Family planning is one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. The availability of family planning services allows individuals to achieve desired birth spacing and family size, and contributes to improved health outcomes for infants, children, women, and families.

It is the conscious effort by a couple to limit or space the number of children they have through the use of Contraceptive methods.

Reproductive health includes having a satisfying and safe sex life, as well as the freedom to choose when and how often to reproduce. This implies that women (and men) should have access to family planning education and contraception.

once your body reaches reproductive age, it is never too early to start taking care of your reproductive health. Here are some things to remember for females that begins in adolescence (10 to 19 years of age):

Too many pregnancies are not advised.  The ideal childbearing years, according to experts, are from 20-35 years of age.  During these years, however, it is important to limit the number of children and allow the woman to space her pregnancies.

Experts say that women who have more than four pregnancies are more likely to develop complications and diseases.  These include heart disease, pregnancy-related diabetes, weight gain/obesity, infections, and nutritional deficiencies especially a lack of iron and folate.  There is also a risk of developing depression.

Adolescent pregnancies are risky.   Pregnancy during adolescence increases the risk of serious illness and death for these young mothers.  Adolescent mothers risk anemia and premature labor.  They are also at risk for unsafe abortions, substance abuse, mental illness, and suicide.  Adolescent mothers should know these risks and hopefully, with parental support, get the healthcare they need, especially pre-natal care.

Contraception has reproductive health benefits.  Using contraception prevents the health risks mentioned above. It prevents these health risks in women and young mothers, and allows them to space pregnancies.  Spacing pregnancies allows women’s bodies to recover and regain good health.

By limiting the number of pregnancies, contraception also gives women the freedom to pursue other activities that promote their well-being.

Family planning means education and healthcare.  Education on family planning and reproductive health are important for adolescents and adults (whether men or women).  This is best provided by experts in women’s and maternal health.  

These are the Modern Family Planning Methods:

·       Female Sterilization

·       Male Sterilization

·       Intrauterine Device (IUD)

·       Lactational Amenorrhea Method

·       Injectables

·       Male Condom

·       Standard Day Method

·       Pills

There are several types of contraceptives:

Hormonal contraceptives are the more commonly used form of contraceptives in the Philippines. The purpose is to alter a woman’s hormone levels to prevent ovulation. These are commonly in the form of pills which are taken on a regular basis.

Injectable contraceptive drugs are progesterone-loaded shots injected into the muscular tissue to allow for a longer diffusion time. The goal of injectable contraceptive drugs is the same as hormonal contraceptives, except that one injection is given every three months.

Intrauterine System (IUS) is a small device placed inside a woman’s uterus which slowly releases progestin, preventing ovulation (the production of eggs).

Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD). The copper coiled around the stem of the IUD can damage or kill the sperm (copper is toxic to sperm). At the same time, it causes the uterus and fallopian tubes to produce a fluid that also kills sperm.

Barrier Methods include different devices that block the sperm from entering the uterus. Unlike other contraceptives, barrier method contraceptives such as male and female condoms, cervical cap, and spermicidal foam are only used during intercourse.

Sterilization is the permanent method of preventing pregnancy. Vasectomy is for males and entails tying, cutting, or sealing the vas deferens inside the testes. The vas deferens are the tubes that allow sperm to travel from the testes through the penile opening and into the woman. Vasectomy prevents sperm from leaving the testes.

Consult your obstetrician-gynecologist and visit GoodSam Medical Center for all concerns you may have about reproductive health and pregnancy.