Hello, welcome to this hall on methods of family planning and birth control in biology.
Contents
- Meaning of family planning
- Meaning of Birth Control
- Methods of Family Planning
- Importance of family planning to a nation.
- Revision Questions
Family Planning And Birth Control
Meaning: Family planning is a device by which a couple (husband and wife) determine the number of children they want and when they want them.
Meaning of birth control: Birth Control refers to the method used to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant, for as long as she wishes.
Birth Control Or Family Planning Methods
1. Withdrawal method: By this family planning methods, the man pulls his penis out of the woman’s vagina before the ejaculation of spermatozoa occurs. This method is not reliable because some sperm cells may be released without the man knowing.
2. Rhythm method or Safe period: This involves the calculation of safe periods for each woman. To avoid getting pregnant, a woman should not have sex with a man during the fertile days, i.e, days Midway between her menstrual period which usually starts ten days after the first day of menstruation. This method is also not reliable as ovulation can take place at irregular intervals.
3. Use of condom (sheath): This is a rubber sheath with which demand wears over the penis before sexual intercourse. When he ejaculates spermatozoa, they are collected within the condom thereby preventing them from entering into the vagina of the female. This works very well in preventing pregnancy and at the same time protecting the man against general diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea and AIDS.
4. Cap (diaphragm): This is a rubber protective cap worn by women. It is inserted into the vagina so as to prevent spermatozoa from entering the uterus and into the fallopian tube where they may bring about fertilization of the ovum. The diaphragm is best used in combination with spermicidal cream or tablets.
5. Spermicidal cream or tablets: A spermicidal cream or tablet is one that kills spermatozoa, a woman applies such a cream or tablet right inside the vagina 5 to 10 minutes before sexual intercourse. During ejaculation by the man, the spermatozoa discharged are killed by the spermicide, hence pregnancy is prevented. This method is not very reliable except it is used with condom.
6. Intra-uterine device (IUD): This may be a metal or plastic coil or loop that is inserted into the uterus of the woman. It is usually done by a doctor. This device prevents fertilization or the implantation of the zygote in the uterus. The intra-uterine device is left in the uterus until it is necessary to replace or remove it. When properly inserted, it reliable and economical as well.
7. Contraceptive pill: This is a tablet which is taking daily by the woman. The pill contains the hormones which prevent ovulation or the release of egg from the ovary. The tablet must be prescribed by a qualified doctor. The pill is effective and must be used according to prescription to obtain good result.
8. Injection: An injection is usually given to the woman every three or six months intervals. The injection contains hormones which prevents ovulation. Such injection must be given to the woman by a qualified medical doctor because it has some side effects. It is a sure way of family planning and it is very useful to women who have stopped child bearing.
9. Sterilization: Sterilization is done by couples who do not want more children. It is an irreversible birth control method. In other words, once it is done, one cannot reverse it. It is the surest method. It is done by cutting the sperm duct in men (vasectomy) and the cutting off the oviduct (fuba ligation) in women. This method requires an operation to be done by a qualified medical doctor.
10. Abstinence: This is when both the male and female stay away completely from having sex.
Importance Of Family Planning To A Nation
- It promotes maternal or mother’s health
- It equally promotes the health of the child.
- Family planning prevents population explosion.
- It reduces maternal or infant mortality rate.
- Family planning makes child spacing possible.
- Family planning prevent indiscriminate abortion in women.
- Family planning increases or promotes the standard of living of the people.
Revision Questions
- What is family planning? (b) What is birth control?
- Outline 10 methods of family planning.
- State 6 importance of family planning to a nation.