Different Methods of Family Planning

In today's age when couples are busy with their respective careers, many are opting for smaller families or sometimes no children at all. Another major reason for this also includes the high cost of living. For couples who want to stop after having one or two children, there are a variety of methods.

Couples can opt from two categories, namely, natural methods and artificial methods. They can choose from a wide variety of methods listed under these categories, according to their preference and convenience, to avert unwanted pregnancy.

Natural Methods

Abstinence: One of the most effective way is abstinence. Couples who do not want to have a baby and want to avoid taking artificial contraceptives, should keep away from sexual intercourse during the fertile days of the woman. For this method to work out, the women should keep track of their menstrual cycles to know the timing of their ovulation and the period during which there is high risk of getting pregnant.

Withdrawal: Withdrawal is another method of natural pregnancy prevention. In this method, the man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation while having sex. However, this is not a foolproof method of birth control, as the fluid which is secreted before ejaculation also contains sperms and are sufficient to fertilize an ovum.

Natural method is normally chosen by people owing to certain religious reasons or because they are not able to take contraceptives due to health reasons. The best thing about natural methods of avoiding pregnancy is that they do not have any negative effects; however, to follow this method couples have to be determined and disciplined.

Artificial Methods

Condoms: Condoms are the most commonly used male contraceptive to escape pregnancy. Using condoms during sexual intercourse acts like a barrier for sperms to enter the vagina, thus restricting their contact with the egg. In recent times, even female condoms are available in the market. Along with birth control, a condom also helps in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. There have been cases where condoms have failed to avoid pregnancy, but this is mostly due to defective condoms or incorrect use of the condom.

Birth Control and Emergency Pills: Another artificial method is the using of birth control pills by women. Birth control pills also known as oral contraceptives, stop the development of the egg and also helps in the thickening of the cervical mucus in the uterus, thus restricting the passage of the sperms to the egg. This can be an effective method if the pills are taken regularly and in the correct manner. If contraceptives do not work out, another way of precluding pregnancy is to take emergency contraceptive pills. If a couple has indulged in unsafe sex, the woman can take emergency pills to reduce the chances of getting pregnant.

Intrauterine device (IUD): The IUD or Copper T as it is commonly known is a very convenient, safe and reversible method which does not require a daily routine. It is a small device made of metal, copper or plastic that is inserted into the uterus of a woman of reproductive age, for as long as she does not want a pregnancy. Normally once it is inserted, it stays in place for 5 to 10 years and inhibits the entry of sperms into the inner recesses of the vagina and also prevents fertilization. It is the most popular and widely used female contraceptive method . The IUD should be inserted and removed (when pregnancy is desired) by a qualified medical practitioner, to avoid complications.

Sterilization: refers to permanent contraception by surgical procedures, to avoid future pregnancies. It is a method of birth control suited for couples who do not want to have any more children or couples who don't want to have even a single child. Vasectomy is the procedure for men and tubectomy or tubal ligation for women. It is by far the safest and most effective method of pregnancy control, though irreversible. Sterilizing is done permanently and is a full proof method.

Artificial methods, like IUDs or contraceptives to postpone or avoid a pregnancy are effective, if used in the correct manner. However, these methods can cause certain side effects, especially oral contraceptives. Women who take birth control pills may experience nausea, weight gain, vomiting, ectopic pregnancy, etc. Regular use of contraceptive pills may also make conception difficult, if couples want to have a baby later. Sometimes over use of birth control pills can lead to infertility in women. One of the problems with condoms is that they are made of latex and people who have latex allergy are not able to use them.

Any method, be it natural or artificial, does not affect the sex life of the couple. However, no method is full proof and there have been rare cases where women have become pregnant even after using contraception. So, the best way would be to consult one's gynecologist for the appropriate family planning method to stay away from pregnancy that is undesirable.