Most clients come to family planning clinics seeking contraceptive services.
But their choices about contraception are affected by many aspects of their lives, including their sexuality. To best meet the needs of the clients they serve, providers need to understand and address the role sexuality plays in contraceptive decision making. By creating an environment where clients feel free to discuss sexuality, providers move beyond the medical technicalities of family planning and embrace the goal of helping clients achieve healthy and fulfilling sexual lives. Like with any other health service, work related to sexuality should be considered within a social and medical context. Though most providers decide to respond to issues concerning sexuality out of a genuine concern for the rights and health of the women and men they serve, providers must also consider some practical implications.