HOWUKNOW BLOG

Magazines and newspapers shout out confusing and, often, opposite facts about it. And your friends, cousins, even your yoga teacher— all seem to perpetuate this confusion surrounding, “the Pill”.

Today, only a third of married Malaysian women are practicing modern contraceptive methods¹. One of the major factors for low uptake of modern contraception methods by women is their lack of knowledge. In Asia, spouse’s disapproval and influence from mothers-in-law, peers and elders play a big part in women’s decision to use modern contraception. Additionally, perceived problems caused by these methods lead to a believe that they are unable to follow religious rituals.¹

What are the different types of modern contraceptive methods?²

• Pills – including combined oral contraceptives
• Male and female condoms
• Spermicides – usually in the form of a gel applied to the vagina prior to intercourse, that contains a substance which kills sperms
• Male sterilization (vasectomy)
• Female sterilization (tubal ligation)
• Intra-uterine devices (IUDs)
• Implants
• Injectable

Making A Case For Family Planning

It’s crucial to educate Malaysian women about the benefits, effectiveness and safety profiles of current methods of hormonal birth control. Since its introduction, contraceptives have helped women plan their pregnancies. Family planning helps women take control of their health and well-being, and the outcomes of subsequent pregnancies. This in turn has positive impact on their families.

Family Planning Benefits For Women:

1. Prevents pregnancy-related health risks – Pregnancy and the act of childbirth have inherent risks regardless of how “normal” it is.³ Family planning allows you to decide and prepare your body, mind and emotions to fully support a pregnancy. If you are at high-risk e.g. older age group, have medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it further ensures that you are prepared and have taken necessary steps on how to manage your pregnancy by consulting your doctor.

2. Prevents unintended pregnancies and therefore reduces the need for unsafe abortions.⁴

3. Gives you the choice to limit the size of your family. Studies have shown that women with more than 4 children are at higher risk of maternal death due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth.⁴

4. A report by the Guttmacher Institute determined that when women, especially younger women, had access to the pill as a family planning method, it increased the likelihood of women advancing their education, which in turn supports acquiring and securing professional jobs and economic stability.⁵

Do you know studies have shown that unintended pregnancies may increase dissatisfaction and cause disruption in relationships? The change of unplanned additional responsibilities socially and economically within a family dynamic has been shown to disrupt the quality of relationships.⁵

In a nutshell:

The benefits of family planning are not only for women, but also for the whole family.

• Physical, mental and emotional well-being for mothers and fathers.
• Healthy babies who are given enough love and resources for a better and brighter future.
• A stable family structure and dynamic – physically, mentally, emotionally and financially.