Network: Improving Reproductive Health Services

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.

In this issue Medical Barriers Often Unnecessary Unnecessary medical barriers to the use of contraception are associated with nearly every contraceptive method, and arise for various reasons. This article explores key ways to reduce such barriers, addressing common barriers associated with specific contraceptive methods. That few medical exams are necessary for the safe use of contraception is discussed in Safe Use of Contraception Seldom Requires Medical Exams. The unnecessary practice of denying non-menstruating women a contraceptive method is explored in Contraception Should be Available to Non-Menstruating Women. Finally, an initiative to facilitate the introduction and use of 'best practices' in reproductive health care programs is described in New Consortium Facilitates Use of 'Best Practices.' Youth: Vulnerable But Resilient Efforts to improve reproductive health services for young people are essential since, as a population, youth are at particular risk for unplanned pregnancy or infection by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Experts agree that far more evaluation and research is needed to determine how best to involve youth and how to develop services that are both effective and sustainable. Meanwhile, evaluations of specific types of programs offer some helpful data for program planners. The loveLife campaign in South Africa, which seeks to build among youth awareness of reproductive health and life skills, is profiled in Campaign Encourages Youth to Talk about Sex and Sexuality. Why youth are at particular risk for reproductive health problems is described in Youth in Danger. Evaluations Suggest Better Ways to Use Resources Family planning programs in developing countries face formidable challenges in providing quality care with limited resources. But economic analysis of programs — as described in this article — can provide managers with information that can improve both the productivity of programs and the quality of care. Training sessions that are provided to help program managers identify and solve program problems is discussed in Managers Learn to Analyze Costs. Contraceptive Update: Technique Modification May Improve Vasectomy Effectiveness Physicians who use simple ligation and excision to perform male sterilization, or vasectomy, should strongly consider modifying their surgical technique to include fascial interposition, recent research shows.

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