Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Standard Days Method (SDM): Session Plan
Notes to Facilitator:
The slides and session plan provide presentation support for conveying technical information and
for conducting the interactive learning activities.
To use this presentation most effectively, please:
 Read the Standard Days Method (SDM) Facilitator’s Guide, on the Using the Training
Resource Package tab, for guidance on selecting and adapting TRP materials for the
learning needs of your audience
 Next read this session plan, which includes detailed learning objectives for this module
and describes how to use this presentation and other materials required to prepare for and
conduct the learning activities

The session is designed to address SDM-related objectives listed in the Facilitator’s
Guide and on the slide set.
Training Process
Session I: Characteristics of SDM
Session Objective: Describe the characteristics of SDM
Welcome and Introduction (10 min.)
 Greet participants and introduce yourself
 See the Conducting Training tab in the TRP website (available at:
http://www.fptraining.org/content/conducting-training) for ice breaker
options.
 The Standard Days Method®, or SDM as it is commonly called, is a
fertility awareness-based (FAB) method of family planning. Fertility
awareness is the knowledge of the days in a woman’s menstrual cycle
when she is likely to become pregnant (fertile days) by observing fertility
signs such as cervical secretions and basal body temperature or
monitoring cycle days.
Objectives
Discussion (5 min.)
Overview of Objectives


•
•
Review the objectives for SDM session with the participants as outlined
on slides 2 and 3 of the presentation. Encourage participants to ask
questions during the presentation and related activities.
Solicit input about whether the planned objectives are in keeping with
their expectations for the training.
This training provides an overview of the characteristics of SDM. It also
provides training on how to counsel, screen, and provide follow-up to
clients who are interested in SDM
During this training you will learn and demonstrate these skills during
role plays and other activities. You will also be encouraged to think about
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Resources
Slides 2 and
3: Objectives
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
what it will be like to perform these tasks on-the-job.
Pre-Test Questionnaire
(15 min.)
Distribute SDM Pre-test. Allow 15 minutes for
participants
to complete the test.
What is SDM?
Lecturette (5 min)
 Ask participants what they know about SDM.
 Write their answers on a flip chart
 The Standard Days Method® (SDM) is a fertility awareness method of
contraception. “Fertility Awareness” means that a woman knows how to
tell when the fertile time of her menstrual cycle begins and ends.
 Couples using SDM identify the woman’s fertile time using
CycleBeads® or a paper-based version of SDM.
 SDM identifies days 8 through 19 as the fertile days of the cycle for most
women—those who have menstrual cycles between 26 and 32 days long.
To prevent pregnancy couples use barrier methods or abstain from
intercourse during those fertile days. Women using SDM can consider
cyclebeads® to keep track of their fertility.
Key Points for Providers and Clients
Lecturette(5 min)
Explain that the most important points about all fertility awareness methods are:
• SDM and other fertility awareness methods require partners’ cooperation.
Couples must be committed to abstaining or using another method on
fertile days.
• Couples must keep track of the days according to SDM rules.
• There are no side effects or health risks with SDM
• SDM does not provide protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS
Characteristics of SDM
Lecturette (5 Min)
• Review the characteristics of SDM on the slide.
• Explain that the Standard Days Method identifies days 8 – 19 of the
menstrual cycle as the fertile days, when there is a significant probability
of pregnancy. On all the other days of the cycle, pregnancy is unlikely.
The method works best for women who have cycles between 26 and 32
days long. Therefore, to use the Standard Days Method to prevent
pregnancy, couples avoid unprotected sex from day 8 through day 19 of
each cycle. On all the other cycle days, they can have unprotected sex.
To plan pregnancy, the Standard Days Method can help a couple identify
the days to have sex. While this is not sufficient for all couples, it can be
an important first step. The method is based on a formula that accounts
for natural variations in the length of the menstrual cycle and the
occurrence of ovulation within the cycle (26 to 32 days). A set of colorcoded set beads, called CycleBeads®, help users track their menstrual
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Resources
Handout #1:
SDM PreTest
Slide 4: What
is the
Standard
Days
Method?
Slide 5: Key
Points for
Providers and
Clients
Slide 6:
Characteristi
cs of SDM
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
cycle and the days they are likely to become pregnant. A paper version of
SDM can also be used in place of the beads.
