Family planning

Definition of family planning

Family
planning is conscious decision of individuals and couples to anticipate and
attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their
births. It is achieved through use of different family planning methods. The
ability of couples to effectively plan their family has a direct impact on the health
and well-being of every member of the family as well as on the outcome of each
pregnancy.

Types of family planning

1.
Abstinence

Abstinence is refraining from any
form of sexual intercourse.

Advantages
of Abstinence

i.
No risk of unintended pregnancy.

ii.
No risk of becoming infected with
a sexually transmitted disease.

iii.
Opportunities to express feelings
and affection for another in other ways.

Disadvantages
of Abstinence

i.
Both partners must agree to honour
this choice.

ii.
Partners must have excellent
communication skills; yes must mean yes and no must mean no.

iii.
May need emergency contraceptive
method if this method fails.

Side
Effects

No medical side effects

2. Cervical Cap

This is a barrier contraceptive method. This method
makes use of a soft rubber cup like device that fits snuggly around the base of
the cervix. It is used with spermicide for prolonged and additional pregnancy
prevention.

Advantages of the Cervical Cap

i.
Simple to use.

ii.
Does not require partner
involvement.

iii.
Good for persons who do not have
sex on a regular basis.

Disadvantages of the Cervical Cap

i.
Consistent and correct use is
required to prevent pregnancy.

ii.
Persons with allergies to latex
or spermicides cannot use it.

iii.
May experience vaginal odour with
prolonged use.

Side Effect of Cervical Cap

i.
Spermicides may irritate the vagina and surrounding skin or cause
an allergic reaction.

ii.
Strong odours, vaginal discharge,
or infection may occur if the
cervical cap is left in too long.

iii.
The material in the cervical cap
may cause an allergic reaction.

3. Condom (Male)

This is an over the counter barrier method
used for family planning with involve the use of latex which
is worn by male during sexual intercourse.

Advantages of the Male Condom

i.
Easy to get and relatively
inexpensive.

ii.
Can be discontinued at any time.

iii.
Provides some protection from
sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.

Disadvantages of the Male Condom

i.
Non-cooperative partner can pose
a challenge to this method.

ii.
Some people experience irritation
or sensitivity to latex.

iii.
Difficulty using condoms
correctly.

Side Effect of Male Condom

No
medical side effects

4. Depo-Provera (“The
Shot”)

This is a family planning method which makes use of
injection given every 3 months. It contains synthetic progesterone which stops
ovulation, and/or thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from passing
through. This is a reversible method of birth control given only by
prescription.

Advantages of Depo-Provera

i.
Does not interfere with sex.

ii.
Only need to get a shot 4 times a
year.

iii.
May stop menses or make them very
light.

Disadvantages of Depo-Provera

i.
Irregular or unpredictable
bleeding or spotting may occur.

ii.
Possible hair loss.

iii.
Weight gain, especially right
after pregnancy.

Side Effects of Depo-Provera
(“The Shot”)

Irregular and heavy bleeding may be experienced

5. Diaphragm

This is barrier type birth
control method prescribed uses on prescription by a clinician. It makes use of a
dome shaped rubber cup with flexible rim that covers the cervix and is inserted
into the vagina before intercourse. This is used in combination with
spermicidal jelly or cream.

Advantages of the Diaphragm

i.
Simple to use.

ii.
Does not require partner
involvement.

iii.
Good for persons who do not have
sex on a regular basis.

Disadvantages of the Diaphragm

i.
Consistent and correct use is
required to prevent pregnancy.

ii.
Increased risks for developing
urinary tract infections (UTI’s).

iii.
Repeated sexual intercourse
requires additional spermicide.

Side Effects of Diaphragm:

i.
Strong odours or vaginal
discharge may appear if the diaphragm is left in too long.

ii.
The rubber or latex in the
diaphragm may cause an allergic reaction.

6. ECP or Emergency Contraceptive Pills

An
emergency contraceptive method used is used after sexual intercourse to prevent
pregnancy. It is mostly effective when used within 12 hours of unprotected
intercourse or contraceptive accident. ECP can be used up to 72 hours or three
days after unprotected sex. This method works is a woman is not already
pregnant by interfering egg development thereby preventing or delaying ovulation.

Advantages of ECP or Emergency
Contraceptive Pills

i.
It is used to prevent pregnancy
after unprotected sex.

ii.
It is used to prevent pregnancy
after male condom slipped, broke, or leaked.

iii.
It is used to prevent pregnancy
after a woman’s diaphragm or cervical cap was inserted incorrectly, removed too
early, or found to be torn.

