Key facts and figures highlighting IPPF's achievements in 2012. IPPF provided 112.7m sexual and reproductive health services and averted 550,000 unsafe abortions.

In 2000 the United Nations launched the Millennium Development Goals. The world agreed to take action against poverty. Although progress has been made, we are still far from eradicating poverty.  Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are central to this vision. Sustainable development and gender equality will be achieved when everyone has access to sexual and reproductive health, the right to bodily integrity, and control over all matters related to their sexuality. Millions of lives have been saved and changed through reproductive health services. In many regions, laws and policies are in place to protect reproductive rights and prevent discrimination against women and girls.  However, despite these advances there are still challenges: global funding for SRHR has decreased radically while 222 million women and girls world-wide still lack access to the contraceptives they want to use.  The next few years will see the creation of a new development framework. This presents us with an unparalleled opportunity to secure a world of justice, choice and well-being for all. Ultimately, it will lead to sustainable development.  IPPF is inviting partners and supporters in the development community and beyond to make these goals a reality in every community around the world.  Sign up today to pledge your support. We'll keep you informed with latest news and details on how you can get involved.

Key facts and figures highlighting IPPF's achievements in 2011. IPPF provided 89.6m sexual and reproductive health services and averted 710,000 unsafe abortions.  

2012 is IPPF’s 60th year. The Annual Performance Report confirms, once again, IPPF’s vital role in human development. It opens with an overview of the external challenges that threaten sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Despite these challenges, IPPF continues to deliver impressive results. In 2011, Member Associations contributed to 116 policy and/or legislative changes in support or defence of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The Federation as a whole provided 89.6 million SRH services with the majority going to the poor and vulnerable, including young people. Robust systems and processes have ensured that money has been invested cost-effectively where it is most needed.

