Overpopulation is just one of a country’s many potential problems that if left unchecked will eventually lead to complications such as a higher demand for food, water, housing, healthcare transportation, and many more. This is where family planning comes into the picture.
Back when the Chinese government deemed the population to be increasing at a rapid pace, they implemented the “one-child policy” in 1980 to curb this growth. This method is an example of how family planning can be beneficial. But there are more layers to it than just simply limiting how many children a household is allowed to have. In fact, there are a lot of advantages and benefits to family planning that couples can benefit from.
Going back to the basics however, family planning is defined as taking into consideration how many children a couple plans on having, and when or at what age they plan on having them. This usually is limited to female-male couples who want to limit the size of their family or control their pregnancy timing which includes proper birth spacing. It also means that couples who are family planning seek the use of safe and effective modern contraceptives. This is the reason why the term family planning has become a euphemism for access to contraception and its usage.
Methods of Family Planning
There are many methods to start family planning, these methods in other words, refer to the use of contraceptives. Some of which will be listed here and briefly explained.
Natural Family Planning.
Also referred to as “fertility awareness,” this is a method of contraception in which the woman monitors her fertility signs during her menstrual cycle and records them to be able to find out when she is likely to get pregnant. For women who want to try this out, they will have to keep a daily record of their fertility signals such as their temperature and the fluids that come out from their cervix. Learning this method can take up to 3 to 6 menstrual monthly cycles.
If done consistently and correctly, the National Health Service of UK, states that it can be up to 99% effective. Naturally, it becomes less effective if it is not carried out well. On the other hand, in terms of physical side effects, there is not any at all as opposed to drinking pills such as Progestogen-only pill.
Male Condoms
The most common type of contraceptive that is easily accessible to many. Furthermore, condoms are the only type of contraception that prevents a pregnancy as well as protect against STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
While its possible for this condom to slip off during sex, when used correctly however, they are 98% effective according to NHS.
Combined Pill
Often called as just “the pill,” this combined oral contraceptive pill prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. When taken correctly, the pill can be over 99% effective says NHS.
The standard method of taking the pill is to take one every day for 21 days and then have a break for 7 days. During this break, women will experience a bleed like period. After 7 days, intake of the pill can start once again.
It is important to note that taking the pill at the same time every day is necessary as pregnancy is likely to happen if not. Moreover, if you miss taking a pill, it can lead to vomiting or severe diarrhea.
Vasectomy
Also known as a male sterilization, getting a vasectomy is permanent. What this does is it essentially stops the sperm from getting into a man’s semen. This is possible by blocking or sealing the tubes that carry sperm from a man’s testicles to the penis. Thus, when a man ejaculates, the semen has no sperm in it and the woman’s egg is not fertilized.
Due to this being a permanent procedure, it might not be the right plan for everyone. However, for those who are certain that they do not want to have kids or do not want to have any more, then it is a method worth considering.
Benefits of Family Planning
As mentioned earlier, family planning has its advantages, not only towards the whole of society but to the individuals as well who plan on it.
For Mothers
With proper birth spacing, mothers will be able to recover and regain her strength after giving birth. After all, carrying a child within her womb for 9 to 10 months puts a strain on her own health.
With the downtime from pregnancy, mothers will be able to provide more attention, love, and support towards her children and husband.
Allows her to spend more time with her family. At the same time, she has the opportunity to put her attention on other things such as an advancement in her career or personal interests.
If they are suffering from illnesses caused by pregnancy or other factors, this time will allow her to get enough proper treatment and time to recover.
Fathers
It helps lighten the burden and responsibility a father has when it comes to supporting his family.
At the same time, this enables him to provide for his family’s daily needs more efficiently.
Much like the mother, he has the opportunity to give time towards personal endeavors that can be further advanced or getting a promotion in his career.
Children
It is more likely for a child to come out healthy when his mother is also healthy and in good shape.
With proper birth spacing, a child will be able to get sufficient attention, love, care, from both his/her parents thus allowing them to feel secure.
Family planning seems daunting at first, what with all the methods available. But it is a good thing that with modern technology and research, it has now become easier to control and limit just how big a family can be, and these choices can be chosen by you. Once you get to know the basics of it and learn more about family planning, it might just be the missing piece in the puzzle that will finally allow you to approach the matter a bit more methodically.
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