
Family planning methods are practices or interventions used to prevent, delay, or achieve pregnancy. Here are 4 common family planning methods main categories :
A. NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING:
1.Fertility awareness Methods:
Track ovulation, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus to predict fertile days.-
Advantage : Low-cost, non-invasive, and can be used to achieve pregnancy.
Cons: Requires careful tracking and can be less effective.
2 Withdrawal method:
Advantage : No cost, easy to use.
Disadvantage: Can be difficult to control and has a higher failure rate.
3. Lactational Amenorrhea :This relying on breastfeeding as method of family planning. This is a method that does not work all the time especially for mothers mix feeding their babies.
B. BARRIER METHODS :
1.Male Condoms:Latex or polyurethane sheaths worn on the penis.
Advantage: Widely available, inexpensive, and reduces STI risk.
Disadvantages : May reduce sensation, can break or slip off.
2. Female Condoms: Polyurethane or latex pouches inserted into the vagina.
Advantage : Can be inserted before sex, reduces STI risk.
Disadvantage : May be less effective, more expensive than male condoms.
3. Diaphragm: A dome-shaped device inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix.
Advantage: Can be used with spermicides, effective when used correctly.
Disadvantage: Requires fitting by a healthcare provider, may cause discomfort.
C. HORMONAL METHODS
1. Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs): Pills containing estrogen and progesterone.
Advantage : Effective, can regulate menstrual cycles, and reduce menstrual cramps. Disadvantage: May cause nausea, breast tenderness, and increased risk of blood clots.
2. Progesterone-Only Pills (POPs): Pills containing only progesterone.
Advantage: Suitable for breastfeeding women, fewer side effects.
Disadvantage : May cause irregular menstrual cycles.
3. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Small devices inserted into the uterus to release hormones.
Advantage: Long-lasting (up to 10 years), highly effective, and reversible.
Disadvantage : May cause cramping, bleeding, or spotting during insertion.
4. Contraceptive Patch: A patch applied to the skin to release hormones.
Advantage: Easy to use, effective, and can be worn discreetly.
Disadvantage : May cause skin irritation, and increased risk of blood clots.
5. Contraceptive Ring: A flexible ring inserted into the vagina to release hormones.
Advantage: Easy to use, effective, and can be worn discreetly.
Disadvantage : May cause vaginal discharge, and increased risk of blood clots.
6. Injectable Contraceptive :e.g. Depo Vera this is usually given every 3months. There are others given every 2months.
Advantages :Comfortable, easy, safest and convenient.
Disadvantage:weight gain, mood swing, little or no menstruation.
D. PERMANENT METHODS
1. Tubal Ligation: A surgical procedure to block or cut the fallopian tubes.
Advantage : Highly effective, permanent.
Disadvantage : Requires surgery, may have complications.
2. Vasectomy: A surgical procedure to cut or block the vas deferens.
Advantages: Highly effective, permanent, and less invasive than tubal ligation.
Disadvantages: May have complications and require follow-up tests to ensure effectiveness .
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING A FAMILY PLANNING METHOD.
1. Effectiveness: How well does the method prevent pregnancy?
2. Ease of use: How easy is the method to use correctly and consistently?
3. Cost inclination: What is the cost of the method, and are there any additional costs (e.g., doctor’s visits)?
4. Health benefits and risks: What are the potential health benefits and risks associated with the method?
5. Personal preferences: What are your personal preferences regarding the method’s invasiveness, frequency of use, and potential side effects?
6. Partner involvement: Does the method require partner involvement, and are you comfortable with that?
7. Future fertility plans: Do you plan to have children in the future, and will the method affect your fertility?
8. Fitting to Lifestyle: How will the method fit into your daily routine and lifestyle?
PLEASE CONSULT A QUALIFIED PERSONEL BEFORE TAKING ACTIONS.
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