Family planning and contraceptive methods
Contraceptive methods, are used to prevent a pregnancy. There are contraceptive methods available for men as well as women. 

Contraceptives for women include, female condoms, orals, injectable, Intrauterine devices IUD’S) and diaphragms. For men, there are male condoms. These methods can also be used in combination with spermicides. Natural methods are also an option for those who are against the use of drugs and devices. Female and male sterilization are permanent methods of contraception. 

The Condom
The male condom is a thin sheath (usually made of latex, a type of rubber) that is worn on the erect penis. The ejaculated semen is collected in the condom, preventing it from enter the vagina and thus preventing fertilization and pregnancy.

Using a condom, at every sexual encounter and before the penis comes in contact with the vagina, is very important for the prevention of pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and HIV.  After intercourse the condom, should be carefully rolled of the penis and tied in a knot. The best way to dispose of a condom is to wrap it in a tissue and throw it in the trashcan.

Condoms are for single use only

Disadvantages:

• Some complain that using a condom, dims the sensation or sexual arousal.
• It may diminish the desire to have sex.
• It may be considered an interruption to foreplay.

Advantages:

• No risk to health.
• It is cheap and easily available
• Provides protection against pregnancy and STI''s, including HIV and AIDS.

 

Possible side effects or symptoms
Some, male as well as female may experience genital irritation when using a condom. The rubber/latex or the lubricant on the condoms, may cause an allergic reaction, resulting in Itching, burning or redness. 

Who can use the condom?
Anyone who has sexual intercourse and does not want to become pregnant or infected with a sexually transmitted disease can use a condom. You do not need a prescription, it's cheap and easily available.

If you are at risk of a sexually transmitted disease, because you and / or your partner have sex with multiple partners, the use of a condom is highly recommended.

 

Female Condom
The female condom is a contraceptive sheath (or pouch) that can prevent an unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and AIDS. This method is an improvement for women, because it means not having to rely on the man to wear the condom and it can help women to take control of their sexual health. 

A female condom is a tube of soft plastic with a closed end.  The ring at the closed end is inserted deep into the vagina. It has flexible inner ring that holds the condom in place. The soft outer ring on the wide, open end of the condom, will remain outside the vagina. After being inserted, the condom adapts the skin temperature, which is pleasurable for both partners during intercourse.   The female condom can be inserted into the vagina some time before having sex by using a lubricant. 

The Advantages & Disadvantages of the female condom

Advantages:

• The material of the female condom (polyurethane) is 2 times as strong as the male condom latex.
• Female condoms protect naturally.
• Female condoms can be used as needed.
• Female condoms not only protect against unwanted pregnancies, but also against STI and HIV / AIDS.
• After a pregnancy the female condom is an excellent contraceptive method.  The natural function enables the female body to recover.
• There are usually no symptoms of skin irritation, allergic reaction and no vaginal lesions.
• You do not need a prescription from your doctor.

Femidom is a reliable female condom currently available on the Surinamese market.

Possible disadvantages:

• Some people say it diminishes sexual pleasure
• Some people find it annoying to insert the female condom.

 

IMPORTANT!!!

• Some people need time to get used to the use of female condoms and find it annoying to insert a female condom during sex. Practice makes perfect, and sometimes you need to make choices for your own health.
• When buying condoms, always check for the expiration date.
• Follow the instructions precis. Proper use is important.
• If you find that intercourse is difficult, you can use a lubricant.
• The female condom can move or slide a bit, this is normal.
• A female condom can be used one time only.
• After sex, you should always check to see if the the female condom has been damaged.

For more information about the female condom, you can visit the Department for Education and Training, Monday-Friday, between 7.00am-15.00pm. 

 

Oral Contraceptives (The pill)
Oral contraceptive pills should be taken daily. One pack or one cycle of pills has 21 tablets, which contain hormones. These hormones prevent egg cells in the ovaries to mature, which prevents ovulation and fertilization of the egg cells.
Start taking the pill during your menstruation period, and continue to take one pill every day, preferably at the same time. When starting with contraceptives instructions and guidance on the use thereof are provided by the nurses at Lobi.

