceptives.
Network: Nonconsensual Sex
 Vol. 23, No. 4, 2005
This issue of Network describes the variety of means by which children, adolescents, and adults — men and women alike — are pressured to have sexual relations that they do not want. Nonconsensual sex may be a major contributing factor to such reproductive health problems as unintended pregnancy and its complications, as well as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Transmission of these infections will persist — despite common STI/HIV prevention approaches of emphasizing sexual abstinence, faithfulness in relationships, and condom use — as long as nonconsensual sex remains widespread. Reproductive health providers are often particularly well placed to detect sexual coercion and to care for its predominantly female victims. But experts have called for more rigorous evaluation of provider interventions to determine how they affect clients' health or exposure to further violence. Some experts have also called for financial support and rigorous evaluation of prevention initiatives that address the root causes of nonconsensual sex.
Network: Integrating Services
 Vol. 23, No. 3, 2004
In most settings throughout the world, family planning services and HIV services traditionally have operated separately with little or no integration. Family planning services primarily target married women of reproductive age. HIV services primarily target individuals at high risk of HIV infection. Integrating family planning and HIV services potentially can maximize the use of existing services and minimize the number of people who do not obtain the health care they need. But much remains unknown about how best to integrate services and what impact such integration will have on reproductive health outcomes, such as preventing HIV infection and unintended pregnancy. This issue of Network, an overview of current thinking about integration, is the first of a series of publications, supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development, intended to encourage health professionals to ask questions or share their experiences in regard to service integration.
Network: Preserving Fertility
 Vol. 23, No. 2, 2003
Infertility, which has multiple causes and consequences, is a global public health concern: About 10 percent of all couples worldwide are or have been infertile. Because family planning professionals devote much of their careers to helping clients avoid unintended pregnancies, they may neglect the issue of unintended infertility. But efforts to better prevent, diagnose, and treat the main causes of unintended infertility could help preserve the fertility of millions worldwide. Key points highlighted in this issue of Network are that:
- infertility often involves both members of the couple;
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the primary preventable causes of infertility;
- chlamydial infection and gonorrhea are the two STIs most clearly associated with infertility
- screening can identify these two often-silent STIs;
- postpartum and postabortion infections are also associated with infertility; and
- contraceptive use does not cause infertility.
Although infertility is considered by some to be primarily a woman's problem, men often contribute to and are also affected by it. Thus, the issue explores how infertility affects men, the ways in which men can protect themselves and their partners from STIs, and how reproductive health programs and clinics can help men understand and prevent infertility.
Network: Research to Practice
 Vol. 23, No. 1, 2003
- A gap often exists between research findings and the desired outcome of putting them into use to improve health service delivery, policies, and practices. But this issue of Network highlights several factors that can facilitate the speed and ease of moving research to practice. How various factors can coincide to produce rapid utilization of research findings is illustrated by acceptance of the antiretroviral nevirapine to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the developing world. Also described in the issue is a pilot initiative by the Kenya Ministry of Health and some 15 partner organizations (including FHI) to increase access to the intrauterine device (IUD) based on research that IUDs are safe, highly effective, and cost-effective over the long term. Finally, this issue of Network offers guidance for identifying worthy research results, as well as various interventions considered to be "best practices" for reproductive health care.
Network: Barrier Methods
 Vol. 22, No. 4, 2003
- The actual and potential use of various barrier methods for contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is the focus of this issue of Network. Male condoms — when used consistently and correctly — are an effective means of preventing HIV infection, gonorrhea (in men) and unplanned pregnancy among people who are sexually active and need to protect themselves. In various settings, promotion of 100 percent condom use has contributed to marked reductions in STI rates. However, accurate messages about condoms must build on (and not substitute for) a wide range of STI risk-avoidance and risk-reduction approaches. The issue also discusses female condom reuse issues and various strategies that offer dual protection against both unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Another highlight is an overview of the status of research on various microbicides that might be used topically as protective barriers against HIV and other STIs. Finally, the issue explores the soon-to-be tested hypothesis that diaphragms offer women some protection against STIs.
Network: Hormonal Contraceptive Methods
 Vol. 22, No. 3, 2003
- Ongoing efforts to make hormonal contraceptive methods safer, more acceptable, easier to use, and more diverse is the focus of this issue of Network. How researchers have altered formulations and delivery systems for hormonal contraceptives, creating new products that are beginning to enter the market, is discussed. The issue also explores ways to help oral contraceptive users adhere to pill-taking regimens and identifies efforts to have community-based workers provide injectable contraceptives. Another highlight is provider guidance, derived from evidence-based medicine, for several challenging clinical cases involving hormonal contraceptive use. The issue includes a review of issues related to hormonal contraceptive use by women either infected with sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, or at risk of infection. Finally, an article describes the growing role of pharmacies as outlets for information about, and provision of, emergency contraceptive pills for youth.
