Family planning

Family planning is the ability of individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births. It is achieved through use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of involuntary infertility.

Family Planning is basic human right that benefits everyone. The goal of Family Planning is to enable couples & individuals to freely choose by giving sufficient information for men & women how many children to have & when to have.

Contraception

Refers to all measures, temporary or permanent, designed to prevent pregnancy. Contraception poses less risk than does pregnancy.

According to WHO, Ideal contraceptive method is: Widely acceptable, Inexpensive, Simple to use, Safe and highly effective.

Choosing a method

Choosing a method depends on:

• Efficacy
• Convenience regarding life style
• Medical comorbidities
• Duration of action
• Reversibility and time to return of fertility
• Effect on uterine bleeding
• Frequency of side effects and adverse events
• Affordability
• Protection against sexually transmitted diseases

1. Efficacy

The efficacy of contraception depends on the type of a contraception method used and whether it used correctly. Some methods are more effective than others; regardless clients need to follow the instructions given by the health care provider for it to be as effective as possible.

Contraception is less effective at preventing pregnancy if not used correctly. Even with correct use no contraceptive is 100% reliable, and effective.

Long-active reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods

• Contraceptive implant: more than 99% effective with correct use. It works for 3 to 5 years, but can be taken out earlier. Fewer than 1 in 100 women using the implant will get pregnant in a year.
• Intrauterine device (IUD): more than 99% effective. An IUD can stay in place for 5 or 10 years depending on the type but can be taken out at any time. Fewer than 1 in 100 women will get pregnant in a year, depending on the type of IUD. Older types are less effective.

Contraceptive injection 

• Typical use: around 94% effective. Around 6 in 100 women will get pregnant in a year.

The injection lasts for 8 or 13 weeks, depending on the type.

Contraceptive patch

• Perfect use: more than 99% effective. Fewer than 1 in 100 women will get pregnant in a year when using the contraceptive patch correctly.
• Typical use: around 91% effective. Around 9 in 100 women who use the patch will get pregnant in a year.

Vaginal ring

•  Around 91% effective. Around 9 in 100 women using the ring will get pregnant in a year with a correct use.

Combined contraceptive pill

• With a correct use around 9 in 100 women using the combined pill will get pregnant in a year making the efficacy rate around 91%.