Personalized contraceptive counseling: helping women make the right choice

Abstract

Unintended pregnancy is a significant problem with medical, social, and economic consequences. Half of unintended pregnancies are a result of no contraceptive use; while the other half results from contraceptive inconsistencies, or method failure. Women have an array of contraceptive options to choose from, each of which differs significantly in terms of usage, efficacy, side effects, risks, and noncontraceptive benefits. Determining the best tool for communication is a challenge. In addition, the choice of contraceptive method differs among women with medical problems. Not all contraceptive methods are suitable for women with certain medical problems. In this review, we discuss different methods of counseling and the tools available for sharing contraception information.

Keywords:

• birth control
• decision aid
• contraceptive

Introduction

Unintended pregnancy is still a critical public health problem in the USA. There are significant costs – economical, medical, and social¹ – associated with unintended pregnancies as well as suboptimal maternal and child health following birth.^1–5 As of 2008, 51% of pregnancies in the USA were unintended.⁶ A proposed solution to reduce the rates of unintended pregnancies by half is through the use of highly effective contraceptives.^1,7 In fact, half of the unintended pregnancies are a result of no contraceptive use, while the other half results from contraceptive inconsistencies or method failure.⁸ Underuse of effective contraception is another factor which contributes to high rates of unintended pregnancy in the USA.^9,10 Women have an array of contraceptive options to choose from, each of which differs significantly in terms of usage, efficacy, side effects, risks, and noncontraceptive benefits. How should we best inform women about the contraceptive methods available to reduce the rates of unintended pregnancies? Health communication is regarded as an important marker of quality of care by the Institute of Medicine¹¹ and is associated with improvement in patient outcomes.^12,13 However, determining the best tool for communication is a challenge, as many factors must be considered, including a woman’s reproductive life plans, health literacy level, and socioeconomic situation.^14,15 These factors are critical as there are many causes of unintended pregnancies including, but not limited to, poor access to family planning services, inconsistent or incorrect use of contraceptive methods, and discontinuation of contraceptives due to associated side effects.^16,17 Many contraception counseling options are available and have been scientifically studied. It is important to note that no literature reports till date have proved the benefit of contraception counseling or decision aids in the setting of reducing unintended pregnancies.^18,19 Most studies focus on short-term measurable outcomes such as contraception choice or knowledge, which indirectly influences unintended pregnancy rates by affecting the correct use of contraceptive methods. This review focuses on a brief overview of the available contraceptive methods and some practices of contraceptive counseling that can be used to help women make the right choice of birth control method.

Contraceptive methods available in the USA

There is a wide range of contraceptive methods available in the USA, including both permanent and reversible (long-acting and short-acting) contraceptives. Permanent and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) offer the highest effectiveness rates of all methods and are some of the most cost-effective methods of contraception (Table 1).

