oouBirth control and contraception are used interchangeably to refer to any act, device, drug, chemical or procedure done with the intention of preventing pregnancy in a woman. It is an integral part of family planning. It gives couples and individuals more choice in planning better for when they want to have children, how many children to have, and when to stop having children. This helps to reduce unwanted pregnancies, reduce pregnancy-related risk and increase chances of healthier and better catered for children. Read on to discover the options available to you so you can better take charge of your reproductive health.
TYPES OF FAMILY PLANNING METHODS
There are several contraceptive methods available. They can broadly be categorized into the following.
Natural methods
Natural methods involve using “natural” non-mechanical or non-chemical means to prevent pregnancy. One aspect of this is referred to as fertility awareness methods. Here, a woman studies her body to understand when hormonal changes most likely occur to increase her chances of conception. It includes the temperature method, cervical mucus methods, calendar method, ovulation testing. Other natural methods include withdrawal methods and lactation infertility.
Barrier methods
Barrier methods of contraception prevent conception by blocking sperm and preventing it from reaching an egg. Thereby forming a physical barrier to the sperm reaching an egg. They include male and female condoms, diaphragms, cerical caps and contraceptive sponges. Spermcides are also used alone or in combination with one of these methods. Barrier methos like condoms also protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Hormonal methods
Hormonal contraceptives use synthesized estrogen and/or progesterone which deliver regulated amounts of the designated hormone into a woman’s body regularly. They are available in the form of pills (oral contraceptive pills or OCP), injections, implants, intrauterine devices (IUD), skin patches or vaginal rings. They act mainly by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs, or keeping cervical mucus very thick so that sperm cannot reach the eggs. Hormonal contraceptives
Long-acting reversible methods
You can also choose a LARC method. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) prevent a woman from getting pregnant over a couple of months or years. It includes the contraceptive implant (which can last up to 3 years) and intrauterine device (which can last over 5 years).
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception methods, unlike other methods of contraception, are used after sex has taken place, and there’s a high possibility conception may occur. This may be due to incorrect or non-use of contraceptive or possible contraceptive failure. Emergency contraceptive options easily available in Ghana are emergency contraception pills (ECP) like Postinor and Lydia. The copper IUD is also an approved emergency contraceptive method. Following use of ECPs, there should be a shift to the use of regular contraception.
Permanent contraception
You can use permanent contraception once you have decided to no longer have children. It is an irreversible procedure. There are 2 types: female sterilization and vasectomy.
Basically, these are the different types of family planning methods you can choose from.
