Methods Of Family Planning

There are several methods of family planning available to couples not ready to start a family. The methods differ greatly. It is good to completely understand all the available options when making a choice on birth control. The more you know about each method the easier it is the make a choice about what is right for you.

1. Methods of natural family planning do not use medication or devices to prevent pregnancy. Woman mark take hints from the body’s natural fertility signs and follow their menstrual cycles to know when they are most likely fertile. During those times Intimacy is avoided to prevent pregnancy. This method is not always accurate, but it does offers a hormone and chemical free alternative.
2. Barrier methods use things such as condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps to prevent the egg and sperm from meeting. Condoms are now available for men and women. All barrier methods of family planning are made more effective with the use of spermicides. Spermicides are liquids, foams, or films that contain a chemical to kill sperm. The barrier method works well as prevent pregnancy, but can cause sex to loose some spontaneity.
3. Woman may try birth control as a method of family planning. Birth control pills are taken once daily to prevent pregnancy. The same medication in the pill is also available as a patch worn on the woman’s skin or a ring inserted into the vagina. Both are worn for three week and then removed for one week during menstruation.
4. Birth control is available in the form of an injection. Depo-Provera is a shot given to women every three months to prevent pregnancy. This method of family planning is highly effective.
5. Some women may have their doctors insert an internal uterine device (IUD) into her uterus.  An IUD is a T shaped device made of either plastic or copper and may stay in utero up to ten years, however if family plans change the IUD can be removed at any time by a doctor.
6. Sterilization is another method of family planning. Men and women can decide on surgical sterilization as a permanent method of family planning. Men receive an outpatient procedure called, vasectomy, where the tubes that carry sperm out the urethra are clipped. Women also get tubes clipped in a tubal ligation to stop ovaries from entering the uterus. This is an operation that does require hospitalization and recovery time.