Table 1 Effectiveness of contraceptive methods

Method	Perfect use efficacy (%)**	Typical use efficacy (%)***	1-year continuation rate (%)	Benefits	Disadvantages
Long-term methods
Male sterilization	>99	>99	100	Permanent; superior effectiveness; quick recovery; no partner reliance; does not interrupt sex	Requires time for procedure; expertise of provider; risk of infection or surgical complications; potential of regret; does not protect against STIs
Female sterilization	>99	>99	100	Permanent; superior effectiveness; quick recovery; no partner reliance; does not interrupt sex; safe while breastfeeding	Requires time for procedure; expertise of provider; risk of infection or surgical complications; potential of regret; does not protect against STIs
Hormonal implant	>99	>99	83–92	Lasts for up to 3 years; easily reversible; easy to use (do not have to do anything); discreet; can be used while breastfeeding; does not interrupt sex	Provider needs to place and remove it; may cause changes in menstrual flow, headaches, or acne; increased risk of ectopic pregnancy; does not protect against STIs
IUDs	>99	>99	74–88	Can last from 3 to 12 years depending on the IUD chosen; easy to use; hormonal IUD may make periods lighter and shorter; copper IUD has no hormones; discreet; can be used while breastfeeding; does not interrupt sex	Provider needs to place and remove it; may cause changes in menstrual flow; IUD may come out on its own; increased risk of ectopic pregnancy; does not protect against STIs
Short-term methods
Contraceptive injection	>99	94	23–57	Easy to use; lasts for 3 months; discreet; may make periods lighter/shorter or cause amenorrhea; may be used while breastfeeding	Provider needs to give it every 3 months; may cause irregular bleeding, change in appetite, weight gain
Vaginal ring	>99	91	54	Monthly method (instead of daily/weekly); discreet; may make periods lighter/shorter and regular; may clear up acne; may reduce menstrual cramps	Need to change it every month; its use needs prescription from provider; not recommended for those with contraindications to estrogen use; may cause breast tenderness, spotting, or nausea in the beginning; women need to be comfortable placing it
Patch	>99	91	49	Easy to use (weekly method); does not interrupt sex; may make periods lighter/shorter and regular; may clear up acne; may reduce menstrual cramps	Need to change it every month; its use needs prescription from provider; not recommended for those with contraindications to estrogen use; may cause breast tenderness, spotting, or nausea in the beginning
Oral contraceptive pills	>99	91	55	Easy to use; does not interrupt sex; may make periods lighter; may clear up acne; may reduce menstrual cramps	Need to take it every day; need prescription from provider; not recommended for those with contraindications to estrogen use; may cause breast tenderness, spotting, or nausea in the beginning
Other methods
Male condom	98	82	N/A	Protects against STIs; no prescription required; available in latex and nonlatex forms and with or without spermicide	Must be used every time; may reduce sensitivity
Female condom	95	79	N/A	Protects against STIs; no prescription required; can be used even if allergic to latex	Must be used every time; must feel comfortable placing it into vagina
Diaphragm	94	88	N/A	Can be placed hours before sex; does not have any hormones; can be used while breastfeeding	Some diaphragms need fitting; needs to be used every time; may cause vaginal irritation; needs to be used with spermicide
Cervical cap	N/A	71–86	N/A	Can be placed hours before sex; does not have any hormones; can be used while breastfeeding; does not require prescription	Must be used every time; some women may have a hard time placing it into the vagina; may cause vaginal irritation; needs to be used with spermicide
Sponge	80–91	76–82	N/A	Can be placed hours before sex; does not have hormones; does not require prescription; can be used while breastfeeding	Must be used every time; some women may have a hard time placing it into the vagina; may cause vaginal irritation; needs to be used with spermicide
Withdrawal	96	78	N/A	No prescription necessary; no costs	Difficult to perform perfectly every time; relies on male knowing when he will ejaculate
Fertility awareness methods	95–99	76–88	N/A	No prescription necessary; does not contain hormones; no side effects; helps women to learn about their body	Requires a lot of effort, record-keeping, and self-control; requires abstinence; some methods do not work for women with irregular periods
Spermicide	82	72	N/A	Easy to use; no prescription necessary (available over the counter); does not affect hormones; can be used while breastfeeding	May cause allergic reactions; needs to be used every time; may be messy

Notes: Data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,⁴⁴ and Hatcher et al.⁴⁵

** Pregnancy rates during perfect use show how effective methods can be, where perfect use is defined as following the directions for use.

*** Pregnancy rates during typical use show how effective the different methods are during actual use (including inconsistent or incorrect use).

Abbreviations: CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; IUDs, intrauterine devices; N/A, not applicable; STIs, sexually transmitted infections.

Role of personal health in contraceptive counseling

Not all contraceptive methods are suitable for women with certain medical problems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released two evidence-based clinical guideline documents regarding contraceptive use for adolescents and adults. The first guideline, US Medical Eligibility Criteria (USMEC) for Contraceptive Use, 2010,²⁰ helps clinicians not only recognize when a contraceptive method may not be safe to use for a woman, particularly an adolescent, but also when not to withhold a contraceptive method that is safe to use. The second document, US Selected Practice Recommendations (US SPR) for Contraceptive Use, 2013,²¹ provides guidance on how to use contraceptive methods safely and effectively once they are deemed safe for a particular woman. Health care providers are encouraged to use these documents to provide safe and effective contraceptive care to patients seeking family planning services, including adolescents. USMEC and the US SPR were adapted from similar documents by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has been publishing global evidence-based contraceptive guidance since 1996. Recommendations are provided using a numeric scheme of 1–4, in which category 1 represents a method that is safe to use without restriction and category 4 represents an unacceptable health risk (Table 2).

