(Go Down)

Family/Parenting » 5 Different Methods of Family Planning by: Richie(m) .:. Wed, 13 Jan, 2021 - 11:17:50:am GMT
Family planning involves the use of all techniques, practices, and medical devices that help a couple plan their family. It not only helps in deciding the number of children to have but also when to have and how to space their births. For more information read on and

A woman's ability to decide how many children to have and when, without interference from the government, is one of the most fundamental rights we possess. It is not just an issue of choice, but equality and opportunity for all women. - President Obama

Every year, around 820,000 teens become pregnant in the US, making it the country with the highest teen pregnancy rate. The country also witnesses massive number of abortions with 49% pregnancies being unplanned. However, there are plenty of options available to help couples and teenagers, who are sexually active, avoid such unwanted situations. They can opt from two categories, namely, natural methods and artificial methods. These methods are listed below, according to their effectiveness and convenience, to avert unwanted pregnancies.


Natural Methods

These methods thwart the use of any synthetic or chemical drugs and devices for family planning. However, to follow this method couples have to be determined and disciplined. Such methods are described below.


Abstinence

It simply means refraining from sex during the fertile days of the woman. This requires knowledge and awareness of a woman's fertility process. Couples who do not want to have a baby, and want to avoid taking artificial contraceptives, should keep away from sexual intercourse during ovulation and after it. The fertile days can be determined by the following methods.

Calendar method: This method requires you to be aware of your menstrual cycle. The day one of your period is the first day of the cycle. Counting from day 1, mark day 8 in your calendar and move forward to day 19. The days from day 8 to day 19 are the most fertile days, hence sexual activities during these days should be completely avoided. All the other days pose less risk of conceiving.


Basal body temperature
: Women who have irregular periods can benefit from this method. It requires a basal thermometer that can record even a slight change in the temperature. After your periods end, measure your body temperature orally every morning, at the same time, and record it. You will notice that the temperatures recorded each day are pretty consistent until you start ovulating. The day you ovulate, there will be a sudden increase in the temperature indicating high fertile period. You should abstain from intercourse till the temperature drops down to your normal body temperature as before ovulation.

Cervical Mucus: The color (white, yellow), consistency (thick, sticky), and the feel (dry, wet) of cervical mucus can help in determining the safe and unsafe days to have sex. Examine your discharge, and if you notice it to be white, stretchy, or wet, it indicates your ovulation phase. During this phase sex should be avoided.
Effectiveness %: 75% and less


Coitus Interruptus

Popularly known as the withdrawal or pull out method, this is another way of practicing birth control. During sexual intercourse if the man pulls out his penis just before ejaculating, he can prevent any sperm from entering the woman's vagina. However, this is not a foolproof method, as the fluid which is secreted before ejaculation also contains sperms, and are sufficient to fertilize an ovum.

Effectiveness %: 75-80%

These natural methods have no side effects, and practically cost nothing. However, it is not the safest method of birth control. The calendar method, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus method can prove to be inefficient due to various physical and environmental factors such as ill health, drugs, smoking, alcohol abuse, pollution, etc. Also, withdrawal may become quite cumbersome for a man while engaged in sexual activity.


Artificial Methods

These methods employ various products and devices that are used to avoid pregnancy, and in some cases STDs. Some of these are listed below.

Physical Barriers

This method prevents the sperm from coming in contact with the egg, which in turn prevents its fertilization. Various products and contraceptive devices that are available in the market, and are safe to use are mentioned below.

Condoms: These are the most commonly used devices to minimize the chances of pregnancy. Male condoms are used to cover an erect penis during sexual intercourse. This holds the ejaculate, preventing it from entering the vagina. Now female condoms are available in the market. These are inserted in the vagina which is held in position during the intercourse. Along with birth control, a condom also helps in preventing sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, gonorrhea, etc. There have been cases where condoms have failed to avoid pregnancies, but this may be mostly due to defective ones or incorrect use of the condom.
Effectiveness %: 76-85%
Possible side effects: Allergic reaction, irritation, etc.


Diaphragm: These are dome-shaped cups made of either silicon or latex. These cups have flexible rims which are inserted into the vagina for blocking the sperms from uniting with the egg. A spermicide is applied to these cups that reduces the movement of sperms considerably.
Effectiveness %: 75-85%
Possible side effects: Toxic shock, urinary tract infection, allergy, and irritation (due to spermicide)

Implantable rods: These are commonly known as Implanon (brand name). They are small rod-shaped devices implanted under the skin of the upper arm. They work by releasing synthetic progesterone, progestin that thickens the cervical mucus. This hinders sperm movement making it impossible to unite with an egg.
Effectiveness %: 95-99%
Possible side effects: Ovarian cyst, weight gain, depression, acne, mood swings, sore breasts.

