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.

1. Determine natural methods of contraception and apply these to patient cases.
2. Assess contraception options for diverse groups including cultural groups and women with intellectual disabilities.
3. Evaluate new advances and future options for contraception including research and development.

All degree qualified medical practitioners.