The adoption of modern family planning options is of great importance in the life of everyone. For many good reasons, it is unwise to start raising a family when you are not ready for it physically, psychologically, socially, financially, etc. It is also unwise to believe that starting a family does not require careful thought as to when, where, how, what. The more you know about birth control and contraceptive options the better for you health-wise.

Many people Africa and indeed the rest of the world have common myths and misconceptions about family planning.

One myth is that it is the woman's responsibility alone to undertake family planning. This is not totally true. It is the woman's responsibility AS WELL AS the man's responsibility! Ideally the decision as to the method of contraception should be a shared responsibility.

In deciding about your choice of family planning options, it is important to consider methods that not only prevent unwanted pregnancy but are also effective against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

There are lots of places to find out about birth control options. These include from your health centre, hospital, doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Other sources include the offices of Planned Parenthood in your area. It is unwise to rely solely on advice from your friends, or from what you hear on radio and television. These sources though readily accessible, may not be reliable. Always seek family planning advice from a health care professional.

Below are some useful information about different Family Planning methods that you may consider. Remember all the options are not suitable for everyone. Use the option that you are comfortable with and gives you minimal problems. Seek advice from your doctor or family planning clinic nurse before choosing a birth control option.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

IUD stands for intrauterine device. This type of birth control involves the placement of a small object (or "device") into the uterus by a doctor which prevents pregnancy. It isn't really understood how the IUD prevents pregnancy, but it is thought that it triggers a reaction that kills the sperm and also prevents any fertilized eggs from growing.
The IUD may be obtained upon a doctor or nurse's prescription after a physical examination. It is placed into the uterus (womb) in a clinic or doctor's office. Having an IUD placed does not usually require a visit to the hospital.
Make it a habit to see your doctor or nurse at least once a year as long as you have an IUD in place. The IUD also can always be removed whenever you want especially if it is causing you any problems or whenever you are ready to start making babies.
If placed properly, most women and their partners can't tell that the IUD is there at all. The IUD is usually not recommended for women who have never had any children because it is more difficult to insert in these women.
The IUD is very effective in preventing pregnancy (98.4%). It does not, however, provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Many women have no problems with the IUD. Others have more bleeding and cramps around the time of their periods.

Advantages of an IUD Highly effective Inexpensive Usually not felt or noticed Needs replacing only every 2-3 years Convenient Doesn't disturb intercourse Possible Disadvantages of the IUD Increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease May increase menstrual bleeding and cramps Rare chance of uterine perforation during insertion Possibly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy No protection for sexually transmitted diseases Not recommended for women who haven't had children

The Pill

The birth control pill is a daily form of contraception for women that is obtained by a prescription from a doctor or a family planning clinic nurse. The pill contains hormones which control the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries. The pill also alters the lining of the uterus and the mucus of the cervix making the sperm have a harder time reaching the egg. If the sperm can't re ach the egg, then you can't get pregnant.
Used correctly, the pill is 97-99% effective in preventing pregnancy. If you miss two or more days of taking the pill in a month, it is no longer effective and another form of birth control should be used for the remainder of that cycle.
The pill is not effective in birth control if you take it only after intercourse. If you are considering or using this method of birth control, make sure you read the information given to you about how to take it properly. Always ask your doctor or your family planning clinic nurse to explain it to you if you have any questions.

Advantages of The Pill Highly effective Convenient to use Doesn't interrupt sex May improve acne Might make your periods shorter with less cramping Possible Disadvantages of the Pill Irregular bleeding for the first few months Increased appetite Depression or moodiness Headaches/Dizziness Weight change Small or missed periods Breast tenderness No protection against STDs In addition, the use of the pill can sometimes aggravate or cause medical problems especially if you also smoke. If you are on the pill and experience abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headaches, speech problems, loss of vision, or severe leg pain and cramps - please call your doctor.

Condom

The condom is a thin sheet of latex that snugly fits over the penis during sex. The condom keeps the semen (containing the sperm) from entering the vagina. Latex condoms are the most common type of condom sold in Africa and are the only types of condoms that prevent transmission of HIV, the virus believed to cause AIDS. Condoms are an important part of practicing safer sex.

The effectiveness of the condom depends entirely on if the condom is used correctly and the type of condom used. They are most effective before the due date, when stored in a cool dry place and when not used with oil based lubricants. They are somewhere between 77-95% effective in preventing pregnancy. It is important to know how to put a condom on properly.