This page was originally published in 2012 and has since been updated. Contraceptive implants are thin, small (4cm), flexible rods which are implanted under the skin of the upper arm by a doctor or a nurse. They are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The implant rods contain progestins which are steadily released into the woman’s bloodstream. Progestins are like the hormone progesterone, which is produced naturally within a woman’s body. The continuous release of progestins stops a woman releasing an egg every month (ovulation), and thickens the mucus from the cervix (neck of the womb), making it difficult for sperm to pass through to the womb and reach an unfertilized egg. Implants protect against pregnancy soon after as they have been inserted. Depending on the type of implant, they last between 3-5 years, but can be removed at any time. Fertility returns when the implant is removed. Some women experience side effects form implants. It is common, but not harmful, to experience changes in menstrual bleeding patterns. Other possible side effects include abdominal pain, headaches, breast tenderness and acne. Side-effects often diminish over time, especially after the first few months to a year of use, but if you are concerned about side effects, you should go and talk to your provider. When fitting the implant, a local anaesthetic is used to numb the area. It makes a small wound in the arm, which is closed with a dressing and does not need stitches. Contraceptive implants do NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs, including HIV). To protect against STIs, male or female condoms need to be used. Myth: Pregnant while using an implant Some women who seek family planning believe that implants will interrupt an existing pregnancy. Fact: A fetus will not be harmed by the insertion of an implant Implants work primarily by thickening cervical mucus, which blocks sperm from meeting an egg, and by disrupting the menstrual cycle and preventing ovulation. Implants do not interrupt pregnancy. Good evidence shows that implants will not affect the pregnancy or harm the fetus if a woman is already pregnant when implants are inserted or becomes pregnant while using implants. Myth: Getting an implant is painful and could cause infection Some women who seek family planning believe that the insertion of implants requires surgery or that insertion is painful and causes infection. They may also have misconceptions about the removal of implants. Fact: No stitches, no noticeable scar, and it can be removed at any time Health professionals with specific training perform a minor surgical procedure to insert implants. The provider gives the patient an injection of local anesthetic under the skin of her arm to prevent pain while the implants are inserted. This injection may sting. The woman remains fully awake during the procedure. Insertion takes an average of 4 to 5 minutes for Norplant, 2.5 minutes for Jadelle, and 1.5 minutes for Implanon. Insertion can take more or less time, depending on the skill of the provider. The incision is small and stitches are not required. In most cases, insertion does not leave a noticeable scar. Once inserted, the outline of the implants underneath the skin can be felt and sometimes seen. The woman may have bruising and feel pain or soreness for a few days afterward. Infection at the insertion site can occur, but is uncommon. When infection occurs, it is usually within the first two months after insertion. In rare cases, implants may start to come out of the skin. When this occurs, it is usually due to improper insertion or infection. A woman can have her implants removed at any time. Similar to insertion, implant removal is done by a specifically trained provider using local anesthesia and does not require stitches. Removal takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes for Norplant, 5 to 8 minutes for Jadelle, and 3 minutes for Implanon. Removal can take more or less time, depending on the skill of the provider. Difficulties with removal are rare if the implants were properly inserted and the provider is skilled. POLL: Have you tried the implant as a method of contraception?(Please only answer this question if you have the potential to get pregnant. This poll is completely confidential, and responses do not reflect IPPF's recommendations of this particular method.)Yes – I currently have one!I used to have one, but not anymoreI've never had an implant Myth: Health risks and side effects Some women who seek family planning do not want to use implants because they have misconceptions about implants causing illness or problems such as cancer, blindness, or birth defects.  Fact: Implants have several known health benefits In addition to changes in menstrual bleeding, the most common side effects of implants are headaches, abdominal pain, and breast tenderness. These side effects are not an indication of illness and usually lessen or go away within the first year of use. Studies have not shown increased risk of cancer, blindness or birth defects with the use of implants. They have been shown to greatly reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy and protect against symptomatic pelvic inflammatory disease. Implants may also help protect against iron-deficiency anemia. Myth: Complications with method Some women who seek family planning believe that implants can cause complications in the arm in which they are inserted or that they can travel from the insertion site to other parts of the body. Fact: Implants cannot travel to other parts of the body They remain where they are inserted until they are removed. In rare cases, a rod may start to come out of the skin, usually during the first four months since insertion. This typically happens because the implants were not inserted well or because of an infection at the insertion site. If expulsion occurs, the woman should return to the clinic as soon as possible and use a back-up family planning method in the meantime. Providers can replace the rods. Myth: Infertility and ectopic pregnancy Some women who seek family planning believe that using implants will cause infertility, delay the return of fertility after the implants are removed, or cause ectopic pregnancies (pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants in tissue outside the uterus). Fact: Implant doesn't affect your fertility, and reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy Implants stop working once they are removed and their hormones do not remain in the woman’s body. Implant use does not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant, although fertility decreases with a woman’s age. One major study found that women who have had their implants removed can become pregnant as quickly as women who have stopped using nonhormonal methods. Implants substantially reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy. In the United States, the rate of ectopic pregnancy among women who are not using a contraceptive method is 650 ectopic pregnancies per 100,000 women per year. The rate of ectopic pregnancy among women using implants is 6 ectopic pregnancies per 100,000 women per year. Even in the very rare cases when implants fail and pregnancy occurs, the great majority of these pregnancies are not ectopic. Only 10 to 17 of every 100 pregnancies due to the failure of implants are ectopic. Myth: Who can use the method Some women who seek family planning believe that implants should not be used by women who are young or who have not had children. Fact: Nearly all women can use implants safely and effectively Implants are suitable for women of any age, regardless of whether they have had children or not. Implants do not make women infertile—fertility returns as soon as implants are removed. Breastfeeding women can use implants if at least six weeks have passed since they have given birth. Implants may not be suitable for women who require a family planning method without hormones. For example, women who have or have had breast cancer and women with active, serious liver disease should choose an alternative method. Myth: Menstrual bleeding Some women who seek family planning incorrectly believe that using implants will cause harmful changes to menstrual bleeding. Fact: Changes may occur, but generally they are not harmful Changes in menstrual bleeding commonly occur with implant use, but some women do not experience any change. Typically, changes in bleeding patterns are more dramatic during the first year of use and either lessen or stop after the first year. Prolonged or heavy bleeding (lasting over eight days or generating twice as much blood as normal) due to implants generally is not harmful. Menstruation may also cease after one or two years of implant use, which is not harmful either—blood will not build up inside the woman. Myth: Sexual pleasure Some women who seek family planning believe that implants will reduce a woman’s libido or affect a couple’s sexual life in some way. Fact: No evidence to suggest that implants can reduce a woman’s libido There is no evidence to suggest that implants can reduce a woman’s libido. Some women using implants report negative changes in mood and sex drive, while some report improved mood and sex drive. Such changes could be caused by many other factors, so it is difficult to attribute them to implant use. A large majority of implant users do not report any change.

Key facts and figures highlighting IPPF's achievements in 2009. Sexual and reproductive ill health causes over 30% of the global burden of disease among women of childbearing age and without IPPF, this burden would be even greater.

