Recorded presentation

Marcos Arevalo, MD, MPH, Institute for Reproductive Health, Georgetown University School of Medicine, 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202-687-1392, arevalom@georgetown.edu

A recently concluded clinical trial showed the TwoDay method to be effective and acceptable to a wide range of couples. The TwoDay method is a new, simple fertility-awareness based method of family planning. Method users identify days when they are fertile by recognizing the presence or absence of cervical secretions. They do not need to distinguish different characteristics of secretions: cervical secretions of any type are the only indicator of fertility. Couples who wish to prevent pregnancy avoid unprotected intercourse on days identified as fertile (days with secretions plus the next day).

In an international multicenter clinical trial 450 women from 5 sites in Guatemala, Peru and The Philippines used the method for up to 12 months.

Key findings of the clinical trial, to be presented and discussed at this presentation: - The TwoDay method is 96% effective when used correctly, 86% effective under typical use. - There is significant demand for fertility awareness-based methods among clients of public sector and NGO programs. - Most users, typical public sector and NGO FP clients, were able to learn the method in one short counseling session, identify their fertile days correctly, and avoid unprotected intercourse on those days. - It is feasible for providers to offer the TwoDay method as part of their regular activities.

Conclusion: The TwoDay method has been proven to be an effective family planning method. Information obtained from the clinical trial also suggest that, programmatically, it can be a viable addition to service delivery systems.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will

• understand how the TwoDay method of family planning works,
• understand how the method is used, and
• know the method’s efficacy rates resulting from a clinical trial

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation