Family planning is considered any method of encouraging or discouraging pregnancy through natural or artificial means. While some people choose to just let nature take its course with regard to pregnancy, some couples choose to use family planning methods to have children when they are financially stable or when their marriage meets certain other milestones. There are four main types of family planning options, each of which has its own benefits.
Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning is accepted by all religions. It can be used to avoid or encourage pregnancy. If the couple doesn't want to conceive, intercourse is avoided during ovulation. If the couple wants to conceive, intercourse is discouraged for a short period prior to ovulation and encouraged during ovulation. Because natural family planning doesn't use any artificial methods, there aren't any side effects associated with it. Additionally, if a couple decides to try to conceive, there isn't any waiting to have birth control devices removed or medications to get out of the system.
Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control is usually reversible, which means a woman can use these medications to prevent pregnancy and then stop using them when she is ready to conceive. When the medication is stopped, waiting a period of one month to one year after the last dose, depending on the specific medication, before trying to conceive is recommended so the medications have time to leave the body. Reduced menstrual cramping, shorter periods and decreased risks of ectopic pregnancies and certain cancers, including ovarian cancer, are some medical benefits of hormonal birth control.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods, such as condoms, diaphragms, film and sponges can be used only when you will have intercourse and don't want to become pregnant. This form of family planning can be used in conjunction with other methods. Generally, barrier methods are inexpensive and most can be purchased without a prescription, which makes them easily attainable for most people. Additionally, condoms can help to prevent the spread of STDs.
Long Term Methods
Long term methods, such as IUDs, can be used by couples who don't want children anytime in the immediate future. The benefit of these long term contraceptives is that they are highly effective against preventing pregnancy. Additionally, they are completely reversible. Another form of long term family planning is sterilization. This is a permanent method of preventing pregnancy. While it is the most expensive of the family planning methods, it is also the most effective.
