Self-care provision of contraception: Evidence and insights from contraceptive injectable self-administration

Publication date: Available online 23 January 2020Source: Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & GynaecologyAuthor(s): Martha Brady, Jennifer Kidwell Drake, Allen Namagembe, Jane CoverAbstractAs new reproductive health products become available, women increasingly want to take a participatory role in their health. New developments and formulations of contraceptive products provide an opportunity to support this evolving trend toward self-care. Self-care, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights the ability of individuals to promote health, prevent disease, and manage their own health with or without the support of a health care provider. The recently released WHO Guidelines on Self-Care Interventions for Health: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights include new self-care recommendations related to use of family planning, including self-injection of injectable contraceptives and over-the-counter provision of oral contraceptive pills.This paper focuses on the research evidence of self-administration (self-injection) of subcutaneous depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC), and the practical experience of providers, women, and family planning programs adopting self-injection practices. We also explore the role of self-care in the provision of other contraceptives.

Source: Best Practice and Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology - January 23, 2020 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research