Family planning

Family planning

Family planning in nagpur means the planning and decision-making process relative to having children, which includes
1. Deciding on the number and spacing of children
2. Contraceptive Methods
3. Fertility and reproductive health
4. Preconception planning and preparation for delivery
5. Quality decision on reproductive health

In general, family planning takes into account various considerations which are reported to be the following:

1. Age and health condition
2. Financial security and resource
3. Personal values and goals
4. Stability and status in the relationship
5. Accessibility of healthcare and family planning services
Planned family activities may be linked with substantial benefits as listed herein:

1. Maternal and child health
2. Education and employability
3. Non-poor and less financial burden
4. Relatively equitable gender equality
5. Better preparation for parenthood.

Some of the well-known family planning options include the following:

1. Contraceptive pills, patches, and rings
2. Intrauterine devices or IUDs
3. Condoms and diaphragms
4. Sterilization: vasectomy and tubal ligation
5. Natural family planning, FAM: fertility awareness methods

It should be noted that family planning is a matter of personal preference, which must be informed and agreed upon by individual and couple upon their specific conditions and goals. Healthcare providers and family planning services can provide such information, support, and resources about enabling them to make the best reproductive health decisions possible.

What Is a Family planning?

Family planning is the planning and decision-making process about the number of children a family intends to have, the spacing of the children, and when they wish them. It therefore encompasses many be factors such as:
Reproductive wants and needs
Age and health status
Income and other financial resources
Personal values and beliefs
Relationship status and stability
Availability of health care or family planning services
Aims of family planning
1. Safe pregnancies and safe deliveries
2. Prevention of unwanted pregnancies
3. Better spacing of children
4. Informed choices about reproductive health
5. Enhanced overall health and life quality

The different family planning methods are:
1. Contraceptives Examples: oral pills, condoms, intrauterine devices
2. Fertility awareness and natural family planning
3. Sterilization: vasectomy, tubal ligation
4. Adoption and foster care
5. Preparation for pregnancy and parenthood

Family planning is effective only if there is access to:
1. Educational and fact-based information
2. Safe and effective contraceptive services
3. Support from healthcare provider and sexual partner
4. Self-efficacy and personal responsibility
5. Respect is relegated to the individual reproductive choices and rights.

Importance of Family Planning

  • Health Benefits: Family planning helps prevent unintended pregnancies, reduces the risk of maternal and infant health issues, and allows for better timing of pregnancies for the health of the mother and child.

  • Economic Stability: By planning the number and timing of children, families can allocate resources more effectively, leading to improved economic stability and quality of life.

  • Empowerment: Family planning enables individuals, especially women, to make informed choices about their reproductive health, contributing to greater autonomy or empowerment.

  • Improved Education: Family planning can lead to increased educational opportunities for parents, particularly women, as they can pursue education and career goals without the interruption of unintended pregnancies.

  • Environmental Impact: Responsible family planning can contribute to sustainable population growth and reduce pressure on natural resources.

Family Planning Methods

Family planning methods can be categorized into two main types: contraceptive methods and fertility awareness methods.

1. Contraceptive Methods

These methods are used to prevent pregnancy and can be classified into several categories:

  • Hormonal Methods:
    • Birth Control Pills: Daily pills containing hormones (estrogen and/or progestin) to prevent ovulation.
    • Patches: Hormonal patches applied to the skin that release hormones.
    • Injectables: Hormonal injections that prevent ovulation for the specified period (e.g., Depo-Provera).
    • Implants: Small rods inserted under the skin that release hormones over several years (e.g., Nexplanon).
  • Barrier Methods:
    • Condoms: Thin sheaths worn on the penis and inserted into the vagina to the prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
    • Diaphragms and Cervical Caps: Barrier devices that cover the cervix to prevent sperm entry, used with spermicide.
  • Intrauterine Devices (IUDs):
    • Hormonal IUDs: Devices that release hormones to prevent pregnancy (e.g., Mirena).
    • Copper IUDs: Non-hormonal devices that create a hostile environment for sperm (e.g., ParaGard).
  • Permanent Methods:
    • Sterilization: Surgical procedures for permanent contraception, such as tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.

2. Fertility Awareness Methods

These methods involve tracking the menstrual cycle and identifying fertile days to avoid or achieve pregnancy:

    • Calendar Method: Keeping track of the menstrual cycle to predict fertile days.
    • Basal Body Temperature: Monitoring body temperature daily to detect ovulation.
    • Cervical Mucus Monitoring: Observing changes in cervical mucus to identify fertile periods.

Considerations in Family Planning

  • Personal Preferences: Family planning should align with individual or couple preferences regarding the timing and number of children.

  • Health Conditions: Certain health conditions or medications may affect the choice of family planning methods. Consulting with healthcare providers is essential.

  • Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Cultural and religious beliefs may influence attitudes toward contraception and family planning methods.

  • Access to Services: Access to family planning services and education varies by location and can affect individuals’ ability to choose and use contraceptive methods.

  • Communication: Open communication between partners about family planning choices, preferences, and concerns is vital for making informed decisions.

What procedures Family planning?

Family planning procedures include:

1. Insertion of the implantable contraceptive (e.g., Nexplanon)
2. IUD insertion (e.g., Mirena, ParaGard)
3. Contraceptive injection administration (e.g., Depo-Provera)
4. Prescription and management of oral contraceptives
5. Fitting and insertion of the diaphragm and cervical cap
6. Provisions and instruction in the use of condoms
7. Male sterilization (vasectomy)
8. Female sterilization (tubal ligation)
9. The Essure procedure (permanent birth control)
10. Hysteroscopic sterilization (e.g., Adiana)
11. Laparoscopic sterilization (e.g., tubal ligation)
12. Teaching the fertility awareness method, also known as natural family planning
13. Pregnancy testing and counseling
14. Surgical and medical abortions
15. Some methods of reversal of sterilization

These techniques aim to:

1. Avoid unwanted conception
2. Optimal spacing of children
3. Self-management of reproductive health
4. Enhanced decision-making in family planning
5. Promote individual reproductive choices and rights.

Note: Procedures can vary with patient needs, preferences of providers, and availability locally.

At our Neurosys Multispeciality  Center, we perform several key procedures including Craniotomy, which is primarily for the excision of brain tumors; V-P Shunt Surgery for treating hydrocephalus; surgeries for epilepsy; and operations targeting brain stem glioma. Beyond these, we offer a range of other neurosurgical services. If you have any questions that are not answere, please contact us through our Contact Us or Book your Appointment.