The two major tasks of the middle stage are to discuss information
about contraceptive methods and to help the client make an informed
choice.
The needs of the individual client should guide the discussion.
For a first-time client who does not know which method she or
he wants, the provider will need to be more thorough. Some clients
have background information on methods from education sessions
or other sources. Samples of methods and visual aids can help
a client understand the choices. Even in this situation, however,
it is important to avoid giving too much information because
the client may not be able to absorb all of it. For clients
who know what method they want, the information should be focused
on that method, if it is medically appropriate.
In general, the middle stage covers the technical information
discussed earlier, and how the information applies to the individual
client’s situation and lifestyle. This information includes
effectiveness of a method, mechanism of action, side effects,
complications, and other method characteristics that affect
choice.
If clients have not made a choice earlier, they should be able
to do so by the end of the session. If the client is still unsure,
the provider can suggest trying a method temporarily. If unhappy
with the method later, the client can then choose another method.
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