Table 2 Categories of medical eligibility criteria

Category	Description
1	A condition for which there is no restriction for the use of the contraceptive method
2	A condition for which the advantages of using the method generally outweigh the theoretical or proven risks
3	A condition for which the theoretical or proven risks usually outweigh the advantages of using the method
4	A condition that represents an unacceptable health risk if the contraceptive method is used

Note: Adapted from US Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010 by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).⁴⁴

Most women can safely use all the hormonal contraceptive methods; rarely, women will have a medical condition making the use of a hormonal method inappropriate. USMEC can not only assist with restricting the method use when there is an evidence of risk, but also with facilitating the use where there is an evidence of safety. The most common contraindications for combined hormonal methods are women with high risk of venous thrombosis, migraines with aura, positive antiphospholipid antibodies, and being less than 21 days after giving birth. However, based on the USMEC guidelines, there are very few absolute contraindications to the longer acting methods such as intrauterine devices and implants. Thus, we recommend providers to refer to these documents before conducting a personalized contraception counseling session.

Personalized contraception counseling

Basic concepts of contraception counseling

Given the sensitive and personal nature of discussions, contraception counseling can be challenging for both providers and patients. A recent review by Dehlendorf et al²² delineated best practices for effective and quality contraception counseling. In this review, the authors highlight the best practices for contraception counseling, including developing close personal relationships, building trust, optimizing decision making, and keeping patient’s autonomy. In addition, they suggested that adequate counseling regarding the side effects, risks, and efficacy should take priority in any contraception counseling discussion. Other recommendations from these authors included counseling about sexually transmitted infection risk reduction, screening for reproductive coercion, and addressing future fertility concerns with patients at the time of contraception counseling.

There have been many studies that have identified contraception counseling strategies and studied its effect on contraception choice and continuation. In general, a patient-centered approach to counseling is the most popular one. Structured counseling is a frequently discussed method in the literature because it provides a clinical algorithm that is standardized for patient use. This method engages the patient by covering an extensive list of contraceptives, but, in addition, also covers the effectiveness and side effects of each modality.^16,23 Both audio and visual references are made available during these encounters such that a multisensory approach to learning is also integrated. Patients are also encouraged to ask questions and sometimes supplied with notecards to write down any questions they may have for their physicians.^16,23 This framework then allows a patient to progress toward an informed choice on a contraceptive method that is both effective and suited to meet her lifestyle preferences.¹⁶ In the upcoming section of this review, we will highlight some studies that focused on different aspects of contraception counseling.

In the study by Langston et al,²³ a randomized controlled trial (RCT) using a version of the WHO Decision-Making Tool (DMT) for Family Planning Clients and Providers was conducted among women presenting for a spontaneous or induced abortion. Women were randomized to receive usual care or usual care and structured counseling. This study evaluated the effects of structured counseling on women choosing very effective contraceptive methods at the time of their abortion, method initiation, and method continuation for 3 months.

Structured counseling consisted of a trained research coordinator who read and displayed the DMT that was previously found to be effective in improving communication among patients choosing a new contraceptive method.²⁴ The DMT is a double-sided visual aid that presents the available contraceptives, provides information regarding medical eligibility criteria and possible side effects of each method, and advises on when to seek medical care. Each contraceptive method was made available during the encounters for patients to feel and visualize each possibility. Usual care consisted of contraceptive counseling at the discretion of the physician at the time of patient’s suction aspiration procedure. Interpretation of results from this study indicated that structured counseling had little impact on the choice of contraceptive, initiation, or continuation. However, it is worth mentioning that Langston et al²³ had several limitations to their intervention, and therefore, the effects of structured counseling should not be ruled out.