Method Effectiveness
Discussion (15 min)
Ask participants: <Where would you put SDM on this diagram? How does it
compare to an IUD or to a condom?> It is important to put information about
the effectiveness of SDM in the context of other methods of contraception. The
effectiveness of many methods depends on the user. Let’s look at the table on
slide 8. The effectiveness of a contraceptive method is defined in two ways:
 How well a contraceptive works in “typical use”, taking into
consideration human error and other non-ideal factors.
 How well a contraceptive method works when it is used correctly and
when all other conditions are ideal “perfect use”.
 To make an informed choice, both partners need to understand how to
use the method correctly and consistently. Effectiveness figures are based
on 100 couples using a method for a year and show how many women
will get pregnant while using the method for 1 year. The table shows that
when a couple uses SDM perfectly 5 out of 100 will get pregnant within
the first year. Another way to say it is that SDM is 95% effective when
used perfectly. With typical use, 12 out of 100 will get pregnant (88%
effective). With SDM the risk of pregnancy is greatest when couples
have sex on the fertile days without using condoms.
For those interested in the details of the efficacy study of SDM, see Advanced
Slide 2.
How SDM Prevents Pregnancy
Discussion (15 min)
Explain that:
 We know that women are fertile between day 8 and day 19 of their
menstrual cycle SDM helps couples identify days 8 to19 of the cycle as
fertile days. Couples can identify these days by using CycleBeads®
which are a color-coded string of beads that represent the days of the
cycle and help the woman track her cycle days, know which days she is
fertile, and monitor her cycle lengths. Couples can use a paper-based
version of the CycleBeads® if CycleBeads® not available.
 SDM is appropriate for women with menstrual cycles between 26 and 32
days long (women who have their periods about once a month fit within
this range)
 SDM helps a couple avoid unplanned pregnancy by knowing which days
they should not have unprotected sex
 SDM helps a couple plan a pregnancy by knowing which days they
should have sex
Determining the Fertile Window
Lecturette ( 5 min)
You may be wondering how cycle days 8 through 19 were selected as the fertile
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Resources
Slide 7:
Effectiveness
of Methods
Slide 8:
Perfect and
Typical Use
Effectiveness
Advanced
Slide 2:
Efficacy
Study of
SDM
Slide 9: How
SDM
Prevents
Pregnancy
Advanced
Slides 3-8
What SDM is
Based on
Slide 10:
Determining
the Fertile
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
window for SDM.
 Researchers applied various formulae to over 7500 cycles in an existing
data set from the World Health Organization, and looked at the
probability of pregnancy on different days around ovulation (from up to 5
days before ovulation…until 24 hours after ovulation taking into
consideration the viability of sperm (sperm life) and ovum (egg life)
during this time, and they also looked at the probability of ovulation on
different days of the cycle (usually occurring close to the middle of the
cycle, give or take a day or two.)
 As a result they determined that for cycles between 26 to 32 days, a
fertile window of cycle days 8 through 19 (shown here in green in the
lower graph) provided maximum coverage for efficacy while minimizing
the number of days for avoiding unprotected intercourse.
CycleBeads®,
Discussion (5 min)
<Ask participants whether any have them have had experience using
CycleBeads® > Ask about the experience. Explain that the Standard Days
Method is used with a color-coded string of beads to help a woman
 Track her cycle days
 Know when she is fertile
 Monitor her cycle length
Many people also find that CycleBeads® are an important factor in gaining the
man’s support to use the method. It is very visual – he can literally see when the
woman is on a fertile day. It also has served to facilitate communication of the
couple regarding how to handle the fertile phase, whether using condoms or
abstinence.
How CycleBeads® Work
Demonstration or video (30 min)
*Note to facilitator: Play video if available, or do a demonstration of how
CycleBeads® work using the explanation below. If you use this slide, note that it
is animated. Hand out CycleBeads® to each participant. The video can be
found by following this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVSaWcfG3Y8&list=UUU60X0jC88PPu
WYYrbfTOtg.
Explain that:
 CycleBeads® represent the menstrual cycle
 There are 32 beads, each representing a day of the cycle
 The red bead represents the first day of menstruation – which also is the
first day of the cycle
 The brown beads represent when pregnancy is very unlikely
 The white beads represent fertile days when a woman can get pregnant
 A moveable rubber ring is used to mark each day
 The cylinder, with an arrow, indicates the direction in which the ring
should be moved
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Resources
Window
Slide 11:
CycleBeads®
Slide 12:
How
CycleBeads®
Work
Video
Handout #2:
CycleBeads®
in 3
Languages
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process

Resources
The darker brown bead helps you know if your period came on time.