The product of a Federation-wide consensus, this framework brings together the ideas and experience of IPPF Member Associations, senior volunteers, Regional Offices and Central Office, and has been approved by the Governing Council. By combining an understanding of our past with a vision for our future, this new plan presents a 'framework of opportunity' that Member Associations can interpret to develop the most appropriate response to specific sexual and reproductive health challenges. The ‘Strategic Framework’ is not intended to impose a rigid set of rules or constraints. Rather, it embraces the diversity of situations Member Associations and regions face. While providing this flexibility, the framework unites the Federation in a common vision on which we are compelled to act if we are to meet the needs of women, men and young people throughout the world.

The IPPF declaration is grounded in and informed by international agreements such as United Nations Conventions. This abridged version to be used in conjunction with IPPF's original Sexual Rights Declaration.  

This page was originally published in 2012 and has since been updated. Oral contraceptives (the Pill) are hormonally active pills which are usually taken by women on a daily basis. They contain either two hormones combined (progestogen and estrogen) or a single hormone (progestogen).  Combined oral contraceptives suppress ovulation. Progestogen-only contraceptives also suppress ovulation in about half of women (they are slightly less effective). Both types cause a thickening of the cervical mucus, blocking sperm penetration. Oral contraceptives are 92 - 99% effective. A woman can decide to start taking the pill if she is sexually active or planning to become sexually active and is certain she is not pregnant. Some pills are taken daily for 21 days and stopped for 7 days before starting a new package.  Other kinds are taken continuously for 28-day cycles. Oral contraceptives should be taken in order, at a convenient and consistent time each day. They are appropriate for women who are willing to use a method that requires action daily and who will be able to obtain supplies on a continuous basis. The pill offers continuous protection against pregnancy, it produces regular and shorter periods (and frequently a decrease in menstrual cramps), and it protects against ovarian and endometrial cancer, ectopic pregnancies and infections of the fallopian tubes. Possible side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, mild headaches, weight gain or loss. Very rarely, it can lead to serious health risks (e.g. blood clots, heart attack, and stroke). Risks are higher for women over 35 years who smoke. The pill does NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs, including HIV). To protect against STIs, a male or female condom must be used. POLL: Is the Pill your main method of contraception?(Please only answer this question if you have the potential to get pregnant. This poll is completely confidential, and responses do not reflect IPPF's recommendations of this particular method.)Yes, I use it at the moment!I used to use it, but not anymoreNo, I've never used it Myth: There is a risk of birth defects Some women who seek family planning incorrectly believe that using COCs will cause birth defects in their babies. Fact: Good evidence shows that COCs will not cause birth defects and will not otherwise harm the fetus if a woman becomes pregnant while taking COCs or accidentally starts to take COCs when she already pregnant. Myth: The contraceptive pill can cause cancer Some women who seek family planning believe that combined oral contraceptives (COCs) cause cancers such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. Fact: The use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is proven to decrease the risk of two gynecological cancers (ovarian and endometrial). It is difficult to know the effect of COC use on breast cancer and cervical cancer. The possibly increased risks that have been recorded in some studies are not large enough to outweigh benefits or to change current practice. Use of COCs helps protect women from two kinds of cancers—cancer of the ovaries and cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). This protection continues for 15 or more years after stopping use. Breast cancer Research findings about COCs and breast cancer are difficult to interpret. In studies, breast cancer is slightly more common among women using COCs and those who have used COCs in the past 10 years than among other women. Scientists do not know whether or not COCs actually caused the slight increase in breast cancers. It is possible that the cancers were already there before COC use but were found sooner in COC users. Both COC users and women who do not use COCs can have breast cancer. Cervical cancer Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common STI that usually clears on its own without treatment, but sometimes persists. Use of COCs for five years of more appears to speed up the development of persistent HPV infection into cervical cancer. The number of cervical cancers associated with COC use is thought to be very small. If cervical screening is available, providers can advise COC users—and all other women—to be screened every three years (or as national guidelines recommend) to detect precancerous changes in the cervix, which can be removed. Myth: You will experience general health problems Some women believe that COCs cause hair loss (alopecia), asthma, and headaches. Fact: A woman may experience short term side affects associated with use of combined oral contraceptive (COCs), including changes in bleeding patterns, headaches, and nausea. However such side effects are not a sign of illness, and usually stop within the first few months of using COCs. For a woman whose