Algorithm for Follow-up of Clients Taking POP

The first follow-up occurs at one month after the client begins taking the POP. At this visit, the client is asked if she is continuing to use the POP and is satisfied with the method. If the client is continuing, she is encouraged to continue taking the POP every day at the same time and to continue breastfeeding if she is doing so. The healthcare provider checks to ensure the client knows what to do in case of a missed pill and enquires about the reason for any discontinuation or dissatisfaction. If the client has decided to stop using the POP, she is counseled for another family planning (FP) method, and the chosen method is provided or suitable arrangements are made for the same. The second follow-up occurs at three months after the client begins taking the POP. At this visit, the client is reminded to take the pill every day at the same time and to start the next pill pack immediately after finishing the previous one. If the client misses a pill, she is advised to take the missed pill as soon as possible and to use a backup method (condom) for the next two days if she is breastfeeding and her periods have returned. The client is also referred to the nearest health facility if she has any new health problems. The third follow-up occurs at six months after the client begins taking the POP. At this visit, the client is reminded that the contraceptive benefit of the POP will be up to six months of breastfeeding. If the client is still breastfeeding, she is counseled that the contraceptive benefit of the POP will get slightly reduced after six months. The client is given the option to continue using the POP or to switch to another FP method. If she decides to switch, the chosen method is provided or suitable arrangements are made for the same. Throughout the follow-up visits, the healthcare provider enquires about the reason for any discontinuation or dissatisfaction and provides reassurance and addresses the reason if possible. The client's reason for discontinuation and the date of discontinuation are documented. The healthcare provider also checks to ensure the client knows what to do in case of a missed pill and counsels the client on other FP methods if desired.