3. What is Family Planning?
Family planning is a crucial aspect of reproductive
health that enables individuals and families to make
informed decisions about their fertility and reproductive
options. It involves controlling the number of children and
timing of their births through contraception or other
methods, and making informed decisions about when to
have children, how many to have, and the spacing
between them.
5. Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives,
are a type of medication that contain hormones (estrogen
and/or progestin) that prevent pregnancy by stopping
ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovary. Birth
control pills also thicken the cervical mucus, which makes it
harder for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg.
6. There are two main types of birth
control pills: combination pills and
progestin-only pills.
7. Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin and
are the most commonly used type of birth control pill. There are
many different types of combination pills, which vary in the
amounts of estrogen and progestin they contain. Some
combination pills are designed to be taken continuously for
extended periods of time, while others are taken on a 21-day
cycle with a 7-day break for menstruation.
8. Progestin-only pills, also known as "mini-pills,"
contain only progestin and do not contain estrogen.
These pills are often recommended for women who
cannot take estrogen due to medical reasons or who
experience side effects from estrogen-containing pills.
Progestin-only pills must be taken at the same time
every day to be effective.
9. The effectiveness of birth control pills depends on
the type of pill and how consistently they are used.
Combination pills are over 99% effective when taken
correctly, while progestin-only pills are about 91%
effective. However, the effectiveness of birth control
pills can be decreased if they are not taken at the
same time every day or if a pill is missed.
10. It's important to note that birth control pills do not
protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Additionally, birth control pills may not be appropriate
for everyone, so it's important to talk to a healthcare
provider to determine if they are a safe and effective
option for individual needs.
12. Condoms are a form of barrier
contraception that work by
preventing sperm from reaching
and fertilizing an egg. They are
typically made of latex, but can also
be made of other materials such as
polyurethane. Additionally,
condoms are the only form of
contraception that also provide
protection against sexually
transmitted infections (STIs),
including HIV.
13. The effectiveness of condoms varies depending on the
type and how they are used. When used correctly and
consistently, male condoms are about 98% effective at
preventing pregnancy, while female condoms are about
95% effective. However, the effectiveness of condoms can
be reduced if they are not used correctly or if they break or
tear during use.
14. It's important to note that condoms must be used
correctly every time to be effective. This means using a new
condom for each sexual act, checking the expiration date,
and using it from start to finish of sexual activity.
Additionally, oil-based lubricants such as lotion or
petroleum jelly can damage latex condoms, so water-based
or silicone-based lubricants should be used instead.
15. Overall, condoms are an effective form of contraception
that also provide protection against STIs. It's important to
use condoms correctly and consistently to maximize their
effectiveness and reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy
and STIs.
17. Calendar methods, also known as fertility awareness-
based methods, involve tracking and monitoring a person's
menstrual cycle to identify when they are most likely to
ovulate and abstaining from sexual activity during that time
to prevent pregnancy. These methods rely on the fact that a
person is only fertile for a few days each menstrual cycle.
18. There are several different types of calendar methods,
including the Standard Days Method, Basal Body
Temperature Method, and Cervical Mucus Method. The
Standard Days Method involves tracking the menstrual
cycle to identify the "fertile window," which is typically days
8 through 19 of a 28-day cycle, and avoiding sexual activity
during that time. The Basal Body Temperature Method
involves tracking the body's basal temperature to determine
when ovulation occurs. The Cervical Mucus Method
involves tracking changes in cervical mucus to identify
when ovulation is likely to occur.
19. There are several different types of calendar methods,
including the Standard Days Method, Basal Body
Temperature Method, and Cervical Mucus Method. The
Standard Days Method involves tracking the menstrual
cycle to identify the "fertile window," which is typically days
8 through 19 of a 28-day cycle, and avoiding sexual activity
during that time. The Basal Body Temperature Method
involves tracking the body's basal temperature to determine
when ovulation occurs. The Cervical Mucus Method
involves tracking changes in cervical mucus to identify
when ovulation is likely to occur.
20. The effectiveness of calendar methods varies
depending on the specific method used and how carefully it
is followed. The Standard Days Method is about 95%
effective with perfect use and 88% effective with typical use.
The Basal Body Temperature Method and Cervical Mucus
Method are both about 76% effective with perfect use and
24% effective with typical use.
21. It's important to note that calendar methods require
careful tracking and monitoring of the menstrual cycle to be
effective. This may involve keeping track of menstrual
dates, taking daily basal temperature readings, or
monitoring changes in cervical mucus. These methods may
not be appropriate for everyone and require a high level of
commitment and consistency to be effective. Finally, it's
important to remember that calendar methods do not
protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Therefore, it's recommended to use condoms or other
barrier methods in addition to calendar methods to prevent
STIs.
22. Condoms, birth control pills, and calendar methods are
forms of contraception used to prevent pregnancy.
Condoms are a barrier method that also protect against
STIs, while pills use hormones to prevent ovulation, and
calendar methods track the menstrual cycle to identify the
fertile window. Their effectiveness can vary depending on
how consistently and correctly they are used. It is
recommended to talk to a healthcare provider to determine
which method is best for individual needs.
Conclusion
