BLOG – FAMILY PLANNING

  • Mar 17, 2023

Family Planning

While we see a mushrooming of infertility treatment centers, we also need to talk about Family Planning to keep the population under control.

Family planning refers to the practice of controlling the number and spacing of children within a family. It involves the use of various contraceptive methods, including pills, condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), sterilization, and natural family planning methods.

The main goals of family planning are to help individuals and couples make informed decisions about their reproductive health, prevent unintended pregnancies, and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. It also promotes gender equality and improves the overall well-being of families by allowing them to better plan and provide for their children’s needs.

Family planning programs are usually implemented through government-run health centers and clinics, as well as through NGOs and private healthcare providers like Sakthi Hospital Triplicane. These programs provide counseling, education, and access to a wide range of contraceptive methods through well-qualified and experienced obstetricians and gynecologists who will help you choose the right family planning method that is best suited for you.

 

While family planning is widely recognized as an important public health intervention, effective family planning programs require a comprehensive approach that addresses the various social, cultural, and economic factors that influence individuals’ and couples’ decisions about reproduction. Such programs are designed with sensitivity to local cultural and religious practices and prioritize the needs and preferences of the individuals and communities they serve.

There are several types of family planning methods that individuals and couples can choose from, depending on their personal preferences, health, and lifestyle

The following are some common types of family planning methods:

Barrier methods: These include condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, which prevent sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing an egg.

Hormonal methods: These include oral contraceptive pills, patches, injections, vaginal rings, and implants, which use hormones to prevent ovulation and/or make it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs): These are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs: copper IUDs, which prevent fertilization, and hormonal IUDs, which prevent ovulation.

Sterilization: This is a permanent method of family planning that involves surgical procedures, such as tubal ligation for women or vasectomy for men, to prevent the release of eggs or sperm.

Fertility awareness-based methods: These involve tracking ovulation and avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period of the menstrual cycle, or using other methods such as withdrawal or cervical mucus monitoring.

Emergency contraception: These methods are used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent pregnancy. The most common method is the morning-after pill, which is a high dose of hormones that prevent ovulation or fertilization.

It is important to note that not all family planning methods are equally effective or suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is important to discuss options with a healthcare provider and choose the method that best meets individual needs and preferences.

The right age for family planning varies from person to person and depends on a variety of factors, including personal circumstances, health, and financial stability. In general, family planning is recommended for individuals and couples who are sexually active and want to avoid unintended pregnancies or space their children.

Talk to doctors at Sakthi Hospital Triplicane who can support and take care of your family planning requirements