Family Planning 

I once lived in a “face-me-I-face-you” apartment. One of my neighbors was a young couple with eight children. Yes, Eight! From what I could tell, they were both in their early to mid-thirties. Each child was barely older than the next, almost as if the mother didn’t have a break in between pregnancies.

We would exchange greetings regularly. The wife was warm, and kind-hearted. Over time, I began to notice their struggles. How they often lacked food, how overwhelmed they seemed, how much pressure it put on their relationship and their finances. Sometimes, I shared what I had, but I also knew that what they truly needed wasn’t just food. They needed information.

One afternoon, after we spoke about her worries, she said something that really stuck with me:

“Aunty, I don’t want more children o… but I don’t know how to stop it.”

That was when I decided to have a conversation with her about something many women in similar situations aren’t aware of, family planning.

What is Family Planning?

Family planning simply means making informed decisions about if, when, and how many children you want to have. It allows individuals or couples to space their children properly or decide to stop having more children using safe, medically approved methods.

Some methods include:

• Oral contraceptive pills (taken daily)

• Injectables (like Depo-Provera, given every 3 months)

• Implants (inserted under the skin, last 3–5 years)

• IUDs (intrauterine devices that can last up to 10 years)

• Condoms (which also protect against STIs)

• Emergency contraception (used after unprotected sex)

• Natural methods like tracking the menstrual cycle, and withdrawal method. Though these are less effective and not always advocated for.

• Bilateral Tubal Ligation is a permanent form of contraception done in women who never want to have children.

• Vasectomy is also permanent but it is done on men who do not want to bear children anymore.

Each method has pros and cons depending on a woman’s body, health, and preferences. And that’s why proper guidance matters.

Clearing Up Myths on Family Planning

• “Family planning causes infertility.” The truth is, most methods only prevent pregnancy temporarily. Once you stop using them, fertility usually returns. Only permanent methods like tubal ligation and vasectomy lead to infertility and these are only chosen after careful discussion with a healthcare provider.

• “It is only a woman’s responsibility.” Family planning is a shared responsibility for couples who want a well-spaced, happy, and healthy family.

• “Family planning makes women promiscuous.” There is no evidence for this belief. Instead, family planning empowers women to make informed choices about their bodies and allows families to decide how many children they can adequately care for.

• “Family planning causes cancer.” Some people worry about hormonal methods, but research shows they are generally safe. In fact, while there may be very small risks with some cancers, family planning actually protects against others like ovarian and uterine cancer. Overall, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Why Family Planning Is Important

• Health Benefits: It reduces the risk of complications from closely spaced pregnancies.

• Economic Stability: Couples can better plan their finances and give their children more opportunities.

• Emotional Wellbeing: Reduces stress and allows time to recover between births.

• Empowerment: Helps women take charge of their health and future.

Choosing the Right Method For You and Your Family

Choosing a family planning method depends on several factors: your desired family size, health condition, partner’s opinion, side effects, duration of action, convenience, cost, and availability. No single method is “best” for everyone. The right one is the method that fits your needs and lifestyle and this decision is best made after open discussion with your partner and guidance from a healthcare provider.

Final Note…

If you’re reading this and unsure where to start, this is your sign to visit the nearest hospital around you. Whether it’s about contraception, pregnancy prevention, understanding your cycle, or overall sexual health, they will see you through every step of the way.

Because every woman no matter where she lives or how much she earns deserves to make informed choices about her body and her future.

Written by Amina Ali, a health content writer who helps health and wellness brands educate and engage their audience with clear, actionable content. Allow me create content for your brand that speaks results.