TABLE 2.

Programmatic Guidance for Family Planning and Menstrual Health Integration by Improving Systems-Level Interactionsa

PreadolescenceAdolescenceMid-Life and Reproductive YearsPerimenopause and Menopause
  • Intesgrate delivery of MH commodities and services into FP within health systems.

  • Provide affordable, high-quality MH products and facilities, including clean, private toilets with space for washing and disposal, and other resources to FP clients during counseling and/or service provision and/or referrals for products and services.

  • Recognize that FP users may need more, less, or different MH products when they are using contraception and that this can change over time.

  • Integrate the delivery of FP commodities and services into MH programs.

  • Provide affordable, high-quality FP services, including counseling and method provision and/or referrals for FP services as part of both school and community-based MH programs.

  • Train and strengthen the capacity of providers and hold them accountable to delivering integrated care.

  • Ensure that those providing sexual and reproductive health services are trained in both comprehensive FP and MH counseling as described in the section above, including training on contraceptive-induced menstrual changes and management of menstrual disorders, as well as youth-responsive services.

  • Promote self-care,29 including self-reassurance about contraceptive-induced menstrual changes.

  • Ensure people have the information they need and reliable access to MH products, facilities, and other resources including self-care options for menstrual pain.

  • Support individuals to gain the self-efficacy and bodily autonomy they need to use resources with confidence.

  • Ensure FP users are included in MH research and programs, including research involving menstrual products and development of MH standards.

  • Consider the needs and preferences of end users in a holistic way that explicitly includes both FP and MH when designing and implementing MH or FP research, programs, products, systems, and standards.

  • Revise health management information systems and reporting tools to support and report on integrated care, including adding information about MH to existing FP registers.

  • Abbreviations: FP, family planning; MH, menstrual health.

  • a In all areas of integration, conduct programmatic research, implementation science, and routine or enhanced monitoring and evaluation that can be used to inform and improve future programs.