Disadvantages:

• Oral contraceptives should be taken every day.
• Oral contraceptives can cause side effects and irregular use can lead to irregular bleeding.
• Oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections and HIV AIDS.

Advantages:

• Oral contraceptives are reliable method for preventing pregnancies.
• Regular use and consistent use can regulate your menstrual cycle. During your cycle you may experience little to no pain at all. 
• Oral contraceptives do not interrupt with sexual intercourse, because you do not need to take it, shortly before, during, or after intercourse.

Possible side effects or symptoms:

• The use of the pill may have side effects or symptoms.

In summary:

• In some women the breasts become larger.
• Some women may suffer pain or  tenderness of the breasts.
• Possible nausea and vomiting, especially in the beginning.
• Possible gain in body weight.
• Reduced menstrual flow or absence thereof.
• Possible bleeding between periods.
• Oral contraceptives may cause some women to desire sex more and other women less.

Who can use the pill?
Basically every woman can use oral contraceptives, however because of some diseases or health related issues, it is not suitable for every woman. In these cases physical examination and regular monitoring are important.

It is advised against using the pill if a woman has any of the following conditions:

• high blood pressure
• tendency to thrombosis
• liver disease
• coronary, collapsed lung, stroke
• breast cancer

Furthermore, oral contraceptives are not recommended for women over 35 who smoke and women who suffer from epilepsy, migraine attacks and goiter.

Female sterilization
If a woman is certain that she does not want (more) children than sterilization is a good option. Sterilization is a permanent surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy. It blocks the   fallopian tubes, so the sperm cells can’t reach the egg cells to fertilize them. Sterilization does not interrupt the menstrual cycles. The ability to have orgasms and the desire for sex is not affected by the surgery. 

 Disadvantages of sterilization:

• Costs are relatively high.
• Sometimes permission from your husband is required.

Benefits of sterilization:

• Simple surgical procedure.
• Effect occurs immediately. 

Side Effects:

• Rare: Postoperative wound infection.
• Blood clot formation.
• Perforation of other organs during surgery.

 

Spermicidal Products or Spermicides
Spermicide is a birth control method that contains chemicals that make sperm cells inactive, which stops them from moving, prevent them from entering the uterus.  Spermicides are available in different forms, including creams, jellies and vaginal tablets.  Before intercourse, the spermicide is inserted into the vagina by means of an applicator or with the fingers if using vaginal ovules or tablets. The spermicide spreads through the vagina and the cervix, preventing the sperm to travel from the vagina into the uterus.

Disadvantages of spermicides:

• The effectiveness is very low if used without a condom or other barrier method, e.g. diaphragm.

Advantages of spermicides:

• Easy to use.
• Easily available.

Side Effects:

• Burning sensation when urinating.
• Itching on the external genitals.

 

Male sterilization
If one is sure that they do not want (more) children, than sterilization is a good option. During this procedure, the male vas deferens, two tubes that carry the sperm to the penis,  are severed and then tied.  The prostate and seminal vesicles, function normally after the procedure. It is recommended to use another contraceptive method for up to twelve weeks, as sperm may still be in the seminal duct.  Six to twelve weeks after surgery, the seminal fluid is tested for sperm cells. If the sperm cells are cleared from the seminal fluid, the procedure was successful. Male sexual drive, pleasure and performance are not affected by sterilization. 

Disadvantages sterilization:

A back up method of birth control is necessary after a sterilization until the sperm cells have been cleared from the seminal fluid.

Benefits sterilization:

• One time minor single surgery.
• The risk of complications after a sterilization is very low.

Side Effects:

• Shortly after surgery, pain, bleeding under skin, bruising, in some cases local infection may occur.
• Inflammation of the testicle.
• Spontaneous reanastomosis, this is when a new connection between the vas deferens and the testicles is created which reverses the effects of the surgery and reestablishing fertility. At present, this is almost impossible, given the availability of modern techniques.