How to use CycleBeads®

To use CycleBeads® you put this ring (indicate ring) on the red bead the
day you get your period. Then each day after that you move the ring
forward, one bead per day, in the direction of the arrow. Move the ring
even on days when you’re having your menstrual bleeding (or monthly
bleeding).

When the ring is on the red bead or a brown bead, you are on a day when
it is very unlikely to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex.

When the ring is on a white bead, you are on a day when pregnancy is
very likely. To prevent pregnancy use condoms or do not have sex on
these white-bead days.

Most women will get their periods somewhere in this area (indicate days
between dark brown bead and last bead) and when they do they simply
move the ring forward to the red bead and start the process over.

Because this method works best for women with cycles between 26 and
32 days long, there is a darker bead to let you know if you have a shorter
cycle (indicate darker bead). If you get your period before reaching this
dark brown bead, your cycle is shorter than 26 days and this may not be
as effective for you. There are also 32 beads here so if you don’t get
your period by the day after the ring is put on the last bead, your cycles
may be longer than 32 days and again, this method may not be as
effective for you. The medical recommendation is that if you have a
cycle outside this range more than once in a given year that you use a
different family planning method.

To help you know if you have moved the ring daily, always mark the first
day of your period on a calendar. That way, if you ever forget if you have
moved the ring, you can check your calendar to see when your period
came. Starting with the first bead, count how many days have passed
since your period started and place the ring on the bead for today. The
instructions that accompany the beads in the packaging includes a section
that describes this information. Point to it when explaining these to the
client. She can review them at home with her partner.
The Paper Version of SDM
Discussion/Demonstration (20 min)
Distribute copies of the Job Aide on the paper-based version of SDM. Explain
that the paper version can be used when CycleBeads® are not available. The
paper version is used in a similar way and the drawing looks like the
CycleBeads®.
The beads or symbols on the paper represent the menstrual cycle
• There are 32 beads on the paper, each representing a day of the cycle
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Slide 13: The
Paper
Version of
SDM
Handout # 3:
The Paper
Version of
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
•
Resources
SDM
The red “bead symbol” on the circle of beads represents the first day of
the menstrual cycle.
• The white “bead symbols” show the days when a woman might get
pregnant and should abstain from sex or use a condom.
• The brown “bead symbols” show the days when pregnancy is unlikely
and the couple can have sex.
• If the woman’s period starts before the “square brown symbol,” her cycle
is too short to use this method.
• If her period starts after the “brown triangle symbol,” her cycle is too
long to use this method.
• The woman should put a red dot or circle on the first day of her period
and record the date.
• Each morning she should put an “x” on the next symbol, following the
arrow.
• When her period starts again, she should start over on a new page.
How to use the paper-based version of SDM
• To use SDM you mark the red bead symbol the day you get your period.
• Then each day after that you mark a new bead symbol, in the direction of
the arrow. Mark the symbol even on days when you’re having your
menstrual bleeding (or monthly bleeding).
• When you mark a red or brown bead symbol, you are on a day when it is
very unlikely to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex.
• When you mark a white bead symbol, you are on a day when pregnancy
is very likely. To prevent pregnancy use condoms or do not have sex on
these white bead symbol days. Most women will get their periods
somewhere in this area (indicate days between dark brown bead symbol
and last bead symbol) and when they do they mark red bead symbol and
start the process over.
• Because this method works best for women with cycles between 26 and
32 days long, there is a square bead symbol to let you know if you have a
shorter cycle (indicate square bead symbol). If you get your period
before reaching this square bead symbol, your cycle is shorter than 26
days and this may not be as effective for you.
• There are also 32 bead symbols here so if you don’t get your period by
the day after you mark the triangle bead symbol, your cycles may be
longer than 32 days and again, this method may not be as effective for
you. The medical recommendation is that if you have a cycle outside this
range more than once in a given year that you use a different family
planning method. To help you know if you have marked a new bead
symbol daily, always put the date on the first day of your period on the
paper. That way, if you ever forget if to mark a new bead symbol, you
can check your calendar to see when your period came.
