Women's Health - Family Planning 3

Women’s Health – Family Planning 3 explores advanced topics in family planning and contraception, emphasising inclusivity and innovation. This five-unit course offers practical guidance for addressing diverse patient needs, improving reproductive health outcomes, and staying informed on the latest advancements.

Unit 1: Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
This foundational unit revisits the intricacies of the menstrual cycle to build a base for understanding natural family planning. Topics include:
- Menstruation, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases.
- Hormonal regulation and implications for fertility.
- Timing and physiological markers critical for family planning discussions.

Unit 2: Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Focuses on fertility awareness-based methods as alternatives to hormonal contraception:
- Symptom-based methods (e.g., temperature, mucus, and cervical changes) and calendar-based methods.
- Advantages, disadvantages, and contraindications of NFP.
- Special considerations for breastfeeding women, women with irregular cycles, and those transitioning from hormonal contraception.
- Tools and apps supporting NFP.

Unit 3: Contraceptive Needs in Women with Intellectual Disabilities
Highlights strategies to support women with intellectual disabilities:
- Tailoring contraceptive choices to individual needs and legal considerations.
- Addressing menstrual management challenges and promoting independence.
- The role of carers and guardians in decision-making.
- Ethical and medical considerations for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).

Unit 4: Contraception for Women from CALD Communities
Addresses the unique needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations:
- Sociocultural and religious influences on contraceptive use.
- Barriers such as health literacy, language, and stigma.
- Importance of culturally sensitive care and the use of interpreters.
- Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) women.

Unit 5: Contraception – What’s New
Explores cutting-edge contraceptive innovations:
- Wireless microchips, self-administered micro-needle patches, and contraceptive jewellery.
- Frameless intrauterine devices and once-a-month oral contraceptives.
- Clinical implications and future potential for these novel solutions.

By the course’s conclusion, participants will be equipped with advanced skills to provide inclusive, evidence-based family planning and contraception care. With a focus on meeting diverse patient needs and leveraging new technologies, this course empowers healthcare professionals to deliver superior reproductive health outcomes.