side effects persist, give her a different COC formulation. In women who are otherwise well, COC use may be continued for many years as there are no adverse effects related to long-term use. In fact, there are also long-term non-contraceptive health benefits of using COCs as they:  Help protect against cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer) Help protect against cancer of the ovaries Help protect against symptomatic pelvic inflammatory disease May help protect against ovarian cysts May help protect against iron-deficiency anemia Reduce menstrual cramps Reduce menstrual bleeding problems Reduce ovulation pain Reduce excess hair on face or body Reduce symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome Reduce symptoms of endometriosis Myth: There is confusion about how often and when to take the pill Some women who seek family planning are misinformed about how often or when they should take the pill. Fact: A woman can start using COCs any time she wants if she is reasonably certain that she is not pregnant. To be reasonably certain a client is not pregnant, providers can use the Pregnancy Checklist. If a client is starting her pack of pills within five days after the start of her menstrual period, there is no need for a backup method as she is immediately protected from pregnancy. If she starts COCs more than five days after the start of her menstrual period, she can start them any time it is reasonably certain she is not pregnant. She will need to use a "back up" method of contraception, such as a male or female condom, for the first seven days of taking pills to ensure protection from pregnancy. The effectiveness of oral contraception depends on a regular intake of the hormones contained in the pill. Therefore pills must be taken daily, until the pack is empty. Although the specific time of day does not matter, the pills should be taken at the same time every day to reduce side effects and to help women remember to take their pills more consistently. The client should be advised not to interrupt taking the pills before a pack is finished, even if she does not have sexual intercourse. If the pills are taken correctly, the client will always start a new pack on the same day of the week. If a client is taking pills from a 21-pill pack, she will wait seven days after taking the last pill in the pack before beginning a new pack. If a client is taking pills from a 28-pill pack, she will take the next pill from the next pack on the very next day. Women do not need to take a “rest” from COCs after taking them for a time. There is no evidence that taking a “rest” is helpful. In fact, taking a”rest” from COCs can lead to unintended pregnancy. COCs can safely be used for many years without having to stop taking them periodically. Myth: There is a risk of infertility, or a delayed return to fertility Women who seek family planning may incorrectly believe that using COCs will cause a long delay in conceiving or prevent them from being able to have children in the future. Fact: The combined oral contraceptive (COC) does not cause infertility. This is true regardless of how long a woman has taken the pill, the number of children the woman has had, or the age of the woman. In fact, some of the non-contraceptive benefits of the pill include preserving fertility by offering protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and ectopic pregnancy. There is no evidence that COCs delay a woman's return to fertility after she stops taking them. Women who stop using COCs can become pregnant as quickly as women who stop using non-hormonal methods. Myth: Contraceptive pills can get absorbed into the wrong part of the body Many women who seek family planning incorrectly believe that COCs accumulate in the body and cause diseases and tumors, or get stored in the stomach, ovaries, or uterus and form stones. Fact: After the pills are swallowed, they dissolve in the digestive system, and the hormones they contain are absorbed into the bloodstream. After they produce their contraceptive effect, the hormones are metabolised in the liver and gut and are then eliminated from the body. They do not accumulate in the body anywhere. Myth: Contraceptive pills encourage 'promiscuity' Some clients who seek family planning wrongly believe that the pill encourages infidelity, promiscuity, or prostitution in women. Fact: There is no evidence that COCs affect women’s sexual behavior. The evidence on contraception in general shows that sexual behavior is unrelated to contraceptive use. In fact, using contraception shows responsible behavior in order to avoid unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Myth: There will be an impact sexual desire and pleasure Some clients who seek family planning may believe that COCs reduce sexual pleasure or interest in sex (loss of libido) or that they cause frigidity in women. Fact: There is no evidence that COCs affect a woman's sex drive. Although some women using the pill have reported either an increase or decrease in sexual interest and performance, it is difficult to say whether such changes are a result of COCs or other life events. Myth: You will experience weight changes Some clients believe that COCs cause women to gain or lose weight. Fact: Most women do not gain or lose weight as a result of COC use. A woman's weight may fluctuate naturally due to changes in age or life circumstance. Because changes in weight are common, many women attribute their natural weight gain or loss to the use of COCs. Although a very small number of COC users may report weight change following COC use, studies have found that, on average, COCs do not affect weight. A few women experience sudden changes in weight when using COCs. These changes reverse after they stop taking COCs. It is not known why these women respond to COCs this way.