FAMILY PLANNING

1.0   EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS
They are famously/sometimes referred to as "morning after".
They are used to prevent pregnancy when taken upto 5 days after having unprotected sex.However,it is recommended that they are taken within 3 days after intercourse since the sooner they are taken,the better.
E-pills do not interrrupt an existing pregnancy if taken.They are also safe for all women even to those who cannot use ongoing hormonal contraceptive methods.

Types of E-pills
1) Pills that contain  progetin alone,or
2)a progestin and an estrogen together(combined oral contraceptives).

Side effects,Health Benefits,and Health Risks
Side Effects
Some women who take the pill experience the following:

• changes in the bleeding patterns including;

            -slight irregular bleeding for 1-2 days after taking ECPs
            -monthly bleeding that starts earlier or later than expected
In the week after taking ECPs:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches

Known Health Benefits
Help protect against risk of pregnancy

Known Health Risks
None

Correcting Myths About ECPs
Emergency Contraceptive Pills;

• Do not cause abortion.
• Do not cause birth defects if pregnancy occurs.
• Are not dangerous to a woman's health.
• Do not promote sexual risk-taking.
• Do not make women infertile.

1.1    MALE CONDOMS
Using condom is the only contraceptive method that can protect against both pregnancy and  sexually transmitted infections,including HIV/AIDs.

MALE CONDOMS

Side Effects,Health Benefits,and Health Risks
Side Effects
None

Known Health Benefits
Help protect against risks of pregnancy. and STIs,including HIV.
May help protect against;

• Conditions  caused by STIs

                    -Recurring pelvic inflammatory disease and chronic pelvic pain.
                    -cervical cancer.
                    -Infertility(male and female) .

Known Health Risks
Extremely rare;

• Severe allergic reaction(among people with latex allergy)

The 5 basic steps of Using A Male Condom 
Basic Steps                                                                    
1)Use a new condom for each act of sex .
Important Details 

• check the condom package.Do not use if torn or damaged.Avoid using a condom past the expiration date.
• Tear open the package carefully.Do not use fingernails,teeth,or anything that can damage the condom.

2)Before any physical contact,place the condom on the tip of the erect penis with the rolled side out.   

Important Details             

• For the most protection,put the condom on before the penis makes any genital contact.

3)Unroll the condom all the way to the base of the erect penis.
Important Details           

•  The condom should unroll easily.Forcing it on could cause it to break during use.
•  If the condom does not unroll easily,it may be on backwards,damaged,or too old.Throw it away and use a new condom.

 4)Immediately after ejaculation,hold the rim of the condom in place and withdraw the penis while it is still erect.           
 Important Details

• Withdraw the penis.
• Slide the condom off,avoiding spilling semen.
• If having sex again or switching from one sex act to another,use a new condom.

                                                                                         

5)Dispose of the used condom safely
Important Details                              

•  Wrap the condom in its package and  in the rubbish or latrine.Do not put the condom into a flush toilet,as it can cause problems with plumbing.

1.2    FEMALE CONDOMS
Female condoms help protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections,including HIV/AIDs.

FEMALE CONDOMS

What are Female Condoms?

• sheaths,or linings, that fit loosely inside a woman's vagina,made of thin,transparent,soft plastic film.

                  -have flexible rings at both ends.
                  -one ring at the closed end helps to insert the condom.
                  -the ring at the open end holds part of the condom outside the vagina.

• Different brand names include Care,Dominique,FC Female Condom,Femidom,Femy,Myfemy,Protectiv',and Reality.
• Lubricated with silicone-based lubricant on the inside and outside.
• Latex female condoms may be available in some countries.
• Work by forming a barrier that keeps sperms out of the vagina,preventing pregnancy.Also keep infections in semen,on the penis,or in the vagina from infecting the other partner.                                                                                                       

Side Effects,Health Benefits,and Health Risks
Side Effects
None
Known Health Benefits
Helps protect against;

• Risks of pregnancy
• STIs,including HIV

Known Health Risks
None

Correcting Misunderstandings
Femal condoms:
1)cannot get lost in the woman's body.
2)are not difficult to use,but correct use needs to be learned.
3)do not have holes that HIV can pass through.
4)are used by married couples.They are not only for use outside marriage.
5)do not cause illness in a woman because they prevent semen or sperm from entering her body.

The 5 Basic Steps of Using a Female Condom
1)Use a new female condom for each act of sex.
Important Details

• check the condom package.Do not use if torn or damaged.Avoid using a condom past the expiration date.

• If possible,wash your hands with mild soap and clean water before inserting the condom.

2)Before any physical contact,insert the condom into the vagina
Important details

• can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex.For the most protection,insert the condom before the penis comes into contact with the vagina.
• choose the postion that is comfortable for insertion-squat,raise one leg,sit,or lie down.
• rub the sides of the female condom together to spread the lubricant easily.
• grasp the ring at the closed end,and squeeze it so it becomes long and narrow.
• with the other hand,separate the outer lips(labia) and locate the opening of the vagina.

• gently push the inner ring into the vagina as far up as it will go.Insert a finger into the condom to push it into place.About 2 or 3 centimetres of the condom and the outer ring remain outside the vagina. 

3)Ensure that the penis enters the condom and stays inside the condom.
Important details

• the man or woman should carefully guide the tip of his penis inside the condom-not between the condom and the wall of the vagina.If his penis goes outside the condom,withdraw and try again.
• if the condom is accidentally pulled out of the vagina or pushed into it during sex,put the condom back in place.

4)After the man withdraws his penis,hold the outer ring of the condom,twist to seal in fluids,and gently pull it out of the vagina.
Important details

• the female condom does not need to be removed immediately after sex.
• remove the condom before standing up,to avoid spilling semen.
• if the couple has sex again,they should use a new condom.
• reuse of female condoms is not recommended.

5)Dispose of the used condom
Important details

• wrap the condom in its package and put it in the rubbish or latrine.Do not put the condom into a flush toilet,as it can cause problems with plumbing.