Advantages of the condom Readily available over the counter at many stores Inexpensive Causes no serious health threats Gives the male an active role in the prevention of pregnancy and STD transmission Increase protection from AIDs and other STDs Possible Disadvantages of the Condom May interrupt sex as the condom must be put on the erect penis Ineffective if used incorrectly or if the condom breaks Some people experience allergic reactions to spermicides, lubricants or the latex of the condom Must be withdrawn immediately after ejaculation to prevent the condom from slipping off May reduce sensitivity or pleasure May taste bad if used for oral sex (** flavored condoms are not spermicidally lubricated)

How to Put on a Condom

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a flexible, cup-shaped device that is made of rubber. The diaphragm is inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix before intercourse. It is often used with jellies or creams to increase birth control effectiveness.

The diaphragm acts like a barrier to the sperm to prevent them from entering the uterus. Obviously the diaphragm must be placed correctly over the cervix. Proper placement requires practice and also requires a diaphragm that fits properly. Diaphragms have to be prescribed and fit by a doctor. You can't borrow a friend's diaphragm. Also, pregnancy might change the size of your cervix, so you will need a new diaphragm if you have had a baby,

When used correctly the diaphragm is about 97% effective (about 3 women out of 100 get pregnant with a diaphragm every year). The effectiveness will decrease significantly if the diaphragm is not fitted or placed properly.

Advantages of a diaphragm: Can be inserted up to three hours before intercourse Reduces the risks of STD, but not for HIV No side effects or serous health risks Reusable and relatively inexpensive Small and easy to carry Possible Disadvantages of the diaphragm: Requires a prescription from a doctor Requires practise to place Some women don't like to insert or remove the diaphragm May be messy due to creams or foam May provoke urinary tract infections Requires a supply of spermicidal jelly Doesn't protect against all STDs

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Foams, Jelly, Creams

There are some chemical methods of birth control that involve using foam, jellies or creams in the vagina to destroy sperm. These methods are sometimes used in combination with condoms to increase the effectiveness of the birth control because foams, jellies and creams are not as effective as other methods in preventing pregnancy or the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases when used alone. It is important to read the directions for using these methods and to insert the foams (jellies and creams) before intercourse. They are usually only effective for about one hour.

Advantages of foams, jellies and creams Usually no side effects You can buy them over the counter Easy to insert Additional protection with a condom Possible Disadvantages of foams, jellies and creams There is a discharge after intercourse Some people might react to the chemicals Not as effective as other methods Very little protection from sexually transmitted diseases

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Rhythm

The rhythm method of birth control is a plan of avoiding sexual contact during the time of the month when the woman can become pregnant. The main problem with this method is knowing when that time of the month is!

Usually the woman's cycle is 28 days. Day 1 is the first day of her period. Day 29 is the first day of her next period. Between day 1 and 28 there is an egg released from the woman's ovaries (ovulation) which enters the uterus through the fallopian tubes.

If there happens to be sperm around during the time the egg is passing through the fallopian tubes into the uterus, the sperm and egg may get together and make a baby. For many women, the egg is released approximately on day 14. Since both sperm and eggs can hang around for a while, this means that you should avoid sexual contact (especially unprotected sexual intercourse) from about day 9-10 until day18-20 (or so). And that is only if the woman is regular in her ovulation BUT many women aren't regular.

In order to practise the rhythm method successfully, women must become very familiar with their cycle and signs of ovulation (mucus discharge, a slight increase in temperature etc). Also women and their partners have to be very diligent in not having sexual contact during those times of the cycle. If you are interested in this method of birth control please speak with your doctor or family planning clinic nurse to get more information on how to use the rhythm method effectively.

Advantages of the rhythm method

• Inexpensive
  
• No side effects
  
• No drugs, very natural
  
• Involves both partners in order to work

Possible Disadvantages of the rhythm method

• Not very effective if the women is irregular
  
• Involves will power on the part of the woman and her partner
  
• Sometimes sex is not available for almost half a month
  
• Involves careful planning to be sure of ovulation timing
  

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Myths and Misconceptions about Birth Control

The common birth control or contraceptive options are sometimes surrounded by myths about how to use them or how well they work. If you are presently using or considering using one of the following as a form of birth control, check and see if you have an y misconceptions.

Oral Contraceptives
Vaginal Spermicides
Condoms
Withdrawal
Diaphragm
Sterilization
Intrauterine Device
Periodic Abstinence
Douching
Position during Sex
Orgasms
Breastfeeding
Abortion