Intrauterine device (IUD): The IUD is a small T-shaped device which is inserted into a woman's uterus. It is a convenient, safe, and reversible method which does not require a daily routine. It is basically of two types, Copper IUD and Hormonal IUD. Copper IUD works by releasing copper ions in small amounts into the uterus. Hormonal IUD works by releasing progestin into the uterus. Both the released copper and progestin block the union of sperms with an egg. Normally once it is inserted, it stays in place for 5 to 10 years, and inhibits the entry of sperms into the inner recesses of the vagina, and prevents fertilization as well. It should be inserted and removed (when pregnancy is desired) by a qualified medical practitioner to avoid complications.
Effectiveness %: 99% and above
Possible side effects: Excessive bleeding, cramps, inflammation of pelvis.

Birth control sponges: These are inserted deep into the vagina for effective inhibition of joining of sperms with an egg. It is a small round-shaped foam that releases spermicide, restricting the movement of sperms. It has a nylon strap for its easy removal. Today Sponge is the brand that is available in the US.
Effectiveness %: 75-85%
Possible side effects: Toxic shock, allergic reaction, irritation.


Contraceptive patch: This is a small, thin trans-dermal patch made of plastic which when placed on the skin releases estrogen and progestin. These hormones stop ovulation, hence the egg does not leave the ovaries for fertilization. It also tends to make the cervical mucus thicker, thus inhibiting sperm motility. It should be placed on the upper arms, buttocks, thighs, or abdomen. It is usually put on the first day of periods and kept in place for a week. Exactly on the seventh day (second week), the patch is replaced by another, and again by a new patch on the third week. The fourth week is the patch-free week, and this process is repeated again.
Effectiveness %: 90-98%
Possible side effects: Weight gain, dizziness, irregular periods, depression, mood swings.

Vaginal ring: It is a contraceptive ring that is inserted into the vagina. It releases certain hormones that prevent the egg to be released from the ovaries. It also restricts the movement of sperms by making the cervical mucus thicker.
Effectiveness %: 90-98%


Birth Control and Emergency Pills

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, stop the development of the egg, and also helps in the thickening of the cervical mucus in the uterus, thus restricting the passage of sperms to the egg. This can be an effective method if the pills are taken regularly, and in the correct manner. If they do not work out, another way of precluding pregnancy is to take emergency contraceptive pills. If a couple has indulged in unsafe sex, the woman can take emergency pills to reduce her chances of getting pregnant.

Effectiveness %: 90-98%
Possible side effects: High blood pressure, abdominal pain, irregular periods, mood swings, depression, weight gain, blood clots, bleeding between periods.



**--**

Views (618) .:. Likes (0) .:. Dislikes (0)

Re: 5 Different Methods of Family Planning by: Fashnet(m) .:. Fri, 15 Jan, 2021 - 06:35:31:am GMT


 Thank you very much Richie for this information I can say that it is very informative and helpful. Really there is need for birth control and family planning in every family as this has a whole lot of advantages, though people have proven some few disadvantages.

  When it comes to family planning and offering/ child control methodology and application, there is the need to seek a good professional advice, help and guide as some people believe that they know it all and this can be very dangerous or rather risky.

  There is need to employ or visit a good private or government hospitals and health centres where one can easily be guided and put through on the best method to apply and the best spacing that will suit one person from another.

  Just as the body system is totally different from each other and the reaction to body changes one from another so everyone should learn the type of pregnancy prevention that is good or the one that suites a particular person from the other.

  If there is a case that someone used a particular method and it works out, this does not mean that it is the same method that every other person should make use of as what suites a man or another man or woman might not suit or be appropriate for the next person.

  Just as there are different types of birth control pills and each one has its peculiarities so every woman should get a certified and satisfied type to use. Some prefers the type that is injected into the vagina while others prefer swallowed or the type that is taking as injection to other parts of the body

**Help the needy and love everyone**


Likes (0) .:. Dislikes (0) (Reply) (Quote)

Re: 5 Different Methods of Family Planning by: Oluwatomisin(f) .:. Fri, 03 Mar, 2023 - 11:05:08:am GMT

Family planning is something everybody needs to have an understanding of, especially the woman. Most of the time women are the ones always at the receiving end.

Imagine having plenty of children, the women will be the ones to take care of them and their welfare although the men can decide to help out the women do more work.

The moment you don't want to be here and there for your children then you need to safeguard yourself because the men will always come for your body.

There are different types of family planning and most times they have their side effects so, therefore, the best thing is to try them and see the one that works for you.

**Always put God first **


Likes (0) .:. Dislikes (0) (Reply) (Quote)

Welcome, Guest: Join Beneyoyo / Login!

Stats: 7,355 topics. Date: Thursday, 28 March 2024 at 02:04 PM