Family Planning: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Family planning is about making informed decisions regarding when and how many children you want to have. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), it's not just a choice, but a fundamental human right that significantly reduces maternal and infant mortality, and fosters healthier families and communities.

In this guide, I'll walk you through what family planning entails, explore some of the different methods available, and discuss their benefits and considerations. Let's delve into the world of family planning.

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What Is Family Planning?

Family planning is a decision-making process that grants individuals and couples the power to choose if and when they wish to start a family.

It encompasses the ability to determine both the number and spacing of children, ensuring a well-thought-out approach to family growth.

Additionally, family planning provides essential information on getting pregnant when desired and addressing infertility through suitable treatments.

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The Benefits Of Family Planning

Embracing family planning is a transformative step towards shaping healthier, more empowered lives for individuals and their families. By offering a range of advantages, family planning not only contributes to the well-being of mothers and children but also plays a pivotal role in broader societal sustainability.

Let's delve into some of the key benefits that highlight the profound impact of informed family planning choices.

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Improved Maternal Health

Family planning allows women to space out pregnancies, reducing the risks associated with frequent childbirth. It also provides them with the opportunity to seek necessary healthcare and recover fully before conceiving again.

Enhanced Child Health

Well-timed pregnancies lead to healthier babies. Children born to mothers who have had time to recover between pregnancies tend to have higher birth weights and are generally healthier, with a reduced risk of preterm birth and other complications.

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Types Of Family Planning Methods

A variety of family planning methods are available, offering individuals a range of options to suit their unique needs. These methods include:

·??????? Oral contraceptive pills

·??????? Condoms

·??????? Male and female sterilization

·??????? Patches

·??????? Injectables

·??????? Implants

·??????? Intra-uterine devices

·??????? Vaginal rings

·??????? Lactational amenorrhea method

·??????? Withdrawal method

·??????? Fertility awareness-based method

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Each method operates differently and varies in its effectiveness in preventing unintended pregnancies.

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The 4 Most Common Family Planning Methods In The U.S.

Data from the 2015–2017 National Survey of Family Growth identified the following as the most commonly used contraceptive methods in the U.S.:

·??????? Female sterilization (18.6%)

·??????? Oral contraceptive pill (12.6%)

·??????? Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) (10.3%)

·??????? Male condom (8.7%)

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Female Sterilization (Tubal Ligation)

This permanent family planning method involves sealing or removing the fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization. It can be done through two procedures:

·??????? Minilaparotomy

·??????? Laparoscopy

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Minilaparotomy

The doctor will make a small incision (cut) in your abdomen and your fallopian tubes will be pulled up through the incision.

The doctor may then do one of these three things:

·??????? He may use clips to seal your tubes

·??????? He may remove a section of your tubes

·??????? He may completely remove both tubes (a procedure known as salpingectomy)

This method is often used to sterilize a woman after she’s given birth.

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Laparoscopy

The doctor will make a small incision near your belly button. He will then insert a device called a laparoscope through the incision to enable him to see your pelvic organs. Instruments will then be passed through the laparoscope to seal or remove your fallopian tubes.

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Oral Contraceptive Pill

This is a pill that contains artificial versions of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that are produced by the ovaries.

To prevent conception, you will need to take one of these pills every day for 21 days, break for seven days, and then start taking it again after seven days.

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How It Works

The pill prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Additionally, it thickens the mucus at the neck of your uterus to make it hard for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize an egg.

Furthermore, the pill thins the lining of your uterus to make it hard for a fertilized egg to implant itself in the lining of the uterus and develop into a baby.

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Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCS)

There are two types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods:

·??????? The intrauterine device (IUD)

·??????? The birth control implant

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The Intrauterine Device (IUD)

This is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the womb and is left there. There are two types of IUDs:

·??????? Hormonal IUD

·??????? Copper IUD

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Hormonal IUD

How It Works: The hormonal IUD releases a hormone called progestin into the uterus. Progestin thickens the mucus at the entrance of the uterus. Thick mucus makes it hard for sperm to enter your womb to fertilize an egg. Progestin also thins the lining of the uterus.

How Long You Can Use It: ?You can use it for between three and eight years.

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Copper IUD

How It Works: The copper IUD releases copper into the uterus. Copper makes it hard for the sperm to move. This makes it difficult for sperm to reach an egg and fertilize it. ?

How Long You Can Use It: You can use it for ten years.

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The Birth Control Implant

This is a flexible, plastic rod that is inserted under the skin of your upper arm, and which releases progestin into your body.

How It Works:

Progestin stops your ovaries from releasing eggs. Moreover, progestin thickens the mucus at the entrance of your uterus to make it hard for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize an egg. Furthermore, the hormone thins the lining of the womb.

How Long You Can Use It: You can use it for up to three years.

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Male Condoms

A condom is made from very thin rubber, polyisoprene, or polyurethane. This device prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg.

How It Works: The condom is placed over an erect penis to stop semen (sperm and seminal plasma) from meeting and fertilizing an egg.

How Long You Can Use It: You can use it only once. Use a new one each time you want to have sex.

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Risks/ Side Effects Of These Common Methods

Family planning involves side effects and potential risks. Understanding these side effects and associated risks is crucial for making informed choices about your reproductive health.

Here are some considerations for each of the methods above:

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Sterilization

Some of the side effects and potential risks of this method are:

·??????? Bleeding

·??????? Infection

·??????? Inability of wounds to heal properly

·??????? Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy

·??????? Anesthesia complications

·??????? Possible injury to pelvic organs during the surgery

·??????? The instruments used may injure other organs too

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Oral Contraceptive Pill

Some of the side effects and potential risks of this method are:

·??????? Failure to take the pill at around the same time every day can lead to pregnancy

·??????? Interaction with certain drugs

·??????? Headaches, mood swings, nausea, or breast tenderness

·??????? Increased blood clotting risk

·??????? Increased breast cancer and cervical cancer risk

·??????? It’s not suitable for people 35 or older, or if you have blood clots, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease, and some other diseases

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Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCS)

Some of the side effects and potential risks of this method are:

·??????? Headaches

·??????? Nausea

·??????? Changes in menstrual bleeding

·??????? Painful periods

·??????? Increased bleeding during the first months of use

·??????? Frequent spotting

·??????? Breast tenderness or breast pain

·??????? Mood changes

·??????? Weight gain

·??????? Acne

·??????? Possibility of IUD displacement or pregnancy during IUD use

·??????? Risk of developing Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

·??????? Digestive issues

·??????? Risk of ectopic pregnancy

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Male Condoms

Some of the side effects and potential risks of this method are:

·??????? Possible slippage during intercourse

·??????? Latex allergies?

·??????? Inapplicability if you have difficulty maintaining an erection

·??????? Rare chance of sperm leakage

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Conclusion

In conclusion, family planning affords individuals and couples the agency to make informed decisions about their family's future.

It encompasses a spectrum of methods tailored to diverse needs, from oral contraceptive pills to long-acting reversible contraceptives.

Embracing family planning not only enhances individual well-being but radiates positive effects across families, communities, and society at large.

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Sources are in the comments section below.

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