FAMILY PLANNING

A program to regulate the number and spacing of children in a family through the practice of contraception or other methods of birth control.

Injectables

Injectables are useful for women who have trouble remembering to take their contraceptive pill at the same time every day. The injection contains synthetic progestogen, which prevents the egg from being released, thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterus lining, and is a very effective method of birth control. It has a good success rate.

Advantages of Injectables include freedom from period pains, sexual freedom and lack of intrusion into your daily routine and sex life.
Disadvantages include irregular periods, possible acne, greasy hair, mood swings and loss of interest in sex

Implants
Implants are tiny, soft rods of silastic- a type of plastic- or hollow capsules filled with the artificial hormone progestogen. The implant is put under the skin of the upper arm, where it gradually releases the contraceptive hormone into the bloodstream.

Advantages are that this is one of the most effective of all contraceptive methods; the implants are effective for up to five years; and if you decide to have a baby, you can have the implant removed.
Disadvantages are that the rods have to be inserted and removed by a trained doctor, and some women have experienced difficulty and scarring on removal; the rods can also be felt under the skin by some women; periods may become irregular; and many of the other side-effects of Injectables.

Combined Oral Contraceptives

Women who use oral contraceptives swallow a pill each day to prevent pregnancy. Combined oral contraceptives contain two hormones similar to the natural hormones in a woman’s body---an estrogen and a progestin. Also called combined pills, COC’s, OC’s, the pill and birth control pills.How do they work?-Stop ovulation (release of eggs from ovaries)-Also thicken cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to pass through.-They do not work by disrupting existing pregnancy.How effective?Effectively as commonly used – 6 to 8 pregnancies per 100 women in first year of use (1 in every 17 to 1 in every 12).Very effective when used correctly and consistently – 0.1 pregnancies per 100 women in first year of use (1 in every 1,000).

AdvantagesVery effective when used correctlyNo need to do anything at time of sexual intercourseIncreased sexual enjoyment because no need to worry about pregnancyMonthly periods are regular; lighter monthly bleeding and fewer days of bleeding; milder and fewer menstrual crampsCan be used at any age from adolescence to menopause Fertility returns soon after stoppingCan be used as an emergency contraceptive after unprotected sexCan prevent or decrease iron deficiency, anemiaHelps prevent: -Ectopic pregnancies-Endometrial cancer-Ovarian cancer-Ovarian cysts-Pelvic inflammatory disease-Benign breast disease.

Disadvantages Nausea (most common in first three months)Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods, especially if woman forgets to take her pills or takes them late (most common in first three months)Breast tenderness Slight weight gainNot recommended for breast feeding women because they effect quality and quantity of milkVery rarely can cause stroke, blood clots in deep veins of the legs, or heart attack. Those at highest risk are women with high blood pressure and women who are age 35 or old and at the same time smoke more than 20 cigarettes per dayDo not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Starting Low-Dose Combined Oral ContraceptivesWhen to start?The first day of the menstrual bleeding is bestAny of the first 7 days after her menstrual bleeding has already stopped, some programs advise avoiding sex or using condoms or spermicide for seven daysAfter she stops breast feeding or 6 months after child birth—whichever comes first 3 to 6 weeks after childbirth. No need to wait for menstrual periods to return to be certqain that she is not pregnantSome important points for the user to rememberPills can be very effective if taken regularly every daySafe-Serious problems are very rarePlease come back or see another health care provider at once if you have severe , constant pain in the chest, leg, or belly, or very bad headaches, if you see flashing lights or zigzag lines, or if your skin or eyes become unusually yellow (jaundice)Pills do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV/ AIDS. If you think you might get an STD, use condoms regularly along with your pills.



Natural Methods

For a of variety of reasons, some women cannot use the usual forms of contraception. Instead, to avoid pregnancy they must rely on the fact that there is actually a very short space of time during a woman's cycle, that they can become pregnant. Using one or a mixture of the methods available to detect the fertile time, one can know when to avoidintercourse.


Barrier Methods

Condoms, diaphragms and female condoms protect against disease and infections.

The male condom
The most commom contraceptive method used worldwide. The condom is made from thin latex rubber and is fitted over the man's penis to catch sperm when he ejaculates, thus preventing conception. There are a few simple steps to follow to ensure maximum protection from their use.

1.Make sure the condom is new and take care not to tear it with fingernails or jewellery.
2.Use finger and thumb to press the air out of the teat at the end of the condom before unrolling it.
3.Use fingers to roll it carefully over the erect penis.
4.Put it on before any sexual contact.
5.Use a new condom each time you have sex.
6.Do not use oil-based products, such as oil-based lubricants and some vaginal medications, with a condom.

Removing a used condom:

To avoid spillage, or even loss of the condom inside your vagina, your partner must reach down to his penis soon after orgasm and while it is still erect, hold the condom at its base with two fingers while he withdraws. There will be sperm on his penis, so he must not put it near your vagina before having a wash.

Advantages: The degree of protection offered against sexually transmitted diseases and easy availability.

Disadvantage:That you have to think ahead, and you must use condoms properly every time you make love.


The female condom
The female condom is a loose tube designed to line the vagina, protecting both the vagina and vulva from contact with body fluids from the partner. You must be careful to avoid snagging or scraping it with rings or sharp fingernails. They are not popular or successful as the male condom.

Advantages:The fact that, as with the male condom, you have to think ahead, and you may also dislike the female condom showing outside the vagina.


Caps and diaphragms
Caps and diaphragms act as a barrier at the cervix, preventing sperm from getting through to the womb. The diaphragm is a soft latex dome with a flexible metal rim. It comes in different sizes and with a choice of coil, flat or arcing springs to hold it in position. The cap is made entirely from rubber and is smaller than a diaphragm.There are three types:

1.The Cervical cap is thimble shaped,
2.The Vault cap is more shallow and semi-circular, and
3.The Vimule cap is a combination of the other two.

Put a cap or diaphragm into the vagina any time before having intercourse, but you must always use a spermicidal cream or gel in conjunction with this method, and, if more than three hours have passed since you put the cap in, you will have to replenish the spermicide.

Advantages: The fact that, properly looked after, your cap or diaphragm will last up to two years.

Disadvantages: The intrusiveness of having to put the cap or diaphragm in every time during intercourse. It can also be uncomfortable if it is not properly fitted. You may need a refit if you lose or gain weight.