What family planning covers
Family planning means having the information and the means to decide whether and when to become pregnant. In practice that includes choosing and starting contraception, changing a method that is not working for you, and planning ahead if you hope to become pregnant later.
South African law recognises this directly: the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act describes family planning and contraception as part of the reproductive healthcare everyone should have access to.
The main types of contraception
The World Health Organization groups contraceptive methods broadly as follows:
- Long-acting or permanent methods — implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and sterilisation
- Hormonal methods used regularly — pills, injections, patches and vaginal rings
- Barrier methods — condoms
- Fertility awareness-based methods and withdrawal, which are generally less reliable
Each has advantages and drawbacks. Some need you to remember something every day; others work for years once fitted. Some contain hormones; others do not.
How a clinician helps you choose
A clinician’s job is not to choose for you. It is to check which methods are medically suitable, explain honestly how each works and what side effects are common, and help you match a method to your priorities.
Not every method is available at every clinic. Ask us which methods are offered where you plan to attend, and we will tell you.
If your needs change
Contraception is not a one-off decision. Bodies, relationships and plans change. If a method is causing side effects you are unhappy with, or simply no longer fits, it is reasonable to come back and try something else.