Disadvantages of ECP or Emergency
Contraceptive Pills

i.
Does not work if already
pregnant.

ii.
Limited time frame (ECP must be
used within 72 hours or three days after unprotected sex). Is not an ongoing
method of contraception.

iii.
Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy may be
a possible result.

Side Effects of Emergency
Contraceptive Pills

i.
nausea and/or vomiting.

ii.
headache.

iii.
fatigue.

7. Female
Condom

This is an over the counter barrier method of birth
control which makes used of polyurethane (plastic) sheath with an inner ring
that fits inside the vagina, around the cervix (like the diaphragm) and an
outer ring that covers the outside labia.

Advantages of the Female Condoms

i.
Can be inserted into the vagina
up to eight hours before sexual intercourse.

ii.
Can be used with spermicides to
increase pregnancy protection.

iii.
Provides protection against some
sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.

Disadvantages of the Female
Condoms

i.
Difficulty inserting and/or
keeping in place.

ii.
Cannot be combined with male
condoms as they pull each other off.

iii.
May irritate vagina or penis.

Side Effects of Female Condom

No medical side effect

8. Female Sterilization

This is a surgical intervention that mechanically
blocks the fallopian tube to prevent sperm and egg from uniting.

Advantages of Female
Sterilization

i.
Very reliable and effective
method of contraception.

ii.
Permanent method.

iii.
No long term side effects.

Disadvantages of Female
Sterilization

i.
Permanent method.

ii.
Difficult and expensive to
reverse surgical procedure.

iii.
Requires skilled surgeon to
perform procedure.

Side Effect of Female
Sterilization

cramping, pain, and bleeding

9. Intrauterine Device
(“IUD”)

This family planning method involved the used of small
plastic device which is placed in the uterus by a clinician to prevents sperm
from fertilizing egg. In some cases it contain synthetic progesterone others
have copper on them. This method is a reversible of birth control given only by
prescription.

Advantages of the IUD:

i.
Easy to use, low maintenance
method.

ii.
Reduces the risk of tubal
pregnancy.

iii.
Does not interfere with
breast-feeding.

Disadvantages of the IUD:

i.
Must be inserted and removed in a
clinic or doctor’s office.

ii.
Some people may experience cramping
or pain at the time of insertion.

iii.
May experience increased bleeding
or cramping during periods.

Side Effect of Intrauterine
Device (“IUD”)

Can cause side effects in some women; increased uterine bleeding and pain
may cause early removal.

10. Norplant

This is six capsules containing synthetic hormones
inserted under the skin of the upper arm. Capsules slowly release hormones into
the bloodstream over a 5-year period. These hormones stop the ovaries from
releasing an egg each month and also thicken the mucus in the cervix (opening
to the uterus), stopping sperm from entering it.

Advantages of Norplant:

i.
Long term method can stay in for
5 years.

ii.
Can be removed anytime, and the
woman can become pregnant right away.

iii.
Does not interfere with sex.

Disadvantages of Norplant:

i.
Spotting between periods, light
periods, longer periods, or no periods may be experienced.

ii.
May experience weight gain and
hair loss.

iii.
It requires minor surgery for
insertion and removal of the capsules (done in the clinic or doctor’s office).

Side Effect of Norplant

Common side effects of Norplant include headache, nervousness, anxiety,
nausea, dizziness, rash, acne, change in appetite, weight gain, hair loss, prolonged menstrual bleeding, and spotting.

11. NuvaRing (“The
Ring”)

The NuvaRing is a comfortable, flexible
contraceptive ring that is about two inches in diameter and contains synthetic
low dose hormones (progestin and estrogen); these hormones are similar to those
produced by a women’s body. This is placed directly into the vagina and
hormones are released from the ring and are directly absorbed through the walls
of the vagina then distributed into the bloodstream. Pregnancy is prevented
because the ring prevents the ovaries from producing mature eggs.

Advantages
of NuvaRing

i.
Does not interfere with sex.
Ability to remove the ring at leisure.

ii.
Exact positioning of the NuvaRing
is not critical; however the ring should be placed high in the vault of the
vagina.

iii.
Muscles within the vagina allow
the ring to stay in place during sex and/or exercise.

Disadvantages of NuvaRing

i.
Not a good choice if patient is
uncomfortable with touching herself.

ii.
Increased risk of heart attack,
stroke, or blood clots (in lungs, legs, or arms), especially if for people who
smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day, or are over 35 and smoke.

iii.
Patient may experience vagina
discomfort and discharge.

