World Population Day, 11 July 2012

The importance of planning for a family

While children are a great gift, it is also becoming increasingly expensive to bring them up and many parents today prefer to have just one or two little ones rather than large families. Children have to be fed and educated and parents have to spend time looking after them. They represent a considerable commitment both financially and in terms of time, and it is best if parents are ready for this.

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate existing and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to explore certain important healthcare issues. This article looks at the subject of family planning this World Population Day, July 2011.
 
What is family planning?
Family planning has to do with the planning of when to have children. The use of birth control methods, which can help to prevent women from falling pregnant until they feel they are ready to do so, is an important part of family planning.

Why is family planning important?
In South Africa today large numbers of our teenagers are getting pregnant. Early pregnancy can be devastating to the life of a young person who is not earning money and still has to finish school. Parents therefore need to speak to their children about the dangers of having sex so young.

Some women who unexpectedly get pregnant opt to rather have an abortion than have the baby and this is their choice. However, terminating a pregnancy is traumatic, may be expensive and is not always good for your health. It makes much more sense for people to rather plan when they want to have a family and practice birth control methods that prevent them from falling pregnant until they feel they are ready to have children.

The World Health Organization says: "Family planning allows individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births. It is achieved through the use of contraceptive methods and treatment of involuntary infertility. A woman's ability to space and limit her pregnancies has a direct impact on her health and well-being as well as on the outcome of each pregnancy."

What are the different types of contraception available?
One way individuals can ensure that they do not get pregnant or contract a STI is to avoid sexual activity until they are ready to have children. There are also a number of contraceptives on the market that can help avoid unwanted pregnancies. These include:

• Oral contraception for women. Often known as ‘the pill' this can be obtained free of charge from public clinics and hospitals or purchased from pharmacies. It can be hazardous for women who smoke to take the pill, particularly if they are older women. The pill does not protect against STIs.
• Contraceptive injection for women. Administered every few months the injection is effective in protecting against unwanted pregnancies but does not protect against STIs.
• Condoms. Both male and female condoms are available and they have the advantage of protecting against both pregnancy and STIs. Care should be taken to ensure they do not break or tear during use. Male condoms are free of charge at clinics.
• Intrauterine device (IUD). This is a small device that is put into a women's uterus by a healthcare practitioner. It can protect from pregnancy for up to five years but does not protect from STIs.
• Emergency contraceptive. This can be taken for up to three days after pregnancy and is sometimes known as the ‘the morning after pill'. They are not intended for regular use and it is recommended that they only be used in cases of absolute necessity. They are available free of charge at clinics or bought at a pharmacy and do not protect against STIs.
• Sterilisation. Both men and women can be sterilised through medical procedures. In men it is called a vasectomy and is a simple procedure. Some men elect to have this procedure when they decide they do not want children or if they do not want any more children. Sterilisation does not protect against STIs.

What if I think I may be pregnant?
For those who are concerned that they may be pregnant reasonably priced pregnancy tests are available at your local pharmacy. If this tests positive be sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible. He or she will undertake a blood test to confirm whether you are pregnant or not.

Most of us would prefer to have our children at a time of our choosing and when we are ready. This is why family planning is so important and to our benefit. Visit your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about pregnancy or family planning.

For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or visit our website at www.gems.gov.za. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

Sources:
1. Western Cape Government, Family Planning, www.westerncape.gov.za/eng/directories/services/1151
2. World Health Organization, www.who.int/topics/family_planning/en/
3. Positive Sexual Health, www.familyplanning.org.nz/our_clinics/clinic_services