Family Planning / Contraception Services

Family Planning Services

“Family planning” is an essential process that helps women determine the optimal timing for pregnancy and appropriately space their pregnancies according to their personal goals. Certain contraceptive methods also provide additional benefits, such as regulating menstrual cycles, reducing dysmenorrhea, and lowering the risk of certain cancers.

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Why should you consult a physician?

A wide variety of contraceptive methods are now available, including hormonal and non-hormonal options, as well as short-acting and long-acting methods. Each option has its own advantages, disadvantages, and suitability depending on the individual.

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Consulting a physician—especially a hormone specialist—helps ensure that the chosen method aligns with one’s health profile and personal needs. The physician will evaluate and recommend the safest and most effective option while considering efficacy, duration of action, and overall health. This provides far greater confidence and safety compared to self-selecting a contraceptive method.

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How many types of contraceptives are there?

Contraceptives can be divided into two main groups:

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1. Short-acting contraceptives

These methods provide contraceptive effects for a short duration, typically 1–3 months. To maintain efficacy, they must be used consistently. Fertility returns rapidly once discontinued, making them suitable for those planning pregnancy in the near future.

 

Examples:

• Oral contraceptive pills

• Injectable contraceptives (monthly or every 3 months)

Their effectiveness depends on correct and consistent use, ranging from 90–95%, meaning 5–10 pregnancies per 100 women using the method.

 

2. Long-acting contraceptives

These methods provide prolonged contraception, typically 3–5 years, and are ideal for individuals seeking long-term pregnancy prevention, those without plans for future pregnancies, or those who have completed childbearing.

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Contraceptive Implant

A small hormone-containing rod is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. The hormone is released slowly and provides continuous contraceptive effects.

• Effectiveness: 99.95%

(Only 0.05% chance of pregnancy, equivalent to 1 in 2,000 women)

 

Types of implants:

• Implanon NXT (1 rod): Effective for 3 years

• Jadelle (2 rods): Effective for 5 years

 

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

An IUD is placed inside the uterine cavity to prevent pregnancy. There are two types:

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Copper IUD (Non-hormonal)

• Suitable for those who cannot use hormonal methods

• Effectiveness 99.2%

• Lasts up to 5 years

• Does not affect menstrual regularity

• Some women may experience heavier menstrual bleeding or increased cramping

Hormonal IUD (Levonorgestrel IUS)

• Contains progestin

• Reduces menstrual flow and dysmenorrhea

• Helps prevent endometrial cancer

• Effectiveness 99.8%

• Lasts 5–7 years

 

Injectable Contraceptives

Monthly Injection

• Combined hormones (estrogen + progestin)

• Injected into the upper arm

• Regular menstruation continues

• Does not cause weight gain

• Not suitable for breastfeeding mothers, as it may reduce milk supply

3-Month Injection

• Progestin-only

• Injected into the buttock

• May cause amenorrhea or spotting

• May cause weight gain due to increased appetite

• Safe for breastfeeding mothers

 

Summary

Choosing the right contraceptive method is crucial to align with one’s health, lifestyle, and reproductive goals. For optimal safety and confidence, consultation with a specialist is highly recommended to determine the most suitable method for each individual.