Weight Loss Clinic

Who is Suitable for Family Planning?

Family planning suits everyone, regardless of age, sex, marital status, or sexual orientation. It is especially important for people who are sexually active and not ready to have children. Women with medical conditions that could affect pregnancy or taking medications that could harm a developing fetus should also consider family planning.

What are the Benefits of Family Planning?

There are many benefits to family planning, including the following:

• Reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies: Family planning methods, such as hormonal contraceptives and barrier methods, can prevent unintended pregnancies.
• Improving maternal and child health: Family planning can help women plan their pregnancies, leading to better prenatal care, healthier pregnancies, and better birth outcomes.
• Empowering women: Family planning allows women to take control of their reproductive health and make informed decisions about their bodies and lives.
• Reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Condoms are an effective method of family planning that can also reduce the risk of STIs.

What are the Types of Family Planning?

Many types of family planning methods are available, and individuals should choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences. 

• Hormonal methods: Hormonal methods of family planning include birth control pills, patches, injections, and vaginal rings. These methods work by preventing ovulation, thinning the uterus lining, and thickening cervical mucus. To start using hormonal contraceptives, you must schedule an appointment with your doctor, who will discuss your medical history, assess your eligibility for hormonal methods, and prescribe the appropriate method. You will need to take or use the method as directed, usually on a daily or weekly basis, depending on the type of method.
• Barrier methods: Barrier methods of family planning include condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. These methods work by preventing sperm from reaching the egg. To use a barrier method, you will need to purchase the method from a pharmacy or other retailer and follow the instructions for use. For example, condoms should be used every time you have sex, while diaphragms and cervical caps must be inserted into the vagina before sex and left in place for several hours after sex.
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs): IUDs are small, T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus. They can either be hormonal or non-hormonal and can provide long-term contraception. To get an IUD, you must schedule an appointment with your doctor, who will insert the device into your uterus during a quick office procedure. IUDs can remain in place for several years, depending on the type of device.
• Sterilisation: Sterilization is a permanent form of contraception that involves surgical procedures, such as tubal ligation for women or vasectomy for men. To get sterilised, you must schedule a surgical procedure with your doctor, during which the appropriate procedure will be performed to prevent future pregnancies.

It is essential to follow the instructions for using your chosen family planning method carefully to ensure that it effectively prevents unintended pregnancies. You should ask your doctor for more information and guidance if you have any questions or concerns about the procedure.

Contraceptive Implant

What is Implanon?

Implanon is the brand name for the contraceptive implant containing the hormone Etonogestrel, a hormone similar to the hormone progesterone, which is naturally produced by the female body.

This form of contraceptive is highly effective and lasts up to three years. It is an ideal method for young women leading busy lifestyles requiring safe and effective contraception.

How Effective is the Implanon Contraceptive?

Implanon is at least 99.7% effective.

This means that if 1,000 women use Implanon for a year, it is possible that three women could become pregnant.

How Does Implanon Work?

The Implanon implant slowly releases progestogen into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy for up to three years. The implant works by:

• Preventing ovulation (egg release from the ovary),
• Thickening the mucus of the cervix so that sperm cannot enter the uterus (womb), and
• Changing the lining of the uterus, thereby making it unsuitable for pregnancy.

Some medications can reduce the effectiveness of Implanon. It is important to inform doctors you have an Implanon when another medication is prescribed.

About the Implanon Procedure

The Implanon insertion procedure is quick and simple.

Using a small flexible rod, a contraceptive implant is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. During the procedure, your arm is under a local anaesthetic.

Alternatives to Implanon Contraceptive

Mirena IUD

This intrauterine device is a highly effective form of contraception with minimal hormonal side effects. It lasts up to five years and, like Implanon, has the advantage of being a 'set and forget' method of contraception.

Intrauterine Contraceptive Device

We have practitioners who are experienced in both Implanon and Mirena insertions. Please ask reception for details.

Mirena Coil Insertion

What is Mirena Coil Insertion?

Mirena is an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted into the uterus as birth control. Mirena is a small, T-shaped plastic device containing the hormone levonorgestrel. 

Who is Suitable for Mirena Coil Insertion?

Mirena IUD is a suitable birth control option for most women, including those who have given birth or have not given birth. It is generally considered safe for women of all ages. However, it may not be appropriate for women with certain medical conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or certain cancers. Women with a history of ectopic pregnancy, heavy periods or adenomyosis, and those with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis may benefit from Mirena.

Benefits of Mirena Coil Insertion

• Long-acting and highly effective, Mirena can remain in place for up to 5 years, providing birth control without needing daily attention.
• Mirena releases a small amount of the hormone levonorgestrel, which can help to reduce heavy or painful periods and may also help to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
• It can be easily removed anytime, and fertility returns quickly after removal.

Mirena Insertion Procedure

A healthcare provider inserts Mirena into the uterus during an office visit. The insertion process takes only a few minutes and is usually done during a routine pelvic exam. Your doctor will clean the cervix and insert the Mirena IUD through the vagina and into the uterus using a small applicator. The Mirena IUD is then released, and the string hanging down from the bottom of the IUD is trimmed to a comfortable length for the person.

After the insertion, the person may experience cramping or discomfort for a short period. Some people may also experience light bleeding or spotting for the first few days after insertion.

Mirena Coil Insertion Effectiveness

Mirena IUD is a highly effective form of birth control. According to the manufacturers, less than 1% of women will become pregnant using the Mirena IUD.

Mirena Coil Insertion Risks

As with any medical procedure, there is a small risk of complications associated with Mirena IUD insertion, such as infection, perforation of the uterus, or expulsion of the IUD. Some people may experience side effects such as irregular or heavy bleeding, headaches, nausea, or acne.

Mirena IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and it's essential to use condoms to reduce the risk of STIs.

Family Planning Procedure

Starting family planning involves several steps to ensure that you make informed decisions about your reproductive health. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Schedule an appointment with your doctor: Your doctor can help you choose a family planning method that is right for you based on your health history, lifestyle, and preferences. They can also provide information about different methods' benefits and potential side effects.
• Discuss your options: Talk to your doctor about the different family planning methods available, including hormonal methods, barrier methods, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilisation. Consider the pros and cons of each method and choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
• Consider your timing: If you are not ready to have children, it is essential to choose a family planning method that is effective in preventing unintended pregnancies. Some methods, such as hormonal contraceptives, require daily use, while others, such as IUDs, can provide long-term contraception.
• Use protection: If you are sexually active and not ready to have children, it is essential to use protection every time you have sex. Condoms are an effective method of family planning that can also help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
• Follow up with your doctor: It is important to follow up with your doctor regularly to ensure that your family planning method works effectively and to discuss any concerns or questions.

Family planning can be a significant step in taking control of your reproductive health. By working with your doctor and considering your options carefully, you can choose a family planning method that is right for you and enjoy the benefits of family planning, including improved maternal and child health, reduced risk of unintended pregnancies, and empowering yourself to make informed decisions about your body and your life.