1. Pills and Mini Pills

• General Features:

  • Must be taken daily.

  • Prevents ovulation and fertilization.

  • Very effective when used correctly.

  • Should be started within the first five days of menstruation, preferably on the first day.

  • Reduces premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps.

  • Protective against uterine and ovarian cancers.

  • Reduces menstrual bleeding, providing protective effects against anemia.

  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

• Pills:

  • Contain two naturally occurring female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

  • Women over 35 who smoke should quit smoking when using pills.

  • Not suitable for breastfeeding mothers as it reduces milk production and alters its composition.

• Mini Pills:

  • Contain only one naturally occurring female hormone (progesterone).

  • Suitable for breastfeeding mothers as it does not affect milk production.

2. Monthly Injection

• Administered monthly via injection into the muscle.

• Contains two naturally occurring female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

• Prevents ovulation and fertilization.

• Very effective when used correctly.

• Should be administered within the first seven days of menstruation, preferably on the first day.

• Suitable for women over 35 and those who smoke after quitting smoking.

• Not suitable for breastfeeding mothers as it reduces milk production and alters its composition.

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

3. Quarterly Injection

• Administered every three months via injection into the muscle.

• Contains only one naturally occurring female hormone (progesterone).

• Prevents ovulation and fertilization.

• Very effective when used correctly.

• Should be administered within the first seven days of menstruation, preferably on the first day.

• May cause spotting, and after long-term use, periods may stop entirely.

• Suitable for breastfeeding mothers as it does not affect milk production.

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

4. Subdermal Implants

• Small silicone rods placed under the skin of the arm.

• Contains only one naturally occurring female hormone (progesterone).

• Prevents ovulation and fertilization.

• Effective for three to five years depending on the type.

• Very effective.

• Can be administered on any day as long as the woman is not pregnant, ideally within the first seven days of menstruation.

• May cause spotting or a reduction in menstrual bleeding.

• Suitable for breastfeeding mothers as it does not affect milk production.

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

5. Intrauterine Device (IUD)

• A small plastic device inserted into the uterus.

• Can be copper or hormone-based.

• Prevents fertilization.

• Very effective.

• Copper IUDs can last up to 10 years.

• Can be inserted at any time, and menstruation is not required for the procedure.

• Can become pregnant immediately after removal.

• May cause spotting, increased menstrual bleeding, or menstrual cramps initially.

• Suitable for breastfeeding mothers as it does not affect milk production.

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

• Proper use will not lead to infection.

6. Condom (Male and Female)

• A thin, flexible rubber sheath worn by the male during intercourse.

• Prevents sperm from entering the woman's vagina.

• Very effective when used correctly.

• A new condom must be used for each sexual act. It should be put on before any genital contact, and removed after ejaculation.

• Protects against sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

• No side effects.

7. Diaphragm

• A soft, dome-shaped device that fits over the cervix.

• Prevents sperm from entering the uterus.

• Very effective when used correctly.

• Should be inserted before intercourse and removed at least six hours afterward.

• Can be used for up to two years if properly cleaned.

• Suitable for breastfeeding mothers as it does not affect milk production.

• Provides partial protection against some sexually transmitted infections.

8. Female Condom

• A transparent, soft, plastic sheath inserted into the woman's vagina before intercourse.

• Prevents sperm from entering the vagina.

• Very effective with the use of spermicide.

• A new female condom should be used for each sexual act.

• Suitable for breastfeeding mothers as it does not affect milk production.

• Protects against sexually transmitted infections (HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia).

• No side effects.

9. Spermicides

• Gels, suppositories, or foams inserted into the vagina.

• Kills sperm, preventing fertilization.

• Very effective when used correctly.

• Must be reapplied before each act of intercourse.

• Suitable for breastfeeding mothers as it does not affect milk production.

• Provides partial protection against some sexually transmitted infections.

10. Female Sterilization (Tubal Ligation)

• A surgical procedure where the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked.

• Prevents eggs from meeting sperm.

• Very effective.

• Does not affect sexual desire or menstrual cycles.

• Does not require hospitalization.

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

11. Male Sterilization (Vasectomy)

• A surgical procedure where the sperm ducts are cut or blocked.

• Prevents sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation.

• Very effective.

• Does not affect sexual desire or sexual performance.

• A written consent from both partners is required.

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Family Planning Services in the United States

• Family planning services are offered by various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and family planning centers.

• These services include counseling and all available contraceptive methods, as well as guidance on sexual and reproductive health.