How Family Planning and Contraception Go Together 

Family planning is the act of deliberately deciding the number of children a couple would like to plan on having and raising together. The idea is that little ones shouldn’t arrive by accident but through careful planning and consideration. Of course, there are several factors that you should consider before planning the number of children that you’d like to bring into the world.

So, let’s look at which items to consider when planning your family.

Family Planning Options

When it comes to family planning, there are many methods choose from, but you should choose the one that best suits your circumstances. That notwithstanding, before making a final decision it’s important that the couple sees the doctor or gynecologist, who could advise as to whether the method they choose is a good fit medically.

Seven of the most common birth control options include abstinence, IUDs, contraceptive pills, the birth control patch, condoms, diaphragms, the withdrawal method, etc. Whichever option you choose, it’s always best that you adhere to best practices and not deviate in following your doctor’s orders. Protection is only guaranteed if you use the chosen birth control method regularly and as prescribed. 

Non-Hormonal Contraception

There are three main categories that nonhormonal contraception falls under. The first two are barrier methods and intra-uterine devices. The third is known as natural family planning, and it does not require the use of any artificial methods.

Barrier methods are the most popular form of nonhormonal contraception; they are so named because they prevent semen from making direct contact with the egg. The best-known barrier contraceptive is a condom.

While most commonly worn by men, there are also condoms that are made for women. Since they tear easily, it’s critical that you use them correctly. Male condoms are made of latex whereas the female condoms are made of polyurethane. Women can also wear a diaphragm or cap made of latex or silicone to prevent pregnancy.

They stay in place and prevent sperm from entering the cervix. They work best when used in conjunction with a spermicidal cream.

The way that IUDs work is that a qualified medical practitioner inserts the t-shaped device into a woman’s uterus. In turn, the device irritates the lining of the womb which makes it difficult for the sperm to lodge itself into the uterus.

The implanted also releases small amounts of copper into the womb which interferes which diverts the semen away from the egg. It should only be implanted if the woman is healthy and does not have any existing infection or reproductive ailment. However, there is a risk of getting a pelvic infection or an ectopic pregnancy due to implanting the device. Nonetheless, if you opt to use an IUD, they can usually be left in place for between five to ten years.

Birth Control Side Effects

Some family planning methods such as pills, injectables, and intra-uterine devices are capable of producing side effects. Adverse reactions can range from a heavy menstrual flow, increased blood pressure, weight gain, etc. As such, any side effects that you experience should be reported to your doctor immediately.

No one method of family planning is 100% perfect or best; you have to find out with the help of top Gynecologist which method is best for you. If you take your drug according to the prescription, you are sure of some high level of protection.