Family Planning Options: Take Control of Your Future

Family planning is about more than preventing pregnancy. It is about making informed decisions that support your health, your family, and your future.

7/30/20262 min read

Family Planning: Making Informed Choices for Your Future

Family planning gives individuals and couples the opportunity to make informed decisions about if and when they want to have children.

Choosing a contraceptive method is a personal decision. The best option can depend on factors such as your health, lifestyle, plans for having children, and personal preferences.

Speaking with a healthcare professional can help you understand the benefits, possible side effects, effectiveness, and suitability of each method.

Contraception Choices

There are several types of contraception available.

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are taken regularly, usually every day, to prevent pregnancy.

They may not be suitable for everyone, so speak with a healthcare professional about whether they are appropriate for you.

Condoms

Condoms are a barrier method that can help prevent pregnancy.

Importantly, condoms are also the only contraceptive method on this list that can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections when used correctly and consistently.

IUD or IUCD

An intrauterine device is a small device inserted into the uterus by a trained healthcare professional.

Depending on the type, an IUD can provide long-lasting contraception for several years and can be removed when pregnancy is desired.

Implants

A contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm by a trained healthcare professional.

It releases a hormone to help prevent pregnancy and provides long-acting contraception.

Injectable Contraception

Contraceptive injections are administered at regular intervals, commonly every 12 weeks depending on the specific product and medical advice.

They can be an option for people who prefer not to take a contraceptive pill every day.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception can help reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

It is intended as a backup option rather than a regular method of contraception. The appropriate option and timing can depend on the type of emergency contraception used.

Speak to a healthcare professional or pharmacist as soon as possible for advice.

Natural Methods

Natural or fertility-awareness-based methods may involve tracking menstrual cycles, identifying fertile days, monitoring body signs, or using withdrawal.

These methods require careful and consistent use, and their effectiveness can vary.

Permanent Contraception

For individuals or couples who are certain they do not want to have children in the future, permanent options may include:

Tubal ligation for women
Vasectomy for men

These procedures are intended to be permanent, so careful consideration and professional counselling are recommended before making a decision.

Where Can You Get Family Planning Support?

Family planning information and services may be available through:

Health Clinics
Public health clinics and other healthcare facilities may provide contraception counselling and family planning services.

Family Doctors or Obstetrician-Gynaecologists
Healthcare professionals can help assess your health and recommend suitable contraception options.

Pharmacies
Pharmacists can provide information about certain contraceptive options and advise when medical assessment is needed.

Counselling and Online Services
Some healthcare organisations provide confidential counselling and information for people who have questions about contraception and reproductive health.

Community Organisations and NGOs
Some organisations may offer reproductive health education, counselling, and family planning resources.