An unplanned family is exactly like the many countries that are struggling simply because our leaders failed to make the necessary preparations ahead of time thus bringing hardship unto all its citizens. We should all play a role because we are directly or indirectly affected. Often family planning is associated with women but I can assure you that men play an equally important role.
My daughter recently gave me a plaque that read “Behind every good child is a great DAD”, how very true this is.
This is a call on all fathers to ensure we participate actively not only in determining the number of children we have but in addition we should play our roles in their upbringing.
Failing to plan ones family is a sure road to disaster, which unfortunately affects innocent victims. Consider a couple who give birth to six children and have no means of providing their basic needs such as education, food, clothing and shelter. These children may be driven into armed robbery, prostitution and several other vices and the nation as a whole is the loser. Family planning is a great tool that if properly utilized leads to good health, development and wealth.
Family planning means deciding how many children to have and when to have them. It also involves planning for a child when a couple has challenges conceiving one.
A third of maternal deaths in the world could be prevented if family planning needs were met. Every day, about a thousand women die from complications in pregnancy and childbirth. Almost all these deaths occur in developing countries.
Benefits of Family Planning
1. Empowers People
2. Reduces Poverty – women able to seize educational and employment opportunities
3. Enhances Quality of Life
Types of Family Planning
1. Sexuality Education
2. Natural Family Planning Techniques
3. Contraception
Sexuality Education
Involves teaching youth how their reproductive systems function, how to use contraceptives and the truth about pregnancy and birth control. Authorities in the subject advice us to start before a child is 10 years old. You do this yourself or someone else “mentors” your child. I guess I should be starting now, what about you?
Natural Family Planning Techniques
This teaches couples how to chart fertility cycles. It can be used to either reduce or increase the chances of pregnancy depending on the needs of the couple.
Contraceptives
This classification only serves to educate and is by no means ideal for examination purposes.
A. Barrier Methods
a. These offer some protection from sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS
b. Examples include; the condom, female condom or femidom and the diaphragm
B. Hormonal Methods
a. Birth Control Pill or Oral Contraceptive Pill
i. Taken daily
ii. About 8% of users including those who miss doses may get pregnant
b. Birth Control Shot/Injection
i. Only 3% of users get pregnant in a year
ii. Effective for up to three (3) months
c. Birth Control Implant
i. Only about 1% of users may get pregnant
ii. May be effective for up to three (3) years
C. Other Contraceptive Methods
a. Intrauterine Device (IUD)
i. Placed within the womb
ii. May last up to 12 years
iii. The hormonal varieties may need to be replaced after 5 years
b. Tubal Ligation
i. A permanent method
ii. Tubes tied so eggs do not reach the womb
iii. Almost 100% effective
c. Hysterectomy
i. The womb is completely taken out. This is often done for other reasons other than contraception.
d. Vasectomy
i. Considered a permanent surgical procedure for male sterilization
ii. Does NOT affect the man’s ability to have satisfying sex.
We should note that the ONLY birth control method that is 100% effective is ABSTINENCE. AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
