How To Choose A Family Planning Method

There are many people who confuse “family planning” with “contraception”. These are two related, though different concepts. Family planning involves contraception, but it is more than just preventing pregnancy. It involves planning the number of children that a couple would like to have, as well as the gap between each child. A proper family planning program involves examinations, advice and counseling, and encompasses general reproductive health. The couple’s own approach to family planning and their personal beliefs towards contraception play a large role in the method they choose. There are some people who might choose not to go in for hormonal and barrier methods of contraception, but would prefer natural alternatives for family planning. Also, the needs of each couple may vary. There are some couples that might have more concerns about methods that they might want to use. These should be taken into consideration when making a choice. It is also reasonable to choose counseling or examinations that can be attended with ease. It is therefore vital to examine the different choices available, based on the couple’s needs to make the best choices.

How To Choose The Right Family Planning Method

Condoms

This is the choice when:

both partners would like to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases.
the idea or hormonal pills is not liked much or if the woman feels she might miss a daily dose.
it is felt that the man has to take responsibility for family planning.

Hormonal Contraceptives

This is the choice when:

the woman suffers from heavy menstrual periods.
pregnancy is to be prevented.
contraceptives are needed that can be stopped at any point of time.

Intrauterine (IUD) Devices

This is the choice when:

there is no desire to get pregnant for a year or more.
neither partner has diseases that can be sexually transmitted.
the couple wishes to use a non-hormonal method of birth control.
the couple wishes to prevent interruptions of any barrier methods, such as condoms, while having intercourse.

Other Barrier Methods (Gels, Sponges, Diaphragms, Etc.)

This is the choice when:

the couple wishes to have a method that can be stopped at any time.
the woman is breastfeeding and doesn’t want to take a risk with hormonal pills or chemicals.
the couple dislikes the loss of sensation arising out of using condoms.
the woman dislikes the side effects of hormonal contraceptives.

Natural Family Planning (Cervical Mucous, Basal Temperature, Etc.)

This is the choice when:

the couple does not want to use a condom.
there is sensitivity to medication.
the couple decides to stay far away from oral contraceptives.
both the partners are monogamous and therefore do not have a history of sexually transmitted diseases.
both the partners are disciplined, organized and committed.

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