Dual protection

Dual protection or dual method is a strategy to reducing risk of pregnancy and getting sexually transmitted infections.^[1] Dual protection can be achieved by consistent use of condoms alone, both with other birth control method or by avoidance of penetrative sex.^[2] Dual Protection Strategies Involve:

• Using condoms correctly with every act of sex.
• Using condoms consistently and correctly plus another birth control method.
• Using birth control method in mutually faithful relationship.
• Practice non-penetrative sex.
• Delay or avoid sexual activity.

It is recommended for family planning providers to assess client's needs and behaviors:

"If exposure is likely, particularly to the more serious infections such as HIV, the one-method approach [consistent condom use] should be given greater weight. Conversely, in settings where unintended pregnancy is the greater concern, such as in many family planning clinics in developed countries, emphasizing the two-method approach as a first option may be appropriate."^[3]

Although experts' opinions vary on this topic and some of them consider correct and consistent use of condoms as the most effective way of preventing pregnancy and STIs.^[4]

See also

• Safe sex

References

1. ^ World Health Organization Department of Reproductive Health and Research (WHO/RHR) & Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs (CCP), INFO Project (2007). Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers. INFO Project at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. http://www.infoforhealth.org/globalhandbook/index.shtml. 
2. ^ "Statement on Dual Protection against Unwanted Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV" (PDF). International Planned Parenthood Federation. May 2000. http://www.ippf.org/NR/rdonlyres/534B49A6-4C25-4853-BD8E-527E02FCD5A1/0/IMAPstatementmay2000.pdf. 
3. ^ Cates, W., Steiner, M. J. (2002). "Dual Protection Against Unintended Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections: What Is the Best Contraceptive Approach?". Sexually Transmitted Diseases 29 (3): 168–174. doi:10.1097/00007435-200203000-00007. PMID 11875378. http://journals.lww.com/stdjournal/Fulltext/2002/03000/Dual_Protection_Against_Unintended_Pregnancy_and.7.aspx. 
4. ^ Best, K. (2001). "Many Clients Need Dual Protection". Network 20 (4). http://www.fhi.org/en/rh/pubs/network/v20_4/nwvol20-4duelprotect.htm.