Why Some Women Like SDM
Slide14: Why
Discussion (10 min)
some women
The purpose of this activity is to ensure that participants understand how the
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Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
Resources
characteristics of SDM might affect a client’s choice of or eligibility for this
method.
<Ask participants for reasons why women might Like SDM>
Distribute the handout: SDM Fact Sheet. Some providers might have biases
against providing SDM to adolescents because they believe their cycles are not
regular. However, once a young woman’s cycles become regular, there is no
reason younger clients cannot use it with appropriate counseling.
Session II: Who Can and Cannot Use SDM
Session Objective: Demonstrate how to screen clients for eligibility for SDM.
Medical Eligibility
Discussion (15 min)
The purpose of this activity is to give participants an opportunity to share what
they know about medical eligibility criteria, or MEC, so that the facilitator can
determine whether the participants have the requisite foundation or whether they
need additional background information before proceeding.
• Ask several participants to share one thing that they know about the
eligibility criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO)
or how the criteria are reflected in their national FP/RH guidelines.
• Ask participants to define WHO categories 1, 2, 3, and 4 (or the
categories in the national FP/RH guidelines).
• Ask if they are aware that fertility awareness methods use different
categories than the categories for temporary methods of family planning.
Based on the participants’ responses, make a decision about how to proceed:
• If the participants seem very aware of the MEC criteria and understand
how conditions are categorized, provide a quick overview (or invite an
informed participant to provide an overview).
• If the participants have not yet been introduced to the WHO MEC, take
the time to explain more about the WHO MEC. Refer to the Family
Planning Training Resource Package, WHO’s Family Planning Guidance
Documents and Job Aids. The module can be found on the website where
this module is located: www.fptraining.org Return to this presentation
and proceed to the next slide.
like SDM
Conditions Relating to Fertility Awareness Methods
Lecturette (10 min)
Explain that all women can use SDM. No medical conditions prevent the use of
SDM but some conditions can make it harder to use SDM effectively. See slide
#4. *Note to Facilitator: This slide may not be pertinent to CHWs as the service
protocol for this level calls for referral to the facility in the circumstances
detailed in the slide.
In the following situations use caution with SDM:
• Menstrual cycles have just started or have become less frequent or
stopped due to older age: Menstrual cycle irregularities are common in
young women in the first several years after their first monthly bleeding
and in older women who are approaching menopause. Identifying the
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Slide 3:
Conditions
Relating to
Fertility
Awareness
Methods
Page 7 of 14
Handout # 4
Standard
Days Method
Fact Sheet
Slide 2:
Medical
Eligibility
Slide 4: Who
Should Delay
or Use
Caution in
Beginning
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
fertile time may be difficult.
In the following situations delay starting calendar-based methods:
o Recently gave birth or is breastfeeding: Delay until she has had at
least 3 menstrual cycles and her cycles are regular again. For
several months after regular cycles have returned, use with
caution.
• Recently had an abortion or miscarriage: Delay until the start of her next
monthly bleeding. In the following situations delay or use caution with
SDM:
o Taking any mood-altering drugs such as anti-anxiety therapies
(except benzodiazepines), antidepressants (selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], tricyclic, or tetracyclic), long-term
use of certain antibiotics, or long-term use of any nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or
paracetamol). These drugs may delay ovulation.
• Women who are infected with HIV, have AIDS, or are on antiretroviral
(ARV) therapy can safely use SDM. Urge these women to use condoms
while practicing SDM. Used consistently and correctly, condoms help
prevent transmission of HIV and other STIs. Condoms also provide extra
contraceptive protection for women on ARV therapy.
When is SDM Most Successful?
Brainstorming/Discussion (10 min)
<Ask participants who they think can use SDM.>
The World Health Organization, in its publication “Medical Eligibility for
Contraceptive Use”, states that SDM, like other fertility awareness-based
methods, poses no adverse risk to women who choose to use it. But SDM is
intended for women who meet certain criteria:
<What are they?>
• The majority of her cycles should be between 26 and 32 days. Women
who get their periods about once a month fall within this range.
Screening to make sure a woman’s cycle is within the appropriate range
can be done by asking two simple questions: Do your periods come about
once a month? Do you get them when you expect them?
• She and her partner should be able to avoid unprotected sex, i.e. use
condoms or not have sex, on days 8 to 19 of her cycle. The collaboration
of the man is extremely important for the successful use of the method.
