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Birth Control -
How Care Providers Can Help
Be attentive to regular and new health
care needs:
- Help patients schedule regular gyn/breast
exams, mammograms or testicular/prostate exams.
- Remind clients once a month to do breast
self-exam or testicular self-exam. Provide pamphlets with pictures
or videotapes.
- Help clients obtain over-the-counter barrier
methods such as water-based lubricants and condoms, in addition
to prescription birth control methods. Keep extra supplies in
the house where clients can get them.
Be prepared for changes in the client's
normal menstrual pattern:
- More frequent periods
- Skipped periods
- Very heavy periods - "flooding"
& "gushing"
- Have menstrual supplies on hand to deal with
heavier or more frequent bleeding.
Be prepared for changes in eating patterns:
- Some methods, like pills, cause an increase
in appetite. Work with patients to notice the change and stay
on a healthy diet.
Help patients watch out for side effects
of new methods:
- Ask the doctor for specific side effects
to watch for.
- Find out which ones are dangerous.
- Ask how long the patient should watch out
for side effects.
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