Family Planning and Preventing Pregnancy

There are many options for family planning and preventing pregnancy. With a variety of methods of contraception, it is important to understand how each effect women’s health. Weighing the risks and benefits of each method helps families to choose the contraception method that is most effective for them.

The combined pill, or birth control pill, is an oral contraceptive that is taken daily to prevent pregnancy. When taken correctly, it can be 99.9% effective. Using estrogen and progestin hormones, birth control pills change a woman’s natural cycles, stopping the body from releasing the egg from the ovary. They can also change a woman’s cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to travel to the egg. Birth control pills also change the lining of the uterus, prohibiting a fertilized egg from implanting in the lining. Progesterone-only pills are also available. Called mini pills, they actually contain a synthetic form of progesterone and no estrogen. 

For those who don’t want to worry about taking daily pills, an intrauterine device, or IUD, may be more effective. IUDs may also be called a contraceptive coil. Inserted into the vagina, IUDs are available in 2 forms: Hormonal and copper. A hormonal IUD works very similar to birth control pills in that it releases levonorgestrel, a progesterone, and helps to change the woman’s cycle. The copper in a copper IUD affects the mobility of sperm and irritates the lining of the uterine wall, making implantation harder.

A condom or diaphragm can also be used prior to intercourse as an effective method of contraception. Male condoms are placed on the male’s penis to provide a barrier for sperm so it cannot find the egg. Female condoms include a 7-inch long pouch that inserts into the vagina. It includes 2 rings that cover the cervix and the outside of the vagina. Most condoms also contain a spermicide that kills active sperm before it can enter the vagina. A diaphragm can be inserted into the vaginal opening and then used to cover the cervix. It acts as a barrier to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus. The efficacy of condoms and diaphragms are dependent on the proper usage. It should also be noted that condoms are the best way to prevent transmitted infections.
This includes the transmission of the human papilloma virus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer.

Other hormonal contraception options include patches, rings, implants, and injections. A contraceptive patch is placed on the surface of the skin, releasing hormones to interrupt a woman’s cycle. Hormonal rings like NuvaRing are inserted into the vagina and slowly release hormones. Implants like Implanon are inserted under the skin of the upper arm in order to release the proper amount of hormones. Contraception injection is a progesterone-only hormone that is injected on a regular schedule to effect the woman’s cycle. 

Some couples use coitus interruptus as a method of birth control. This involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation. This method has a high failure rate and is a very ineffective way to prevent pregnancy.

Couples looking for more permanent contraception options may consider sterilization. This is a surgical procedure that prevents the reproductive system from completing its typical function. This is called a vasectomy in men and a tubal ligation in women. 

For emergency contraception, the morning-after pill can be taken the day following unprotected sex. If conception has already occurred, abortion may also be a consideration.

There are many advantages and disadvantages of these various types of contraception. Those considering contraception should base their decision the effectiveness and their own needs. With many options available, family planning and pregnancy prevention can be fitted to each family.