The WHO definition of Family Planning states that it is ‘’a way of thinking and living that is adopted voluntarily upon the basis of knowledge, attitudes and responsible decisions by individuals and couples to promote health and welfare of the family group and thus contribute effectively to the social development of the country.’’

Types of Family planning methods:

There are various methods of family planning. These methods have different mechanisms of action and effectiveness in preventing unintended pregnancy.  The types include: Short-acting, Long-acting, Natural methods and permanent methods of contraceptives.

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Classification of Family Planning Methods

Using the chart below, here's a more detailed classification of the methods

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WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC)

This is an outline of a suitable family planning method for different categories of women. They are:

  1. Women who have not given birth can use Pills, POP, Injectables, Implants
  2. The HIV positive woman who is on ARVs can generally use any family planning method (category 1)
  3. Women at high risk of HIV infection, with HIV infection or AIDS should not use spermicides (category 4)
  4. Women who are clinically well on ART therapy can generally use the IUD (category 2)
  5. Women with HIV who have no AIDs can generally use an IUD (category 2)
  6. Women who are breastfeeding should generally not use progestin-only contraceptives (category 3) until six weeks postpartum
  7. Management of common side effects of contraceptives.