Another study compared different health education resources for their ability to communicate contraceptive information.^25,26 Participants were randomized to receive educational material either through pamphlets or an audiovisual program with a familiar or unfamiliar narrator or an oral presentation by a physician or a combination of all the three resources. It was reported that participants gained less knowledge from oral presentations by a physician provider compared to that of an audiovisual presentation by an unfamiliar narrator.^25,26 Participant satisfaction was greatest among those who received a combination of resources compared to those receiving pamphlets only.²⁶

A study by Omu et al among high-parity pregnancy women in Nigeria focused on sterilization acceptance while providing information on all known methods of contraception.^25,27 This intervention consisted of multisession encounters throughout a participant’s pregnancy, emphasizing on contraceptive methods and the health effects linked to multiple pregnancies. Only those staff members who had undergone specific training through Family Health International were eligible to provide counseling. The control group received standard family planning information provided by untrained staff. The results of this study indicate that 71% of women in the intervention group were using an effective method of birth control 6 weeks postpartum, compared to 51% of those in the control group.²⁷

A study by Stephenson et al analyzed data from the Family Planning in Couples with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which aimed to reduce fertility among concordant HIV-positive and HIV-discordant couples in Zambia using video presentations.^25,28 Participants underwent a video-based informed consent that included the detailed contraceptive methods available. Couples were then randomized to view videos on contraceptive methods, future family planning behaviors, or both with a counselor available to answer questions. Participants in the control group viewed educational videos unrelated to contraceptives, but still had access to family planning services. This study showed a dramatic decline in the percentage of couples using no contraceptives or condoms in all study arms. The most popular methods chosen for new adopters were oral contraceptive pill, and injectable for all study arms. Couples viewing the methods’ video were more likely to choose the intrauterine device.²⁸

In the study by Kraft et al²⁹ also, group-based intervention was provided over multisessions for couples in the Los Angeles and Oklahoma City areas.²⁵ Couples were randomized to a three-session intervention, each lasting 2.5 hours over the course of 3 weeks, or to a one-session intervention lasting 1.5–2 hours. Both groups received a comprehensive session on contraceptive methods, their correct use, and their efficacy for preventing pregnancy and disease.²⁹ The intervention group also received sessions focusing on increasing communication between couples and perceived risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.²⁹ There was no statistically significant difference in consistent contraceptive use between the study groups at 6-month follow-up; however, increased use of contraceptives over time was seen in both groups.^25,29

In the study by Steiner et al, women recruited from various US states were randomized to review three different tables on contraceptive effectiveness information.^25,30 The first table demonstrating rates of pregnancy based on the contraceptive method was created by the Food and Drug Administration. The second table demonstrating rates of pregnancy by the effectiveness of the contraceptive method was created by the WHO. The third table was created by Steiner et al³⁰ and lists the contraceptive methods by categories of effectiveness, with limited information on sexually transmitted disease protection. In this study, the participants preferred understanding relative effectiveness of contraceptives through the table that compared different birth control methods. However, participants exposed to categorical data did overestimate the risk of pregnancy. The authors suggest that a combined table of categorical effectiveness with a general range of risk by the contraceptive method would provide an accurate understanding of the relative and absolute risks of pregnancy.³⁰

In another similar study by Steiner et al,³¹ the authors compared three different approaches for increasing the understanding of contraceptive effectiveness²⁵ among Indian and Jamaican women. Following the results of Steiner et al’s earlier study, tables were created that presented contraceptive methods based on effectiveness categories.^25,31 The first table presented the effectiveness stratified by the degree of contraceptive use (consistency versus correct use). The second table grouped contraceptive methods over four categories of effectiveness. The third table presented the contraceptive methods on a continuum from least to most effective. The results of this study show that no chart improved a participant’s knowledge of contraceptive effectiveness over the other; however, ranking the contraceptive methods on a continuum was easier to understand.³¹

