Family Planning in Lagos: Methods, Benefits and What to Consider
Family planning allows individuals and couples to make informed decisions about whether and when they want to have children. It can include choosing whether to become pregnant, spacing pregnancies and selecting a contraceptive method that is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
If you are looking for family planning in Lagos, you may have questions about the different methods available, how they work, their benefits and possible side effects, and which option may be suitable for you.
There is no single family planning method that is right for everyone. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the available options and choose a method based on your health, reproductive goals and preferences.
What Is Family Planning?
Family planning refers to the decisions and healthcare services that help individuals and couples plan the timing and spacing of pregnancies.
Depending on your needs, family planning may involve:
- Contraception
- Pregnancy planning
- Birth spacing
- Preconception counselling
- Fertility awareness
- Reproductive health counselling
- Discussion of future pregnancy plans
Family planning is not only about preventing pregnancy. It can also help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy when you decide that you are ready to conceive.
At Arctic Gynae Centre, family planning forms part of our broader Women’s Health services, alongside other reproductive and gynaecological care.
Why Is Family Planning Important?
People have different reasons for using family planning.
For some, the goal may be to delay pregnancy. Others may want to space pregnancies or avoid pregnancy for medical, personal or family reasons.
Family planning can also give women an opportunity to discuss their reproductive health with a qualified healthcare professional.
A consultation can help you understand your options and make decisions based on accurate medical information rather than relying on assumptions or advice from unqualified sources.
What Are the Different Family Planning Methods?
There are several types of contraception and family planning methods.
The most appropriate option depends on factors such as your health, age, reproductive plans, medications, medical history and personal preferences.
1. Condoms
Condoms are barrier contraceptives that help prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
They are also an important method for reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections when used correctly.
Both male and female condoms are available, although availability may vary.
2. Birth Control Pills
Oral contraceptive pills contain hormones that help prevent pregnancy.
Different types of pills are available, and they may work in different ways.
Because some medical conditions and medications can affect whether a particular pill is suitable, it is advisable to discuss your options with a healthcare professional before starting hormonal contraception.
3. Injectable Contraception
Injectable contraceptives use hormones to prevent pregnancy and are administered at intervals determined by the specific product.
They can be convenient for women who prefer not to take a daily contraceptive pill.
However, injectable contraception can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.
A healthcare professional can explain the benefits and potential disadvantages before you decide whether to use it.
4. Contraceptive Implants
A contraceptive implant is a small device placed under the skin of the upper arm.
It releases a hormone that helps prevent pregnancy over an extended period.
Implants are reversible, meaning they can be removed when a woman decides she wants to try to become pregnant.
Your healthcare provider can explain how the procedure works and whether it is appropriate for you.
5. Intrauterine Devices
An intrauterine device, commonly called an IUD, is a small device placed inside the uterus.
There are different types of IUDs, including hormonal and non-hormonal options.
IUDs can provide long-term contraception and are reversible.
Because insertion requires a healthcare professional, you should have an appropriate assessment before an IUD is inserted.
6. Fertility Awareness Methods
Fertility awareness involves tracking aspects of the menstrual cycle to identify periods when pregnancy is more or less likely.
Different fertility awareness methods use information such as menstrual cycles, body temperature or changes in cervical mucus.
These methods require consistent and accurate tracking and may not be appropriate for everyone.
A healthcare professional can discuss how fertility awareness works and its limitations.
7. Permanent Contraception
Some individuals may decide that they do not want future pregnancies.
Permanent contraception involves procedures intended to provide a permanent method of preventing pregnancy.
Because these procedures are intended to be permanent, it is important to discuss the decision carefully with a qualified healthcare professional.
How Do You Choose the Right Family Planning Method?
Choosing a contraceptive method is a personal decision, but it should also take your health and medical circumstances into account.
During a family planning consultation, your healthcare provider may ask about:
- Your age
- Your menstrual cycle
- Your medical history
- Existing medical conditions
- Medications
- Previous pregnancies
- Breastfeeding
- Whether you plan to have children in the future
- How soon you may want to become pregnant
- Previous experiences with contraception
This information can help your healthcare provider determine which options may be appropriate.
Does Family Planning Affect Future Fertility?
Many reversible contraceptive methods allow fertility to return after the method is stopped or removed.
However, the time it takes for fertility to return can vary depending on the method and individual circumstances.
