Planning a family, having the first child when ready and at an appropriate age, is a method to prevent pregnancy during periods when children are not desired. This is to suit economic, social, and health conditions by using various contraceptive methods appropriate for the body.
4 Benefits of Family Planning (Contraception)
- Being able to have children at the desired time
- Limiting the number of children with appropriate spacing to avoid burdening the family in raising them and to provide close care
- Limiting the number of children to suit the upbringing capacity of each family
- Reducing risk factors from pregnancy in cases where the mother has chronic diseases or contraindications for pregnancy
Contraception is divided into 2 main types
- Permanent contraception is contraception when there is no desire to have children permanently, such as male and female sterilization
- Temporary or Reversible contraception is a method used to prevent pregnancy when not ready to have children or to space out childbirth. When stopped, it is still possible to have children again. This type of contraception includes several methods such as:
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- Using condoms According to data, if condoms are used correctly, they can effectively prevent pregnancy. Statistics show a pregnancy rate of only 2-15% after use. Additionally, this method also prevents sexually transmitted infections.
- Safe period method This method involves having sexual intercourse only during periods with the lowest chance of pregnancy, approximately 7 days after the first day of menstruation and 7 days before the next menstrual cycle. This method has a high chance of pregnancy in those with irregular menstrual cycles.
- Using contraceptive pills Contraceptive pills contain two groups of hormones in each pill and may cause side effects in some users, especially during the first 1-3 months of use. Symptoms may include headache, rash, acne, melasma, weight gain, nausea, and spotting. The hormone dosage and type vary among brands, so side effects may differ slightly.
- Contraceptive injections Hormone injections are given every 1-3 months depending on the type of medication. This method may have side effects similar to contraceptive pills.
- Contraceptive implants Small hormone-containing rods, 1-6 pieces depending on the type, are implanted under the skin. They last 3-5 years and have side effects similar to injections and pills. This method affects patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, chronic headaches, blood clots, etc. Consultation with a doctor is recommended to choose the appropriate contraception method.