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Network: Qualitative Research
 Vol. 22, No. 2, 2002
- The use of qualitative research to improve reproductive health is the focus of this issue of Network. Such research is guiding research and program design, complementing findings from quantitative studies, and exploring issues that have received little study. Highlighted in this issue are selected research initiatives that illustrate how this qualitative approach is expanding our insight into numerous reproductive health areas. Qualitative research is, for example, examining barriers to both the use of existing contraceptives and the potential use of new contraceptive products. It also identifies factors that impede the provision or use of services designed to prevent, diagnose, and manage sexually transmitted infections; seeks ways to better identify and serve victims of domestic violence; and helps us explore why maternal mortality rates remain unacceptably high in so many settings.
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Network: Reproductive Life Stages
 Vol. 22, No. 1, 2002
- Various stages of a woman's reproductive life — characterized by different priorities for contraception and disease protection, as well as different needs for reproductive health information — are highlighted in this issue of Network. Adolescents, for example, need information about both abstinence and the use of contraceptive methods. Women in their peak childbearing years need to understand that contraceptive use will not jeopardize their fertility, but that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can. Meanwhile, women approaching menopause need to be aware of their continuing risks for unplanned pregnancy and STI infection.
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Network: Sexual Health
 Vol. 21, No. 4, 2002
- Sexuality, gender socialization, partner communication, social relationships, and cultural norms all influence sexual health, defined by the World Health Organization as "integration of the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social aspects of sexual being in ways that are enriching and that enhance personality, communication, and love." The current issue of Network seeks to increase awareness of these important and often overlooked dynamics, and to help readers identify social and programmatic barriers to optimal sexual health. A special package of articles in the issue also clarifies the complex relationship between contraception and induced abortion, citing evidence that increased use of effective contraception leads to declines in induced abortion rates.
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Network: Improving Reproductive Health Services
 Vol. 21, No. 3, 2002
- Throughout the world, many women are denied contraceptive methods due to health concerns that — in fact — have no scientific basis. Youth continue to face various reproductive health dangers, many of which are tied to behaviors related to sexuality. Meanwhile, reproductive health programs in developing countries struggle to provide quality care with limited resources. However, various initiatives, tools, and research are addressing these ongoing problems, according to the current issue of Network.
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Network: Ethics and Reproductive Health
 Vol. 21, No. 2, 2001
- An essential element of good reproductive health research, as well as service delivery, is that it be performed in an ethical manner. This issue of Network covers the evolution of basic ethical principles, ethical dilemmas that service providers regularly face, distinctions between informed choice and informed consent, and emerging reproductive health technologies that raise ethical concerns.
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Network: Emergency Contraceptive Pills
 Vol. 21, No. 1, 2001
- Emergency contraceptive pills can prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, method failure, or incorrect method use. This issue of Network includes an overview of emergency contraception: how it works, when it should be used, proper dosage, effectiveness, safety, and side effects. Other articles discuss efforts to improve emergency contraception, why many women needing the method do not use it, and ways to increase access. Also explored in the issue is the feasibility of HIV treatment shortly after being exposed to HIV (postexposure prophylaxis).
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Network: Family Planning and STIs
 Vol. 20, No. 4, 2001
- Many family planning clients need services related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This issue of Network includes an article about ways to provide dual protection, against both pregnancy and STIs. Other articles address the needs of HIV-positive women, ways to reach youth and men, and a contraceptive method table that compares each method's ability to protect against STIs.
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Network: Adolescent Reproductive Health
 Vol. 20, No. 3, 2000
- Sex education and other services for young adults help reduce their risks of an unplanned pregnancy or infection from a sexually transmitted disease. This issue of Network includes examples of programs for adolescents in Jamaica, Mali, Uganda, Zambia, Egypt, South Africa and India.
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Network: Female Barrier Methods
 Vol. 20, No. 2, 2000
- Female barrier methods include the diaphragm, female condom and spermicides. A number of experimental devices and microbicidal products are under development. In general, female barrier methods are not as effective in preventing pregnancy as other modern methods, but provide a degree of protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Correct and consistent use of the male latex condom offers the best barrier protection against infections.
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Network: Intrauterine Devices
 Vol. 20, No. 1, 2000
- Today's intrauterine devices (IUDs) offer safe and reversible long-term contraception, requiring little effort on the part of users once they are inserted. However, while popular in some countries, IUDs are not widely used in other countries because of reluctance among users and health providers, or a lack of supplies and trained staff.
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Network: New Contraceptive Users
 Vol. 19, No. 4, Summer 1999
- First-time contraceptive users are a diverse group that includes young adults who have recently become sexually active and older couples who initiate use after the births of their children.