New technology and contraception counseling

Interactive, multimedia, computer-based programs provide a novel platform for delivering health information.³² A study by Kofinas et al³³ looked at the effects of social media on improving patient knowledge and preference for contraceptives. Participants of this study were randomized to receive either standard counseling and pamphlet education or standard counseling and Facebook education. The pamphlets were acquired from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The Facebook page was then created based on the same content within these pamphlets. For the purposes of this study, participants were allowed 30 minutes of Facebook time within the confines of an office setting. A validated contraceptive knowledge survey (Contraceptive Knowledge Inventory) was used at pre- and postintervention for both study arms. The results of this RCT indicate that Facebook users performed better on postintervention surveys compared to the pamphlet group. Participant satisfaction with counseling sessions was significantly higher in the Facebook group. In addition, the Facebook group also had a higher preference for LARCs compared to the pamphlet group.³³

Garbers et al¹ developed a personalized contraceptive counseling intervention. The intervention involved utilizing a computer module that was adapted from a contraceptive algorithm and made appropriate for women of all literacy levels. Women were randomized to receive intervention with either tailored reading material or generic reading material. The contraceptive counseling module consisted of 50 questions covering contraceptive history, preferences, priorities, and medical and sexual health. Those who were allocated to receive generic reading material only answered ten sociodemographic questions using a touchscreen interface, similar to the intervention groups. Results of this study indicate that the participants who utilized the contraceptive module were more likely to choose an effective form of contraception. Also, module users who received tailored reading material were more likely to adhere to their method of choice and have continued its use at 4 months follow-up.

Gilliam et al³⁴ identified the barriers to LARC services among women in three Chicago Title X family planning clinics. This assessment revealed that the nonuse of waiting room downtime was a missed opportunity for patient interaction. Participants of the Gilliam et al³⁴ study were randomized such that the comparison group was offered tablets with the developed application during their clinic waiting times plus standard care (contraceptive counseling and visit by a nurse practitioner to receive the chosen method of birth control). An analysis of baseline and postintervention surveys revealed that the application was successful at improving the knowledge of contraceptive effectiveness. The application was rated highly with greater than 90% of participants stating that it was easy to use, provided useful information that was not previously known to them, and was good use of their time.

At the University of California Los Angeles, a mobile application called Plan A Birth Control (Figure 1) was developed and tested among women to understand its influence on contraceptive choice and knowledge.³⁵ The mobile application has information about ten different forms of reversible contraceptive methods (Figure 1), which range from very effective to least effective methods. The application includes questions to screen patients for medical eligibility of birth control methods with a built-in warning for suspected medical contraindications to usage of the method chosen. Patients are advised to inform their health care provider about any medical conditions in question prior to choosing a birth control method. One hundred and twenty participants were recruited for an RCT. Participants were assigned by simple randomization to contraception counseling via tablet or health educator. We compared participants’ contraceptive choice and knowledge of the chosen contraceptive method between the two groups. Contraceptive method choice and knowledge of long-acting reversible methods did not differ between the groups.³⁵

Figure 1 Mobile application “Plan A Birth Control”.⁴³

Conclusion

Patients desire active involvement of their family planning provider during the process of choosing a contraceptive method. They value intimacy and provision of adequate information during the contraceptive counseling encounter.³⁶ Multiple modalities have been presented in this review to highlight the best approach to inform patients of their contraceptive options. Health care providers must consider the most effective contraceptive methods that best fit patients’ reproductive life plan and personal needs. These factors should not be disregarded for they influence an individual’s compliance, continued use, and efficacy of the contraceptive method itself.^1,37–39 Counseling sessions should consist of visual aids that list the contraceptives by their effectiveness, as they are perceived to be efficient and generally preferred by patients. Providers should address family planning over multiple time points to ensure patients’ satisfaction with the choice of method and encourage their adherence. Beyond a patient–physician encounter, opportunities to enhance a patient’s clinical experience through group sessions by trained health educators or the added value of social media and computer applications should be considered. Providers should familiarize themselves with USMEC and US SPR to prescribe methods that are ensured to be safe despite preexisting medical conditions. Furthermore, the adaptations highlighted in this article would reinforce personalized contraceptive counseling to enable patient-targeted messaging about the effectiveness of contraceptives⁴⁰ and for improving the access^41,42 to all available contraceptives. We strongly believe that such personalized contraception counseling is the key for effective contraceptive usage and reduction of unintended pregnancies.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.