Daniel Chukwuemeka Okwum. Uncle Scan.
Family planning, over the years, has been used by mothers around the world to minimize and to space child bearing. Below are some effective family planning techniques:
1. Withdrawal method
This is a trial and error technique for preventing pregnancy. In this unreliable technique, your husband decides not to allow the sperm enter into the vagina by spilling it away. This technique may fail at any time. If you have been on this method and it’s been working, fine, but bear it in mind that you cannot be too sure of it all the time. You may want to consider exploring other available methods.
2. Condom (Male) and Femidom (Female)
This is also for short term use effective only while the intercourse lasts. Whether it is the male or female condom, they do not only help to prevent pregnancy, they also protect couples against STD and venereal diseases.
3. Oral contraceptive Pills (OCs)
OC pills are effective in preventing pregnancies on short term- i.e. on a daily basis. They are taken on a daily basis, especially when your husband is likely to make some of those moves towards you. It is safe for you regardless of your age, whether or not you ever had a baby, and whether or not you are breastfeeding a baby (if you use mini-pills).
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4. Injectables
These are injections which are also on short term basis. You will have to go for this injection every two to three months to sustain its effect. Every woman at any age may adopt this technique. A breastfeeding woman is only eligible to adopt the injection technique if her baby is more than six months old.
5. Implant
Child spacing implants are two rods looking like matchsticks which are inserted under the skin in the inner aspect your arm to help prevent pregnancy. These rods prevent pregnancy be producing progesterone hormone into you system from time to time. They are capable of lasting for about five (5) years. Regardless of your age, you may adopt this measure. You may also go for it after delivery. It is effective and reliable.
6. Vasectomy
Just like tubal ligation, a permanent technique for female sterilization, vasectomy is the surgical procedure for male sterilization. During vasectomy, the tube responsible for conveying sperm called vasa deferentia is surgically cut off or blocked so that sperm cannot flow through it anymore. It is a permanent and irreversible procedure.
7. Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is the surgical form of female sterilization which is a more permanent procedure. It involves the blocking or total removal of the fallopian tubes and is only suitable for women who no longer wish to bear children.
Tubal ligation is the surgical form of female sterilization which is a more permanent procedure. It involves the blocking or total removal of the fallopian tubes and is only suitable for women who no longer wish to bear children.
8. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECs)
Please take note that as the name connotes, it is used in emergency situations to prevent pregnancies as a result of an accidental sexual intercourse. It is also suitable for use in a case of rape.
It can prevent pregnancy effectively in the first 5-days after intercourse. An increased use of emergency contraceptives may result in a painful abdomen, feeling of vomiting, sleepy feelings, tiredness, headache, painful breasts and so on. An increased use may also result in cancer related issues.
9. Exclusive Breastfeeding
This is a natural or family planning technique.
This is a natural or family planning technique.
10. Intra Uterine Device (IUD)
Source: COTIUCD
These are also known as Intra Uterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCD) which may be in the form of Copper-T or a Coil usually inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. It is a reliable long term (5-10 years) family planning technique which can be used within 2day of child-birth or after a month. Breast feeding mothers may also adopt this technique.
Possible Side effects
Generally, family planning methods are not without side effects.
- Irregular cycle
- Painful breasts
- Feeling of vomiting
- Weight gain
- Reduced urge for sex
- Mood swing
- Head-aches
- Pelvic Inflammatory disease: Change in nature of vaginal discharge (coloured, funny foul smelling discharges).
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