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Network: Community-based Distribution
 Vol. 19, No. 3, Spring 1999
- Community-based distribution programs take contraceptive methods to people where they live, rather than requiring people to visit clinics or other locations for services. Articles examine recent research involving programmatic issues and profile services, highlighting Peru, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
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Network: Contraception and Chronic Conditions
 Vol. 19, No. 2, Winter 1999
- Major chronic diseases or conditions affect many people worldwide, and have important implications for making contraceptive choices. A chart summarizes how specific chronic diseases influence method choice.
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Network: Improving Service Quality
 Vol. 19, No. 1, Fall 1998
- Ways to improve the quality of family planning services include better staff training and client counseling, as well as offering clients a range of methods from which to choose. Also in this issue of Network, a contraceptive update reviews how different methods affect menstrual bleeding, an important consideration when selecting a method.
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Network: Family Planning and Women's Lives
 Vol. 18, No. 4, Summer 1998
- Family planning use affects women's lives in many ways, including their opportunities for paid employment or a better education, their sense of self-esteem, and a variety of other "quality of life" concerns. This issue of Network reports research findings from FHI's Women's Studies Project in 10 developing countries, which sought a better understanding of how contraceptive use or non-use influenced women's lives.
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Network: Men and Reproductive Health
 Vol. 18, No. 3, Spring 1998
- Encouraging male responsibility for family planning requires services that protect the reproductive health of both men and women. Articles discuss male responsibility for reproductive health, men's reproductive health risks, surveys from developing countries that suggest a strong interest in family planning among men, and topics involving existing and experimental male contraceptives.
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Network: Evaluating Family Planning Costs
 Vol. 18, No. 2, Winter 1998
- Because financial resources are limited, those who manage family planning services must often face difficult choices about competing priorities. Decisions about the use of resources require careful comparison of costs for each service, and those costs may be influenced by a variety of factors. Articles discuss the use of client fees, the role of private-sector services, ways to reduce costs and the integration of family planning services with related health-care programs, such as prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
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Network: Male and Female Sterilization
 Vol. 18, No. 1, Fall 1997
- Compared with other contraceptive methods, voluntary male and female sterilizations are highly effective and convenient. While female sterilization is the most popular contraceptive method in the United States and worldwide, male sterilization (vasectomy) is widely available in only a few countries, despite the fact that it is easier to perform than female sterilization. Articles provide an overview of these two highly effective and safe sterilization methods, including recent research on safety issues and long-term effectiveness.
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Network: Reproductive Health after Pregnancy
 Vol. 17, No. 4, Summer 1997
- In many countries, reproductive health services, such as family planning counseling, contraception and maternal health care, are not readily available for postpartum or postabortion women. Articles focus on important reproductive health needs following pregnancy, including when to begin specific contraceptive methods.
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Network: Adolescent Reproductive Health
 Vol. 17, No. 3, Spring 1997
- Young women and men worldwide are especially vulnerable to reproductive health problems, including early or unplanned pregnancy and infection by sexually transmitted diseases. Articles on sex education, gender issues and understanding the psychological pressures youth face are included, as well as a chart on contraceptive methods for adolescents.
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Network: Family Planning and AIDS Prevention: Maximizing Reproductive Health Resources
 Vol. 17, No. 2, Winter 1997
- Ways to maximize reproductive health resources include combining family planning services with appropriate STD/HIV prevention activities. Articles discuss STD risk assessments, the use of emergency contraception as a backup to condom use, and efforts to develop HIV drugs, vaccines and microbicides. Factors influencing service to different client groups, including women, HIV-infected mothers, and youth are examined.
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Network: Fertility Awareness
 Volume 17, No. 1, Fall 1996
- Fertility awareness involves education about the menstrual cycle and its relationship to reproductive health. Couples are better able to understand when pregnancy is most likely to occur and how contraceptive methods affect women's menstrual cycles, and they are better prepared to recognize changes that may indicate health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases.
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Network: Oral Contraceptives
 Vol. 16, No. 4, Summer 1996
- When used consistently and correctly, oral contraceptives (OCs) offer effective contraception that is safe to use by nearly all women, including women of any reproductive age group. Articles discuss the relationship of OCs to cancer and cardiovascular disease, OC use for emergency contraception, and whether hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of HIV infection.
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Network: Barrier Methods
 Vol. 16, No. 3, Spring 1996
- Barrier methods are the only contraceptives that have been shown to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Articles discuss the importance of consistent and correct use, the "dual-method" approach, the need for good communication between partners, and products under development, including microbicides.
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Network: Intrauterine Device
 Vol. 16, No. 2, Winter 1996
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are among the safest and most effective contraceptives available, suitable for many women. Articles outline how IUDs work, who are best candidates for use, use among postpartum women, frequently asked questions and training needs.
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Network: Contraceptive Introduction
 Vol. 16, No. 1, September 1995
- Before a new contraceptive is introduced into a country or community, or use of an existing method is greatly expanded, fundamental issues should be raised involving potential users, service delivery systems and the method's technological characteristics.
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