He needs to understand and accept that on days 8-19 of each cycle, they
will need to use a condom or not have intercourse. If the man (or the
woman) cannot avoid unprotected intercourse during the fertile days,
they should be encouraged to use another method.
• If either member of the couple is exposed to the risk of sexually
transmitted infections, SDM, as well as most other methods of family
planning, will not protect against these infections. Condoms are the only
method that provides protection from these infections.
Resources
SDM
•
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Slide 5:
When is
SDM Most
Successful?
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
Resources
Screening to See if SDM is Appropriate for the Woman
Lecturette (5 min)
While SDM will work for most women- that is, most women have most cycles
between 26 and 32 days long, it is important to assess whether the method is
appropriate for the individual woman. Studies in several countries have found
that most women have a general idea of whether it usually comes when they
expect it. Simple questions to assess cycle length and regularity have been tested
and found to be effective indicators of whether the woman’s cycle is within the
26 to 32-day range. A woman who has her period about once a month regularly
falls within this range. Simple questions can help a provider establish if the client
periods are in this range:
• Does your period come about once a month?
• Does it usually come when you expect it?
• When was the first day of your last period?
Is SDM Appropriate for the Couple?
Lecturette (5 min)
Explain that another screening criterion, “Can the couple avoid unprotected sex
on the woman’s fertile days?” is related to the woman and her partner’s ability to
discuss protection during fertile days to prevent pregnancy. Some couples prefer
to abstain during the fertile days while others use condoms or develop other
ways to express intimacy.
Results from efficacy trials and introduction studies show that men participate in
SDM use in a number of ways:
• Using a condom or abstaining during fertile days
• Following wife’s instructions on when to abstain or use a condom
• Keeping track of fertile days
Using SDM with Partner’s Support
Discussion (15 min)
Before asking a woman directly about sexuality, it is important to start with a
brief introduction to the subject. Some ways of doing this are:
• “Before talking about possible contraceptive methods, it is important to know a
bit more about your relationship with your partner”
• “Lately, violence has become common in the daily life of many women, so we
have begun to ask all our clients about any abuse they might be experiencing at
home.”
Review the handout “Introduction to Sexuality and Couple Communication.” It
offers suggestions of open-ended, direct and indirect questions providers can use
or adapt to their context when screening clients for the behavioral criterion on
avoiding unprotected sex during the fertile days.
Ask participants:
<What are some examples of ways in which you would approach clients to
inquire about the couple’s relationship?>
<In your setting, are there issues that might emerge if you engage your client in
talking about sexuality and her couple relationship?>
<What are ways you can inquire about possible domestic violence or
Family Planning Training Resource Package
Slide 6:
Screening to
See if SDM
is
Appropriate
for the
Woman
Page 9 of 14
Slide 7: Is
SDM
Appropriate
for the
Couple?
Slide 8:
Using SDM
with
Partner’s
Support
Handout 5#
Introduction
to Sexuality
and Couple
Communicati
on
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
alcohol/drug use that can affect correct SDM use?>
<Would you recommend clients use condoms during the fertile days? How
comfortable do you feel discussing/demonstrating condom use?>
When to Start SDM
Discussion (5 min)
Note to Facilitator: * Note to Facilitator: this slide is not pertinent to CHWs who
should be instructed to have, women who meet the method criteria, begin using
the method on the first day of their next period.
Ask participants: <When can women who meet the method criteria start using
the method?>
Women who know when their last period started can use SDM right away. They
simply count on the calendar to see which day of their cycle they are on and put
the ring on the corresponding bead.
Women who do not remember that date can begin SDM when their next period
starts. While she waits for her period to start, she should use condoms or another
back-up method.
SDM Eligibility Case Studies
(30 min)
Explain to participants that they will be looking at some case studies, some reallife situations that they might encounter. They will decide which women meet
the criteria to use SDM and when to start using the method.
Ask a participant to read each of the first three case studies on slides 10, 11 and
12. After reading each case study, instruct participants to turn to the person
beside them. In pairs, they are to discuss each case study. After pairs have
discussed each case study, reconvene the group to discuss the case study. Before
proceeding to each case study, clearly state the answer to the current case study.
Click on each of the questions written in red on the slide to reveal the answer.
[Note: Case Studies for SDM Criteria/Answer Key and additional guidance can
be found in the Facilitator’s Guide for this module.
