Family planning and contraception
What family planning is, the main types of contraception, and common worries.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
📝 Audio transcript
Family planning and contraception.
Family planning lets people choose whether and when to have children, and how many. It is done using contraception and, for couples who struggle to get pregnant, treatment for infertility.
Some methods are very effective and last a long time: implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs or coils), and sterilisation. Others work well when used correctly every time: pills, injections, patches and vaginal rings. Condoms prevent pregnancy if used correctly. Methods based on tracking fertile days, and withdrawal, are less reliable.
The methods in WHO guidelines have been tested for safety and are safe for most people. Modern contraceptives do not cause infertility.
The right method depends on your health, your needs and what you prefer. A health worker can help you choose.
Condoms are the only method that protects against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
When should I get help?
- Talk to a health worker to choose a method that suits you.
- If you have side effects that worry you, go back to a health worker rather than stopping on your own.
Key things to remember
- Implants and IUDs are among the most effective methods.
- Modern contraceptives do not cause infertility.
- Only condoms also protect against STIs and HIV.
📖 Read the full lesson
Family planning lets people choose whether and when to have children, and how many. It is done using contraception and, for couples who struggle to get pregnant, treatment for infertility.
Some methods are very effective and last a long time: implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs or coils), and sterilisation. Others work well when used correctly every time: pills, injections, patches and vaginal rings. Condoms prevent pregnancy if used correctly. Methods based on tracking fertile days, and withdrawal, are less reliable.
The methods in WHO guidelines have been tested for safety and are safe for most people. Modern contraceptives do not cause infertility.
The right method depends on your health, your needs and what you prefer. A health worker can help you choose.
Condoms are the only method that protects against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
📚 Sources
- World Health Organization — Family planning/contraception methods (fact sheet) 3 Jul 2025 · accessed 31 Oct 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-007 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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