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The Effects of Natural & Artificial Family Planning

People have used natural and artificial family planning methods for centuries, from simple tracking of their individual fertility cycles to spermicides, condoms, birth control pills and devices. Family planning also encompasses both male and female sterilization procedures, as well as the use of natural family planning techniques, such as fertility awareness.

  1. Natural Family Planning

    • Natural family planning is based on fertility awareness, which revolves around tracking a woman’s reproductive cycle to determine the days of the month that she is most likely to conceive and avoiding sex during these times. Natural family planning does not have the health side effects associated with artificial forms of birth control, but most health care professionals are less likely to recommend it than they are the use of birth control and other artificial family planning methods.

    Artificial Family Planning

    • Artificial family planning involves the use of birth control pills, devices, and sterilization surgeries. Sterilization, while permanent, has the highest rate of effectiveness in pregnancy prevention and can sometimes be reversed. Birth control methods such as condoms and spermicide can be purchased over the counter, and have high rates of effectiveness when used properly. Prescription birth control methods have higher rates of effectiveness, but also the possibility of side effects, including mood swings, weight gain, intrauterine scarring, blood clots, and stroke, depending on the type of birth control method and the individual.

    Medical Advice

    • Many doctors and health care providers are more likely to recommend artificial family planning, due to its proven effectiveness. The majority doctors, however, will also provide advice for patients who are interested in natural family planning methods. Asking your doctor about the effects of both natural and artificial family planning and their recommendations for you based on your health history is the best way to determine which method is right for you.

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