- Helps clients make informed choice
- Establishes a trusting relationship
- Supports correct and consistent use
- Helps clients understand side effects
- Leads to higher client satisfaction
- Increases continuation rates
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Counseling is a critical part of family planning services,
for both first-time and returning clients. Counseling often
helps clients make an informed choice about their reproductive
goals and their reproductive health, including contraception
and protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Establishing a trusting relationship between the provider and
client can help build the rapport needed to discuss sensitive
issues, choose the best contraceptive method and solve problems
about contraceptive use. For example, a trusting relationship
might help a woman develop strategies for using a method when
her husband is not supportive.
Counseling can help clients use a method correctly and consistently
by making sure clients understand how to use the method they
choose. Counseling can help clients choose a method they are
more likely to use correctly.
Counseling about side effects is very important so that clients
know what to expect. If clients understand that side effects
are normal and rarely harmful, they are more likely to continue
using a method when side effects do occur.
Good information and counseling can lead to higher client satisfaction.
When satisfied, clients continue family planning longer and
often tell their friends about their positive experience. Good
counseling can encourage clients to return if they have problems
or if their needs change.
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