Family Planning Definition And Method

Definition:

 Family planning is an organized plan to prevent unwanted pregnancy and infertility. It also refers to the management and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases as well as pre-conception.Family Planning can be categorized into two.

1. Natural

• It used to be known as the ‘safe period’ – a somewhat unreliable and haphazard approach to contraception – but natural family planning (NFP) methods have been refined and improved and, if you follow instructions, they’re up to 98% effective. Nature has, in fact, provided women with a highly effective ‘built in’ system of fertility regulation to avoid or, alternatively, plan a pregnancy. So, as well as being a good form of contraception, natural family planning can help couples find their fertile time during the month, if they want to conceive.In each normal menstrual cycle an egg develops and is released (ovulation), and the lining of the womb is prepared for a possible pregnancy. The lining of the womb is then shed if you don’t get pregnant.This is your period.Women’s menstrual cycles vary in length, but are usually in the range of 23 to 35 days. Essentially, fertility awareness means becoming aware of the feelings, emotions and bodily changes that characterise the fertile and infertile times in the menstrual cycle. It’s easy to learn and use, and it’s highly effective.The three principal methods of calculating when ovulation is likely to occur are:
• 1.The calendar method
  
  The calendar method makes use of our knowledge of when a woman is likely to ovulate. This enables many women to calculate their fertile and infertile phases described above. The fertile period generally occurs 12 to 16 days before the period starts.
  2.The temperature method

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As we have described above, the chance of falling pregnant is much greater around the time of ovulation.
The temperature method helps women find out when they are ovulating by taking their temperature every morning.The day after ovulation takes place a woman's temperature will go up by about half a degree Celsius under the influence of the female hormone progesterone.
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3.The mucus test

Over the course of every month, the mucus produced by a woman's vagina and cervix changes its characteristics because of the fluctuating levels of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. This will show how close or far from ovulation she is.A few days before ovulation (when the egg is released) the mucus becomes transparent, watery and yellowish. On the day of ovulation itself, what comes out is thicker, wet and thread-like (like egg-white) and might also produce a moist feeling in the vagina. Within a day of ovulation there is less mucus and it is thicker and sticky.

•   Artificial. 

 Different types of family planning methods :

• Male Condoms

Condoms prevent the passage of sperm cells into the vagina. It also serves as a protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as Neisseria gonorrhea and Clamydia trachomatis. And though some claims that condoms can decrease sexual sensation, condom is highly effective especially to men who are experiencing premature ejaculations.

• Pills

Pills contain hormones (Estrogen and Progesterone) that need to be taken daily in order to avoid pregnancy. Pills are convenient and easy to use and helps reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. It is completely reversible and clinically proven safe. However, pills do not offer protection to sexually transmitted diseases and may cause some side effects.

• Female Sterilization (Ligation)

Safe and simple, Ligation is a surgical procedure which blocks or cuts the two fallopian tubes. It is a permanent method of contraception and is advisable to couples who no longer want to have children. It is a single procedure with lifetime effects and does not need any repeated clinic visits. And just like pills, Ligation does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

• Male Sterilization (Vasectomy)

Conducted in males, Male Sterilization involves a surgical procedure which cuts or ties the vas deferens. It is very effective, permanent, and safe. It does not affect the male hormonal function and can even offer increased enjoyment during intercourse. The process is irreversible and swelling can be felt 2 to 3 days after procedure.