Family Planning - What Parents Should Know

Starting a family with your spouse can involve some major decisions related to family planning. While some families just start out in a natural way, some need planning. Family planning is generally perceived as different ways to prevent pregnancy, but there is a lot more to it than that. rnHere is what you need to know about family planning. It is about: • Deciding how many children you wantrn• Choosing when to have your childrn• Planning the time interval between childrenrn• Choosing birth control methods to prevent unwanted pregnanciesrnMaking informed decisions about family planning is important because the wrong choice can make your life more difficult.rnFamily planning is a joint decisionrnThis involves open communication with each other about your needs, feelings and dreams. If there are differences in opinion, they must be respected. A counselor at a Newark family planning clinic can guide you through the variety of birth control options available and the advantages and disadvantages of each method. rnFamily planning decisions vary from couple to couple, based on their specific needs and several influencing factors that include health conditions, personal finances, their jobs and the time they can devote to their family. rnChoice of Birth control options rnThere is a common misconception that family planning involves abstinence from sex and as a result, many couples avoid it. But the good news is there are plenty of options available to suit different lifestyles where family planning can be practiced while enjoying a satisfying sex life.rnThere are natural as well as artificial birth control methods. These are:rnNatural: • Safe period methodrn• Withdrawal method rnNeither of these guarantees protection.rnArtificial:rn1. Condoms are latex devices that prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Considered among the most reliable and economical methods. rn2. Intrauterine device or IUD is a long term method and is placed in the woman’s uterus and used to prevent pregnancies for three to five years. It does not protect against STDs.rn3. Oral contraception or birth control pills contain hormones. When used regularly, they prevent pregnancy. rn4. Permanent birth control such as vasectomy for men and tubal ligation for women, which is effective if the couple does not want any children.rn5. Cervical caps and vaginal spermicidesrn6. Contraceptive implants and rings for womenrnEach of these has their pros and cons. The effects of some of these can be irreversible. Therefore, it is important to understand them, talk to a medical expert and then decide. Using birth control methods can avoid the risk of a serious illness from pregnancy and unnecessary abortions. In Newark, family planning decisions are based on the birth control method’s effectiveness, the safety factor, the convenience of use, its availability and cost. Your doctor will assess your health and age to help you decide the ideal family planning method.