Resources
Slide 9:
When to
Start SDM
Slide 10:
Case Study 1
SDM
Eligibility
Criteria –
Cycle
Regularity
Slide 11:
Case Study2
SDM
Eligibility
Criteria –
Cycle
Regularity
Slide 12:
Case Study 3
SDM
Eligibility
Criteria –
Cycle
Regularity
Session III: Counseling on SDM
Session Objective: Demonstrate how to provide counseling on SDM.
Once a Woman and Her Partner Have Decided to Use SDM
Lecturette (5 min)
Explain that after screening for cycle length and possible special circumstances,
the next step is to explain the client how to use SDM.
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Slide 2: Once
a Woman
and Her
Partner Have
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
Resources
Asking clients to explain back is a good way to determine whether the
instructions are clear and clarify them as needed.
Remind clients that the instructions for use also are included in the insert that
accompanies the beads and also on the paper-based version of SDM.
Hand out the Competency-based Checklist for SDM. Explain that this checklist
contains the detailed steps that a service provider should follow in counseling
and providing client instructions for SDM. Review the steps with participants.
Decided to
Use SDM
Key Points on Teaching How CycleBeads® Work
(10 min)
Review the key points on teaching how CycleBeads® work using the
corresponding panel in the package instructions.
Monitoring Cycle Length and Practice Teaching to Clients
Discussion(30 min)
Both the video animation of how CycleBeads® work and the script for a
demonstration mention how a woman can continue to monitor that her periods
come on time. However, emphasis on this aspect is critical to ensure the method
is appropriate for her in the future. While a woman’s cycle may be within the
correct range to use the Standard Days Method, it is possible that over time her
cycles may change. Thus, she needs to continue to know that her periods should
always come between the dark brown bead and the last brown bead (show that
section of the CycleBeads® necklace).
To the extent possible avoid language about “needing to have cycles within 26 to
32-day range”. Rather, show on the necklace when she must get her periods to
know they’re coming on time and be able to have this method work for her.
Explain that:
• If you start your period before you put the ring on the dark brown bead, it
means it has come too soon to use the method.
• If you have not started your period by the day after you put the ring on the last
brown bead, it means your period is too late to use this method.
• Contact your provider if you have more than on cycle out of range.
Ask participants:
<How can you help clients remember to move the ring every day?>
<Why is it important that she moves the ring daily?>
<How will the women be sure her cycles are within the right range for the
method to work for her?>
Ask participants to share any strategies that they have developed or their clients
have used to establish a daily routine in order to remember to move the ring on
Slide 3: Key
Points on
Teaching
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Handout #6
Illustrative
Competencybased Skills
Checklist for
Standard
Days
Method®
(SDM)
Counseling
and Support
Slide 4: Slide
Monitoring
Cycle Length
Handout #2
CycleBeads®
Handout #6
CompetencyBased
Checklist
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
Resources
her CycleBeads and thus know if: (1) she’s on fertile or infertile day; and (2) if
her cycles continue to be on the 26 to 32-day range required for SDM. Possible
strategies may be to move the ring at the same time every day, moving the ring
at the time she wakes-up or as she gets ready for her first daily activity or,
pairing moving the ring with another daily activity such as washing up before
bed.
Note: Ask participants to turn to the person next to them and take turns
explaining each other how to use SDM relying on the Competency-based
checklist. They should practice using SDM using both the Cycle Beads and the
paper-based version of SDM. Allow 20 minutes for practice.
Practice Teaching the Paper Version of SDM to Clients
Participant Demonstration (20min)
Refer to Handout #3, the paper-based version of SDM. Explain that the paper
version can be used when CycleBeads® are not available. The principles are the
same, just using paper rather than CycleBeads®
Using Handout #3, ask participants to turn to the person on the other side of
them (so that they are not with the same partner) and explain to their partner how
to use the paper-based version of SDM. Each partner should take one turn at
explaining the use of the paper-based SDM.
Supporting Couple’s use of SDM
Discussion (5 min)
Ask participants how they think they can best support the couple’s use of SDM
Involving Men
Discussion/Brainstorming (15 min.)
Explain that the effectiveness of SDM requires the cooperation of both partners.
Ask participants:
<What are some ways you might encourage women to involve men in
successfully using SDM>
Write participants ideas on a flip chart. Supplement their ideas using the text
below and on the slide.
• Encourage women to talk with their husbands or partners about SDM use
and what kind of problems might come up during the fertile days.
