Contraception is concerned with methods or devices that prevent pregnancy. It includes options ranging from hormonal pills, implants, intrauterine devices, barrier methods to sterilisation. These methods give people more power to control when or if they become pregnant. 

 
Family planning is a wider concept. It is a process through which individuals and couples prepare and space their children considering the desired number of births. Family planning promotes responsible parenting and supports everything relating to maternal and child health. This ensures that pregnancies are intended and welcomed. 

Prevalence of Unplanned Pregnancies Globally 

The use of contraceptive methods is increasing globally. According to WHO, between 2000 and 2020, the number of women using a modern contraceptive method has increased from 663 million to 851 million globally. 

Demographic and Age Groups in Family Planning 

Family planning decisions vary greatly depending on age, life circumstances, and individual goals. 

Adolescent Age Group (15-19): This stage often involves limited access to contraception and a considerably higher unplanned pregnancy. 
Young Adult Age Group (20-30): People of this age group start thinking about family planning choices as they settle into good relationships or begin their careers. 
Adult Age Group (30-40): Discussions regarding family planning may involve issues of fertility and the timing of pregnancy. 
Older Adult Age Group (40+): Here, people mostly talk about some of the more-or-less permanent methods of contraception such as sterilisation or managing risks associated with late pregnancies. 

 
Types of Contraceptive Methods 

There is a wide variety of contraceptive methods, differing in effectiveness rates, advantages, and disadvantages: 
 
Hormonal Methods: Include birth control pills, patches, injections, and hormonal IUDs. They prevent ovulation by elevating hormonal levels. 
 
Barrier Methods: Include condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. These barriers, by obstructing the passage of sperm towards the egg, prevent fertilisation. 
 
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Non-hormonal copper IUDs prevent the sperm from fertilising the egg, and hormonal IUDs release hormones to inhibit ovulation. 
 
Sterilisation: Permanent procedures like tubal ligation (for women) or vasectomy (for men) that bar the possibility of conception for life. 
 
Natural Methods: This relies on the practice of fertility awareness to avoid conception, i.e., charting cycles and checking for ovulation. 
 
Emergency Contraception: This method can prevent pregnancy when unprotected intercourse takes place or if other forms of contraception have failed. 

Hormonal Changes Associated with Various Methods 

Hormonal contraceptives are a variety of methods that work in the body to alter the normal hormonal balance and inhibit ovulation. Pills, patches, and hormonal IUDs act on the release of estrogen and progestin to prevent the ovaries from making eggs, besides changing the texture of cervical mucus to block sperm. These transformations could also cause mood changes, energy changes, and menstrual cycle changes. 
 
Some women will find that the side effects from one of these hormonal changes include nausea, swelling, mood swings, and headaches. Nevertheless, the severity and type of side effects vary from person to person. Those who experience significant side effects while undergoing hormonal contraception might consider non-hormonal methods, particularly in the case of the copper IUD. 

Benefits and Challenges of Family Planning 

Benefits: 

Prevention of Unplanned Pregnancies: With family planning, a person can prevent unplanned pregnancies and take charge of their sexual health. 
 
Improved Maternal and Child Health: Family planning reduces risks to maternal health, which include complications during pregnancy and delivery, by the proper spacing of pregnancies. 
 
Economic Stability: Families now have the opportunity to plan pregnancy around their economic situation and can, therefore, prepare for the costs involved in raising children. 
 
Opportunities for Education/Work: Contraceptive access enables women to rise through the educational and job ranks without being burdened by unplanned pregnancies. 
 
Challenges: 
 
Access and Availability: In rural areas where there is low-income, access to contraceptives and family planning services still remains quite limited. 
 
Culture and Social Barriers: In some societies, talking about family planning or contraception is a taboo, and women are most likely to face resistance from their partners or a family member. 
 
The side effects of contraceptives: Hormonal contraceptives are supposed to cause side effects that include mood changes, weight gain, and uneven periods.  
Hence, these are quite potent deterrents away from utilising those methods. 

 
Health Risks and Considerations 
 
Generally, most forms of contraception are considered safe modalities of aiding the process of contraception, although some require consideration of certain health aspects by female users. Some forms of hormonal contraception may subsequently elevate the risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, or stroke in women with particular risk factors. Women over thirty-five, who smoke or have a history of cardiovascular disease, should confer with a health provider to find the safest options. 
 
An IUD may carry a slightly increased risk of pelvic infections or uterine perforation, while sterilization is permanent and may not be suited for some women wishing to have children. 

Treatment Options and Support for Family Planning 
 
Family planning services may provide wide-ranging support and help for individuals and couples intending to prevent or create conception, such as: 
 
Contraceptive counselling: Health professionals guide individuals about the best methods of contraception a particular individual should use based on his or her health, lifestyle, and family planning requirements. 
 
Fertility Treatments: Infertility treatment encompasses treatments like IVF and the use of fertility medications that resolve infertility-related problems. 
 
Sexual and Reproductive Health Education: Teaching classes help individuals responsible for family planning, contraceptive usage, and sexual health to make timely decision-making based on required information.  
 
Psychological Support: Individuals undergoing any mental stress, anxiety, or any other emotional problems relevant to family planning and fertility find solace through counselling, or group support.