Cut fabrics made a comeback in fun new prints and much-loved designs from our archive as the IKEA Museum and the Tyg home fabric collection celebrate IKEA's rich textile history.
A healthcare professional can help you navigate your options based on your individual health profile. This step is crucial for assessing your eligibility for different methods and understanding potential side effects.
Familiarize yourself with the various types of family planning methods. Contraceptives are categorized by their mechanism and duration of action.
These methods offer effective, long-term pregnancy prevention and can be removed if you decide to have children in the future.
Implants: A thin rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It releases progestin and can be effective for up to five years.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Small, T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus. The two main types are hormonal IUDs, which release progestin, and copper IUDs. They can be effective for 3 to 12 years, depending on the type.
These options require more consistent user action than LARCs but are highly effective when used correctly.
Pills: Taken daily, these pills can contain a combination of estrogen and progestin or just progestin.
Injections: Progestin injections are administered by a provider every 2 or 3 months.
Patch and ring: The contraceptive patch is applied to the skin, and the vaginal ring is inserted into the vagina. Both release hormones and are replaced on a monthly cycle.
These methods physically block sperm from reaching the egg. Only condoms also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Male and female condoms: These are effective at preventing both pregnancy and STIs when used correctly and consistently.
Diaphragms, sponges, and cervical caps: These are placed in the vagina before intercourse and are used with spermicide.
For individuals or couples who are certain they do not want to have more children.
Vasectomy: A minor surgical procedure for men.
Female sterilization: A surgical procedure that blocks the fallopian tubes.
These methods involve tracking a woman's menstrual cycle to identify fertile days and abstaining from intercourse during that time.
Effectiveness: These methods are generally less reliable than other options, as effectiveness depends heavily on consistent tracking and adherence.
Your choice should align with your lifestyle, relationship, and health priorities.
Effectiveness: Consider how crucial it is to avoid pregnancy. LARCs and permanent methods are the most effective, while natural methods are the least.
Safety and side effects: Discuss potential side effects and health risks with a doctor.
Reversibility: Decide if you want a method that is easily reversible. Hormonal methods are reversible, while sterilization is permanent.
STI protection: If you are at risk for STIs, use condoms or consider dual protection (condoms with another method).
Ease of use: Think about your daily routine. Can you remember to take a pill every day, or would a long-term method be more convenient?
Cost and availability: Research if a method is covered by insurance or available at local health clinics.
Open communication with your partner is vital for a successful family planning strategy.
Shared decision: Involving your partner in the counseling and decision-making process increases the likelihood that you will both be satisfied with and continue using the chosen method.
Support: Discussing family planning helps ensure that both partners are on the same page regarding future family goals and sharing responsibility.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
References
https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20best%20method,a%20condom%20each%20time?)
https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/IJHSI/article/download/1310/1254/2586#:~:text=Family%20planning%20has%20attracted%20attention%20of%20international,(%20World%20Health%20Organization%20(W.H.O.%20)%20(WHO).
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6802318/
https://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/2203896.pdf
https://www.afro.who.int/sites/default/files/sessions/working_documents/AFR.RC54.11%20Rev.1%20Reposition.Fam_.Plan_.Repr_.Health.13.1.04-5a.pdf#:~:text=2%20WHO%2C%20UNICEF%20and%20UNFPA%20(%20United,York%2C%20United%20Nations%20Population%20Division%2C%202001.%209.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-pick-the-right-birth-control-method#:~:text=Questions%20to%20ask%20yourself%20and,a%20healthcare%20visit%20to%20stop.
https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20best%20method,a%20condom%20each%20time?)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304183/
https://hisential.com/empowering-couples-the-role-of-premarital-checkups-in-ensuring-a-healthy-marriage-in-malaysia/#:~:text=Counseling%20and%20Education:%20Based%20on%20the%20results%2C,guidance%20on%20family%20planning%20and%20healthy%20living.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/family-planning-contraception#:~:text=Despite%20progress%2C%20many%20people%20still,sexually%20transmitted%20infections%2C%20including%20HIV.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536949/#:~:text=Etonogestrel%20contraceptive%20Implant,then%20tubal%20occlusion%20methods%20follow.
https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/natural-family-planning/#:~:text=tracking%20your%20menstrual%20cycle%20to,available%20who%20can%20support%20you.
Share to your friends!