Side Effects of NuvaRing

Vaginal discomfort/irritation, nausea,
vomiting, headache, bloating, breast tenderness, swelling
of the ankles/feet (fluid retention), or weight change may occur.

11. Ortho Evra (“The
Patch”)

The Patch contains synthetic hormones (progesterone
and estrogen) which are similar to those produced by a women’s body. The patch
is placed directly on the skin and these hormones are released from the patch
directly through the skin into the bloodstream. Pregnancy is prevented because
the patch stops ovulation and/or thickens the cervical mucus and stops sperm
from passing through.

Advantages
of the Patch

i.
Does not interfere with sex.

ii.
Reduces menstrual flow and
cramping.

iii.
Reduces the risk of ovarian and
endometrial cancer.

Disadvantages
of the Patch

i.
May cause slight skin irritation
at the patch site.

ii.
Increased risk of heart attack,
stroke, or blood clots (in lungs, legs, or arms), especially for people who
smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day, or are over 35 and smoke.

iii.
Possible mood swings or
depression.

Side Effect Ortho Evra

i.
mild nausea (especially when you
first start taking this medicine), vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;

ii.
breast tenderness or swelling,
nipple discharge;

iii.
freckles or darkening of facial
skin, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;

12. Oral Contraceptives
(“The Pill”)

This is a synthetic hormone
(progesterone and/or estrogen) like those produced by the body to regulate the
menstrual cycle. Pregnancy is prevented because the pill stops ovulation and/or
thickens the cervical
mucus by stopping sperm from passing through.

Advantages of the Pill:

i.
Does not interfere with sex.

ii.
Regulates the menstrual cycle.

iii.
Reduces menstrual flow and
cramping.

Disadvantages of the Pill:

i.
Must be taken every day at the
same time each day.

ii.
Possible mood swings or
depression.

iii.
May decrease sexual desire.

Side Effects of Oral
Contraceptives

This medication may cause dizziness, headache, light-headedness,
stomach upset, bloating, or nausea. If these effects persist or worsen, it may
lead to severe depression, groin or calf pain, sudden severe headache, chest
pain, shortness of breath, lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling in the
arms or legs, yellowing of the eyes or skin.

13. Vaginal Spermicides

This is a chemical birth control method that kills
sperm and prevents pregnancy. It comes in the form of gel, foam, cream, film,
suppository, or tablet.

Advantages of Vaginal Spermicides

i.
A relatively safe contraceptive
method when combined with the use of a barrier method (condom, diaphragm,
cervical cap).

ii.
May lower the chance of becoming
infected with a bacterial sexually transmitted disease.

iii.
Good method for persons who have
sexual intercourse infrequently or not very often.

Disadvantages of Vaginal
Spermicides

i.
Allergic reactions or
hypersensitivity to ingredients may occur.

ii.
Some persons may have difficulty
inserting properly.

iii.
Abnormal vaginal anatomy (e.g.
prolapsed uterus) may interfere with proper insertion.

Side Effect of Spermicides

This can
cause genital irritation, rash,
or itchiness.

14. Vasectomy (Male
Sterilization)

This is a
surgical procedure that prevents pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm
into the ejaculated seminal fluid (cum).

Advantages of Vasectomy:

i.
Permanent method of
contraceptive.

ii.
No significant long term side
effects.

iii.
Does not interrupt sex

Disadvantages of Vasectomy:

i.
Usually irreversible.

ii.
Requires skilled medical personnel.

iii.
Initial cost may be expensive,
some times considered an elective procedure, and requires self-pay. However,
the long term cost benefits are great.

Side Effect of Vasectomy (Male
Sterilization)

i.
swelling

ii.
bruising

iii.
bleeding inside the scrotum

15. Withdrawal (Coitus
Interruptus)

A contraceptive method that
prevents fertilization by preventing the contact between the sperm and egg. Couple
engages in penile-vaginal intercourse until ejaculation is about to occur. The
male partner withdraws his penis from the vagina and away from the external
genitalia of the female partner.

Advantages of Withdrawal:

i.
Costs nothing.

ii.
Requires no devices.

iii.
Involves no chemicals.

Disadvantages of Withdrawal

i.
Chances of getting pregnant with
this method are much higher than with any other method.

ii.
Some men have difficulty telling
when they will ejaculate.

iii.
Some men may not withdraw in
sufficient time.

Side Effect of Withdrawal (Coitus
Interruptus)

No medical size effects.