Types of Family Planning

there are two types of family planning, the natural way of family planning and the artificial way of family planning. 

The natural family planning is partly a method and partly a spiritual path.In one sense, it is simply fertility awareness, But it has a spiritual side as well, rooted in the sense that God created human sexuality to work in a certain way, and that it is wrong for human beings to interfere or circumvent the process. we have 

different types of Natural family planning:

Ovulation Method

·         The ovulation method is sometimes called the cervical mucus method. It is based on the amount and consistency of mucus produced by the cervix during the month. Immediately after menstruation, the cervix produces very little mucus, but as the month progresses, mucus production raises. As ovulation approaches, your mucus becomes thin, clear, stretchy and sticky. This type of mucus makes it easier for sperm to swim to the uterus. Women trying to avoid pregnancy should not have sex when this type of mucus appears, while those wishing to conceive are encouraged to engage in intercourse at this time.

Basal Temperature Method

·         Body temperature is low during the first part of a woman's monthly cycle and becomes slightly elevated when the egg is about to drop. This happens about 24 to 72 hours after ovulation, and your temperature remains raised until the next menstrual cycle. Women who choose to follow the basal-body temperature method need a basal thermometer to take their temperature. When following this method, you must take your temperature every morning, the same time each day and take it the same way, either by mouth or rectum. Keep track of your daily temperature, and be aware that your temperature may be affected by lack of sleep, smoking and stress.

Rhythm Method

·         The rhythm method, also known as the calendar method, requires a woman to keep track of her menstrual cycle for 6 to 12 months. After those 6 to 12 months you can determine your shortest and longest menstrual cycles. According to the University of California, you must subtract 18 days from your shortest menstrual cycle to determine the first fertile day of your average menstrual cycle. Subtract 11 days from your longest cycle to find the last fertile day of your longest cycle. The answer to the shortest cycle is the first day of your fertile time and the answer to the longest cycle is the last day you are fertile that month. If you use this method to avoid pregnancy, abstain from sex during the time between the first fertile day and the last. This method has a 9 percent rate of failure when used correctly.

The Artificial way of family planning:

Hormonal Contraception

• Hormonal contraception takes the form of pills, injections, patches and implants that regulate the female menstrual cycle. They manipulate the levels of the hormones estrogen and progestogen in a woman, inhibiting the rising estrogen levels that ultimately lead to ovulation. If correctly administered, hormonal contraceptives have a 99 percent success rate, according to the Baby Centre.

They do not suit everyone. Breastfeeding women, women older than 35, those with heart or circulatory problems, breast cancer sufferers or the severally overweight should avoid hormonal contraceptives combining estrogen and progestogen. A alternative might be a progestogen-only pill, which should be avoided, however, by sufferers of ovarian cysts, fibroids or anyone who has had an ectopic pregnancy or abnormal cervical smear.

External Barrier Methods

• External barrier methods physically prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. The male condom is the most well known method. Less so is the female condom. This is fitted outside the labia, the folds of skin surrounding the opening of the vagina. External barrier methods are effective if correctly used, with the male condom 98 percent effective. Polyisoprene or polyurethane versions exist for those with latex allergies. They can, however, interfere with the spontaneity of lovemaking.

Internal Devices

• Internal contraceptive devices are fitted inside the female body. Diaphragms or caps are pliable domes of rubber or silicone inserted into the vagina each time a woman makes love. Used in conjunction with a spermicidal gel, they block and kill sperm before they reach the womb. Women prone to urinary infections should avoid them. They also interrupt lovemaking. Intrauterine device or coils are copper devices fitted inside the womb itself. They can remain in place for three to 10 years, making them convenient and long-lasting. They are unsuitable for those with copper allergies or other uterine abnormalities.

Sterilization

• A surgical method is designed to prevent future pregnancies by blocking or closing the fallopian tubes or the sperm duct from the testicles to the penis. In women, it is known as tubal ligation or tubal occlusion; in men, it's a vasectomy. Male sterilization is more effective than female, with only one in every 2,000 men impregnating woman after surgery compared with one woman in 400 falling pregnant in the 10 years after sterilization.As we go along we will discuss more on what are the devices used and how they can help. Natural way or Artificial way.