If you haven’t planned your family, consider this!

Few months ago Saratu had her sixth child. The nurses counselled her on the need to do family planning and if possible stop having children. This is because her health was being endangered by frequent childbirth. Saratu persuaded her husband to come with her to the clinic to see the doctor. He did, but had […]

Few months ago Saratu had her sixth child. The nurses counselled her on the need to do family planning and if possible stop having children. This is because her health was being endangered by frequent childbirth.
Saratu persuaded her husband to come with her to the clinic to see the doctor. He did, but had many questions. First, he does not understand why his wife should stop having children after only six children while his mother has 10 children and still alive. The doctor explained to him that his wife’s case was different. Saratu has high blood pressure in pregnancy and this is risky if she keeps having children. Also, the doctor advised that if he has, fewer children he can take care of them better. Saratus’ husband asked if there will be any side effect if his wife was involved in family planning. The doctor explained the various methods of family planning to him and his wife and their effects. He was convinced and gave his consent.
Dr. Nathaniel Adewole, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital explained some methods of family planning.
“We have the natural method, the oral pills, injectables and the intrauterine device (IUD).Then we have the mechanical barriers like condoms.  All are effective except for the degree of efficacy.
Intrauterine Device (IUD): With this method, there are 98 to 99 per cent chances of not getting pregnant. Here, small plastic device is placed in the uterus by a clinician and prevents sperm from fertilizing egg. The advantages are that it is easy to use, it has low maintenance method, has no systemic side effects. Also, depending on the type, they can be left in place one, five, or ten years and it reduces the risk of tubal pregnancy and does not interfere with breast feeding.  The disadvantages include increased bleeding or cramping during periods and should not be used by women with multiple sex partners, because this increases exposure to STDs, which significantly increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Norplant: Here chances of not getting pregnant are more than 99 per cent. In this method six capsules containing synthetic hormones are inserted under the skin of your upper arm and capsules slowly release hormones into the bloodstream over   five years. These hormones stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each monthly. One of the advantages is that it is a long term method and can stay in for five years. Also, it can be removed anytime and the woman can become pregnant right away. It also reduces the risk of ovarian or endometrial cancer. The disadvantage are that women may experience spotting between periods, light periods, longer periods; weight gain and hair loss and the fact that it is expensive.
Oral contraceptive: This has 95 to 99 per cent chance of NOT getting pregnant. Here, pregnancy is prevented, because the pill stops ovulation and/or thickens the cervical mucus by stopping sperm from passing through. Some of the advantages are that it does not interfere with sex, regulates the menstrual cycle and reduces menstrual flow and cramping. The disadvantage includes increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots (in lungs, legs, or arms), especially smoker or are over 35 and smoke and possible mood swings or depression amongst other.
With cervical cap, you have 60 to 90 per cent chances of not getting pregnant. This is a barrier contraceptive method. Here, a soft rubber cup like device that fits snuggly around the base of the cervix is inpalnted. The advantage includes the fact that it is easy to use and good for persons who do not have sex   regularly. It may also decrease risks of some sexually transmitted diseases and does not interfere with breast feeding.  The disadvantage includes the fact that persons with allergies to latex or spermicides cannot use and it remains in vagina for at least six hours after intercourse. 
Dr. Adewole, however, says what may be suitable for one woman may not be suitable for the other. “To choose any one, the gynaecologist must look at the history of the woman and see the one that is suitable.  The oral contraceptive is good and 95 per cent effective, but there are conditions you don’t want to use it. For someone who has hypertension disease or persistent migraine, you should not     use it,” says Adewole.