Why family planning matters
- Health & Safety
Family planning helps individuals and couples choose if they want children, how many and when.
Spacing pregnancies reduces risks for both mothers and babies (e.g., low‐birth‐weight, premature births).
It also reduces unintended pregnancies—which can lead to unsafe abortions or adverse outcomes.
- Rights, Equality & Empowerment
Access to safe voluntary family planning is a human right.
When people (especially women and girls) can decide their reproductive lives, they often have greater control
- Development & Well-being
It contributes to stronger communities and nations i.e. fewer unintended pregnancies mean lower maternal and neonatal deaths & less strain on health systems
Key Contraceptive Options
Below are common methods, grouped by how they work and key things to know.
If you or someone else is considering a method, always consult a trained health‐provider for suitability and side‐effects:
- Barrier Methods
These prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Common examples include male condoms and female condoms.
Condoms are the only method that protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. They must be used correctly every time during sex to be effective.
- Short-Acting Hormonal Methods
These methods use hormones to prevent ovulation (the release of eggs). They include:
- Birth control pills – taken daily at the same time.
- Injectables – given every one to three months.
- Patches or vaginal rings – available in some areas.
Some users may experience mild side effects such as menstrual changes, but these often improve with time.
- Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
These methods work for several years without requiring daily or monthly attention. They include:
- Implants, which are small rods placed under the skin of the upper arm, effective for 3–5 years.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs), placed in the uterus by a health provider, effective for 5–10 years or more depending on the type.
LARC methods are among the most reliable since they do not depend on daily user action. However, insertion and removal should be done by a trained health worker.
- Permanent Methods
These are for people or couples who are sure they do not want any (more) children.
Female sterilization (tubal ligation) involves blocking the fallopian tubes.
Male sterilization (vasectomy) involves cutting or sealing the tubes that carry sperm.
Both procedures are safe and effective but are not easily reversible, so they require careful decision-making.
- Fertility Awareness and Natural Methods
These rely on understanding a woman’s natural fertility cycle. Examples include tracking fertile days using calendars, body temperature, or cervical mucus changes, as well as the withdrawal method.
They are less reliable than hormonal or long-acting methods because they depend heavily on accurate tracking and consistent use.
- Emergency Contraception
This method is used after unprotected sex to reduce the chance of pregnancy. It includes:
Emergency contraceptive pills, taken within a few days after sex.
Copper IUD, which can be inserted within five days and also provides long-term protection.
N/B: Emergency contraception should be used only as a backup, not as a regular choice.
To stay informed about instructions on use, side effects, choices or myths and misconceptions always contact a trained health provider, or verified platforms and events. (For more information and interaction on the topic contact us)
