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Helping clients to understand how
methods work can:
- dispel myths
- ease fears
- correct misinformation
- help increase correct, consistent use
Avoid using biomedical terms
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How methods work – called mechanism of action – may
be important to some clients. However, in discussing mechanism
of action, providers should keep explanations simple and clear,
without biomedical terminology.
For some clients, understanding the mechanism of action of
a method can help dispel myths, ease fears and correct misinformation.
For example, a study on Norplant in Egypt, the Dominican Republic,
Indonesia and Thailand found that many men and women incorrectly
believed that Norplant releases poison that kills sperm. Many
study participants did not know how Norplant worked but wanted
to know.
A basic understanding of a method’s mechanism of action
may also help a couple use the method correctly. For example,
women may understand better the importance of consistent pill
use if they know how oral contraceptives work.
In some places, it is very important to highlight the fact
that no contraceptive method causes abortion, including the
IUD.
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