What Is Family Planning? Know its Types and Importance
Last updated on December 19th, 2024 at 02:16 pm
Introduction
Many families face problems like unplanned pregnancies, health risks, and financial struggles because they do not have the correct information or support about family planning. Cultural beliefs and a lack of knowledge worsen these problems, especially in developing countries. According to WHO, in 2023 alone, “257 million women who didn’t want a pregnancy lacked access to contraception.”
Due to these problems, women face serious health risks, children may not get the care they need, and families often struggle to break free from poverty. Family planning can help solve these problems.
In fact, in 2008 alone, Effective family planning prevented nearly 44% of maternal deaths globally, saving lives, helping families space pregnancies, reducing health risks, and achieving economic stability.
What is Family Planning?
World Health Organization (WHO) defines family planning as “the ability of any individuals or couples to decide and get their desired number of offspring and the gap and timing of their births. It is possible through the use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of involuntary infertility.”
In simple terms, family planning or planned parenthood helps people decide when to have children, how many to have, and how to space pregnancies. It allows individuals and couples to make choices that fit their personal and financial situations. Such planning also reduces health risks by preventing pregnancies that are too early, late, or close together.
Family planning is not just about controlling birth but also provides options for those facing difficulties with conception. People with such conception difficulties can overcome through In vitro fertilization (IVF), hormone therapy, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and addressing underlying health issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or blocked fallopian tubes.
Why Is Family Planning Important?
Family planning helps couples avoid unplanned pregnancies, improve maternal and child health, reduce STDs and infertility, and support financial stability. It empowers women, promotes equality, and helps manage population growth for healthier families and communities.
- Planned parenthood helps people avoid having children they aren’t ready for.
- It reduces health risks by spacing out births and ensuring proper care.
- Women can decide when to have children, helping them focus on education and work.
- Families can manage their money better and provide for their children’s needs.
- People can plan their families, leading to better job and financial opportunities.
- Couples can share decisions, and it improves women’s role in society.
- It lowers the spread of sexually transmitted diseases by encouraging safe practices.
- By treating STDs, it lowers the risk of infertility caused by infections.
“Find the Best Family Planning Method for You!”
Get detailed insights into different methods and choose what works best for your health and lifestyle.
Get professional advice today!!
Call us at 01-5400400 / 9863393960.
Family Planning Methods or Types
There are six main methods of family planning: Hormonal, Barrier, Intrauterine Devices (IUD), Sterilization, Natural, and Emergency.
Here’s how they work.
1. Hormonal Method
Hormonal methods prevent egg fertilization by restricting egg release from ovaries and sperm entry into the uterus. These methods use hormones called progestin and estrogen, similar to those created naturally in a female’s body.
In this method, the doctor injects artificial progestin and estrogen into the body through pills, injections, and implantation. These hormones then thicken the cervical mucus and thin the uterus lining to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.
2. Barrier Method
In this birth control method, one can use external devices to prevent pregnancy. Such devices stop sperm from entering the uterus and prevent the fertilization of eggs.
Unlike other methods, this method has no side effects and does not cause any biological change in the human body. Devices known for these methods include male condoms, female condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms, and contraceptive sponges with spermicides.
3. Intrauterine Devices (IUD)
This kind of birth control uses a small device made of copper or plastic, which is inserted inside a female’s body by a trained medical professional. The device works by creating a hostile environment for the sperm by changing the movement of sperm inside a female’s body, preventing it from reaching the ovaries and fertilizing the egg.
After inserting the device, it may take up to 7 days for it to start working, but if inserted during one’s menstrual cycle, it may start working as soon as it is inserted.
These devices typically last for 5-7 years on average.
4. Sterilization
These methods are permanent methods of preventing pregnancy. One can use this method if they’re not looking forward to having children in the future. To use sterilization, one has to go through surgery by professional doctors. For men, it is known as vasectomy, and women have to go through tubal ligation.
In vasectomy, the specialist cuts or ties the pathway tube that carries the sperm from the testicle to the penis, and in tubal ligation, the tube that carries the eggs to the uterus is tied or cut.
Sterilization doesn’t affect the ability of men and women to perform sexual activities and perceive pleasure from it. Additionally, this method doesn’t affect the monthly menstruation cycle in women.
5. Natural Methods
Natural family planning methods don’t include surgery, devices, or medication but might not be as effective as other birth control methods. This method depends on the body’s natural ability not to fertilize eggs. Methods that fall under this type are lactational amenorrhea, which involves breastfeeding for 6 months, and fertility awareness.
i. Lactational Amenorrhea
In this method, a woman’s natural way of avoiding pregnancy in postpartum is used. The postpartum infertility of a woman comes into action soon after birthing a baby, which you can extend by breastfeeding.
If one exclusively breastfeeds for six months, it can prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. This method does not require medical assistance and is only effective for the first six months after delivery.
ii. Fertility Awareness Methods
This method depends on the woman being well aware of her fertility chart. She needs to know her menstruation cycle to understand her fertility dates, and on those days, she should avoid having unprotected sexual intercourse.
A woman needs to note her menstruation cycle and precisely chart her fertility through changes in body temperature and cervical mucus or by following the calendar.
6. Emergency Contraceptive
Emergency contraceptives include taking pills or uterine devices to avoid pregnancy. A woman uses this method to prevent pregnancy after indulging in unprotected sexual intercourse.
These methods are only effective if brought to use soon after indulging in unprotected sex. Emergency contraception primarily works by preventing ovulation or fertilization.
Conclusion
Family planning is a simple yet meaningful way for individuals and couples to decide when and how many children to have. It helps prevent unplanned pregnancies, improves health, and allows families to manage their finances and future better. Methods like hormonal options, barrier devices, IUDs, or natural techniques enable people to choose what works best for them.
Visit Clinic One today to learn more about family planning methods, talk to our experts, and find the support you need to make informed decisions. Your journey to a healthier and happier life starts here!
