Family Planning Options

Couples who plan for their future can choose from many family planning options available in the market today. A wealth of information can be derived f...


Couples who plan for their future can choose from many family planning options available in the market today. A wealth of information can be derived from hospitals, family planning counselors, reproductive specialists and even health agencies by the government that promotes family planning methods. In fact, most of the counseling services and information are free to those couples who have decided to plan their families. Even NGOs and private health clinics promote different family planning options that are in line with the government campaign towards reduced birth rate.
Family planning options have two categories: natural family planning and artificial family planning options. The natural family planning method is easy to use, cost less and requires active participation from both partners. The three groups of natural methods are symptoms-based, calendar based , and lactational amenorrhea. Religious groups encourage the use of methods since they follow the natural rhythm of the body. Symptoms-based includes the cervical mucus method and the body temperature method. The calendar-based presents the Rhythm method and Standard days method which relies on the regular ovulation period of the woman. Lactational amenorrhea is depending on breastfeeding to keep the mother safe from conception. Since the aforementioned methods are natural, the effectiveness highly-depends on the couple’s observance of procedures as advised by a doctor.

Another option for family planning involves artificial methods. Couples who have busy schedules may opt for these methods which includes : oral contraceptives, hormone injections, IUD, condoms, vaginal contraceptive ring ( known as female condoms), diaphragm, cervical cap, and permanent sterilization. Most of the artificial methods have a high rate of effectiveness when properly used. Oral contraceptives and hormone injections have side-effects such as nausea, dizziness and weight gain. IUDs are also effective and good for long-term use. Condoms are the easiest to use and source out as long as the male partner is willing to use it. Permanent sterilization such as vasectomy is also good for those who do not want to have children anymore. Each option has its pros and cons that is why it is best to seek medical advice before using any of the aforementioned contraceptives. Family planning is becomes easy since any of the options can be chosen to fitcouples needs.

Leave a Reply