Brainstorm with her what problems she and her husband might have
using the method, and how she might solve them. Do a roleplay to
provide her the opportunity to practice talking with her husband. If
necessary, offer to meet with her husband.
• The provider can help women plan how to manage the fertile days by
asking questions such as:
Family Planning Training Resource Package
Page 12 of 14
Slide 5: The
Paper
Version of
SDM
Handout # 3:
Using the
Paper
Version of
SDM
Handout #6
CompetencyBased
Checklist
Slide 6:
Supporting
Couple’s use
of SDM
Slide 7:
Involving
Men
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
• Have you talked about this method with your partner?
• How will you communicate about your fertile days?
• How might you and your partner handle the fertile days?
• Have you and your partner used condoms?
• How do you and he feel about using them?
Perhaps the most important thing is to be sure that she leaves with a plan for
talking with her partner and for handling her fertile days.
Managing Fertile Days
Discussion (5 min)
Ask participants to share ideas on possible approaches for helping women
engage their partners in a conversation about using SDM and managing the
fertile days.
Refer to the Handout #5, Introduction to Sexuality and Couple Communication
for tips on helping clients manage fertile days. Emphasize the need for the
woman to discuss method use with her partner as soon as possible and determine
how they will handle the fertile days. A key objective of SDM counseling is to
have the client leave with a plan on how she and her partner will manage the
fertile days. If the client decides to use condoms, also offer to explain how they
are used.
Key Messages for Clients
Discussion (10 min)
Note to Facilitator: Before disclosing the bullets on the slide, <ask participants
for examples of when would they advise clients to return. >
<Ask participants to describe how they would counsel a client who comes to the
clinic after having unprotected sex on a white-bead day>.
Discuss with participants if emergency contraception is available and steps for
screening and counseling clients in using it.
Counseling Clients on SDM
Roleplay (15 min)
Organize participants in groups of three and ask them to take turns counseling a
client on SDM. Participants rotate the role of client, counselor and observer.
Refer to Handout #7: Standard Days Method – Role play for the role plays and
instructions for the trainees playing the roles of the provider, the observer and
the client.
Resources
Slide 8:
Managing
Fertile Days
Handout 5#
Introduction
to Sexuality
and Couple
Communicati
on
Slide 9: Key
Messages for
Clients
Slide 10:
Counseling
Clients on
SDM
Practice,
Observe,
Offer
Feedback
Handout #7:
Standard
Days Method
– Role Play
Key Counseling Topics for SDM Users
Lecturette (5 min)
Using the slide, review the key topics to be included when counseling SDM
users.
Family Planning Training Resource Package
Page 13 of 14
Slide 11: Key
Counseling
Topics for
SDM Users
Standard Days Method
Session Plan
Training Process
Providing Support for Continuing Users “Come Back Any Time”
Lecturette (5 min)
Explain that if menstrual bleeding started before reaching the dark brown bead,
her cycles are shorter than 26 days.
Show where the dark brown bead is and explain what it means.
If menstrual bleeding has not started by the day after moving the ring over the
last brown bead, her cycles are longer than 32 days.
If she has more than one cycle shorter than 26 days or longer than 32 days, the
method may be less effective.
She may need to choose another method.
If she has unprotected intercourse on these days, she can consider using
emergency contraception as soon as possible
Post-test and Closing
(30 min)
 Wrap up the session. Return the list of learning objectives shared at the
beginning of the session. Ask participants if they have any questions.
 Thank the participants for their involvement.
 Tell participants that the final task is to complete a written knowledge
assessment (post-test) so that the participants have an objective measure
of what they have learned and can identify areas they may still need to
study. The assessment will also help the facilitator discover what the
group learned and whether there are weak areas in the design of the
training intervention.
 Note to Facilitator: The pre and post test may be difficult for CHWs. As
an alternative to the post test, review the questions on slides 13 and 14
Participant Evaluation of the Training
(15 min)
Distribute the Participant Evaluation of the Training. Explain that this evaluation
will help the trainers improve the training and that their feedback is very
important. Allow participants 15 minutes to complete the evaluation.
Family Planning Training Resource Package
Page 14 of 14
Resources
Slide 12:
Providing
Support for
Continuing
Users “Come
Back Any
Time”
Handout #6 :
SDM PostTest
or
Slides
13&14:
What have
we learned?
Slide 15:
Link to
Instructions
for
CycleBeads®