If you are concerned about future fertility, discuss this with your healthcare provider before choosing a contraceptive method.
If you are already experiencing difficulty conceiving, Arctic Gynae Centre also provides fertility assessment and treatment as part of its reproductive healthcare services.
Family Planning After Having a Baby
Family planning can also be important after childbirth.
The timing of another pregnancy may depend on several factors, including your health, recovery from pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding and your personal reproductive plans.
Some contraceptive methods may be appropriate during breastfeeding while others may not be recommended in certain circumstances.
It is therefore useful to discuss contraception with your healthcare provider after delivery rather than choosing a method based solely on what worked previously.
Arctic’s Obstetrics services also provide pregnancy and postnatal care.
Can You Get Pregnant While Using Contraception?
No contraceptive method is completely effective in every situation.
Effectiveness can depend on the specific method and, for some methods, how consistently and correctly it is used.
For example, methods that require regular user action may be affected if doses are missed or instructions are not followed.
Long-acting methods such as implants and IUDs do not require daily action, but they still need to be properly fitted or inserted and monitored where appropriate.
Your healthcare provider can explain the expected effectiveness and limitations of different methods.
What About Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception can be used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to reduce the chance of pregnancy.
It is different from regular contraception and is intended for emergency situations rather than routine use.
There are different forms of emergency contraception, and the appropriate option may depend on factors such as how much time has passed since unprotected sex.
If you need advice about emergency contraception, speak with a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist as soon as possible.
Family Planning and Your Reproductive Health
Family planning can be an opportunity to discuss more than contraception.
A reproductive health consultation may also identify concerns such as:
- Irregular periods
- Painful periods
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Hormonal symptoms
- Previous pregnancy complications
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Fertility concerns
- Menopausal symptoms
If you are experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your reproductive health, a gynaecological assessment may be appropriate.
You can learn more about Arctic’s Gynaecology services and the conditions our medical team manages.
When Should You See a Doctor About Family Planning?
You can speak with a healthcare professional if:
- You want to start contraception
- You want to change your current contraceptive method
- You are experiencing side effects
- You want to have a contraceptive implant or IUD
- You want advice about pregnancy spacing
- You are planning a future pregnancy
- You are concerned about your fertility
- You have questions about emergency contraception
- You have symptoms affecting your reproductive health
A consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your options and make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.
Choosing Family Planning in Lagos
If you are searching for family planning in Lagos, consider choosing a healthcare provider where you can discuss contraception and reproductive health confidentially with qualified medical professionals.
It can also be useful to consider whether the clinic provides other women’s healthcare services, particularly if you need ongoing reproductive or gynaecological care.
Arctic Gynae Centre provides women’s health and reproductive healthcare services for women in Lagos and surrounding areas.
Our Women’s Health Clinic provides care covering a range of women’s health needs, while our Gynaecology services provide assessment and management of reproductive health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Planning
What is the best family planning method?
There is no single method that is best for every woman. The appropriate option depends on your health, reproductive plans, preferences and other individual factors.
Can I use family planning while breastfeeding?
Some contraceptive methods may be suitable during breastfeeding, while others may not be recommended in certain circumstances. Speak with your healthcare provider before choosing a method.
Can family planning prevent sexually transmitted infections?
Most contraceptive methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can help reduce the risk of many sexually transmitted infections when used correctly.
Can I become pregnant after stopping contraception?
Many reversible contraceptive methods allow fertility to return after they are discontinued or removed. The timing can vary depending on the method and individual circumstances.
Where can I get family planning in Lagos?
Arctic Gynae Centre provides women’s health and reproductive healthcare services in Lagos. You can book a consultation to discuss family planning and contraception with the medical team.
Get Family Planning Advice in Lagos
Family planning is a personal decision, and having accurate information can help you choose an option that fits your health and reproductive goals.
If you are considering contraception, planning a future pregnancy or simply want to discuss your reproductive health, Arctic Gynae Centre can provide professional guidance based on your individual circumstances.
You can book an appointment with Arctic Gynae Centre to discuss family planning and other women’s health concerns.
You can also explore our Women’s Health services to learn more about the care available.
Arctic Gynae Centre
R5, Atlantic Vista Estate, Olokonla, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos
Phone: +234 913 215 9156
Email: info@arcticobgyn.com
