Contraception: Choices, Culture and Consequences

This course gives a broad overview of contraceptive methods and explores issues that influence contraceptive choices today.  We will discuss the mechanism of action, effectiveness, risk/benefit, side effects and contraindications for each contraceptive method, as well as ask some questions about contraceptive decision making. What are some of the factors that influence contraception use and decision making?   Are there specific cultural, ethnic, social and environmental factors?  We will also look at the relationship between contraception use and risk of acquiring Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). 

Week One: Introduction to Contraceptive Care and The Menstrual Cycle Week Two: Long Acting Reversible and Non-Reversible Methods Week Three: Hormonal Methods, Part One Week Four: Hormonal Methods, Part Two Week Five: Barrier, Fertility Awareness, and Lactation Amenorrhea Methods