By Kirsten Taylor | Director of Development & Communications
In 2015, we began implementing the LARCs First methodology, meaning that we explain all available birth control methods in terms of efficacy: beginning with the most effective (IUD and subdermal implant) and ending with the least effective method (condom). There are numerous misconceptions about LARCs in Guatemala. It is believed that they are only meant to be used by married women or women who have already had children, some think that they can make women infertile, or that they are permanent methods. To dispel these myths, our educational talks strongly emphasize that contraceptive methods can be used by women regardless of whether they have had children or not, and that they can be removed after 5 years (in case of the implant) or 10 (IUD), or earlier if the person decides to.
Since implementing LARCs First, we have seen the number of contraceptive methods patients shift away from short-acting methods like pills and injections to long-acting methods. What this means for us is that while our projected number of total patients is generally right on the mark, the balance is flowing toward LARCs. What that means for our patients is that they are much more effective in avoiding unintended pregnancy for longer amounts of time!
As you can see from the chart of data, our patients last year showed an overwhelming preference for subdermal hormonal implants over IUDs. We believe this is because myths about the copper T or IUD are so very pervasive. We have women ask us all the time if they will get pregnant and have a baby with the T embedded in the baby’s forehead or if the T becomes embedded in the uterine tissue forever. Using a rights-based approach, we offer education to dispel these myths in all of our programs, whether within our Youth Peer Education Program, our community outreach, or in one-on-one patient counseling. Despite these misconceptions about the IUD, we are delighted that the subdermal hormonal implant is so popular.
At WINGS, we know that the education we provide is just as important as the actual physical contraceptive methods we provide. We could not provide wither of these dimensions of our services without the generosity of donors like you. Thank you so much for standing with WINGS as we provide life-changing reproductive health services to Guatemalan youth, women, and men. We <3 LARCS and YOU!
By Kirsten Taylor | Director of Development & Communications
By Kirsten Taylor | Director of Development & Communications
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