Q: Hello Dr. Please I need your advice. I have two daughters and would want to wait for three years before another because I had both through C-Section. However, I do not want to go for family planning because I heard it’s not really ideal for a lady still bearing children. Please, how do I avoid pregnancy for these three years? Thank you, Ma’am

A: Hello Madam, it’s a great idea to plan your pregnancies and space them appropriately. It not only enables the mother recover fully from the previous pregnancy, it also helps the family plan financially and give the children the care they deserve.

There are quite a number of methods which can be employed; we have the traditional methods and the conventional /modern methods. The traditional methods include the use coitus interruptus, where the man withdraws just before ejaculation. This method is often ineffective and the chances of getting pregnant are high. Lactation amenorrhea is when the woman breastfeeds exclusively for six months and thus delays the return of her menses. This method is only effective when exclusive breastfeeding is practiced, and is highly variable between individuals such that pregnancy can still happen in some cases. Periodic abstinence is similar to the rhythm/calendar method, where intercourse is avoided during fertile times (1 week before ovulation and 3 days after). This method involves observing and taking notes of changes in the body such as changes in cervical mucus, body temperature and breast tenderness, over a couple of months. From these you can predict your likely fertile period (ovulation). This method is more widely acceptable; however it requires commitment and motivation. There are however some apps, that have been designed to make this easier, we also have the cycle beads for those that find this a bit confusing.

The choice is yours, however I would advise you visit a family planning clinic where you would be assessed, given further advice or clarifications. To clarify your misconceptions, family planning i.e. the conventional/ modern methods, can be used by most women in the reproductive age group, whether or not you want to continue having children. There are various methods which do not interfere with your chances of a future pregnancy, and you would be educated and advised on such methods on visiting a family planning clinic.

Best wishes!

*****The answer to this post was contributed by a guest doctor blogger

For related posts, please click on the link:

Daily Health Tips: Salt Water Solution For Contraception In A Hypertensive etc

Daily Health Tips: Contraception

Have a good night y’all 😀