HOWUKNOW BLOG
10 REASONS WHY MALAYSIAN COUPLES NEED MODERN FAMILY PLANNING
Posted on: August 16, 2024
Newspapers and online articles 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 and Contraception
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.
The Benefits of Family Planning and Birth Control Methods for Women
Family Planning Prevents Health Related 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 a high-risk e.g. older age group or have medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it further ensures that you are prepared and have taken the necessary steps how to manage your pregnancy by consulting your doctor.
Family Planning and Birth Control Prevent Abortion
It is extremely important to remember that not everyone is ready to adapt to new responsibilities. Having children comes with a huge responsibility that not everyone can handle. If they are not ready, some partners might opt to abort their baby. Family planning and birth control can prevent this from happening.
Decide the Size of Your Family with Family Planning and Contraception
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 With family planning, all partners can decide how many children they want depending on their comfort. It is also better to plan and consider the mother’s age for pregnancy with family planning.
Family Planning for Women to Focus on Education and Career
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
The Importance of Family Planning in Reducing Unintended Pregnancies
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.
The Benefits of Family Planning for Children
Infant Mortality Rates without Family Planning and Birth Control
Family planning may save your child's life when you use it to space your pregnancies to at least two years apart. Pregnancies that are too close together have been shown to increase infant mortality rates (rates of babies dying before the first year of life).3 This has been linked to a condition called “maternal depletion syndrome”, which basically means your body is physically unable to support a healthy pregnancy and, in turn, a healthy baby.6 When births are spaced too close, your child is more likely to be premature, weak and have a low birth weight.
Family Planning can Improve Children’s Quality of Life
Children whose parents practice family planning enjoy better resources.7 Children with fewer siblings have parents that are able to devote more time and financial resources, which has a positive impact on their educational attainment and future.
The Benefits of Family Planning for Spouses
Family Planning and Financial Stability for Men
Family planning not only brings economic stability to women but to the men in the relationship. It gives them more time and resources to complete their education and aim at getting better jobs without the added responsibilities of being a father until they are ready to do so.5
The Suitability of Family Planning for Both Working Parents
Living in today’s society, most couples need to work to start a family. Having a child requires a commitment to their growth, and that includes proper childcare. Hence, it is not suitable to have children without properly planning the age gap between them.
The lack of support in childcare, including the financial resources or family support to provide childcare, is one of the most quoted issues among couples.8
Father figure: Unplanned families mean added responsibilities and stress to the men in the relationships as well. It may mean a poor quality relationship with the mother and less time with the children because of financial instability forcing them to be absent from the home due to extra work.8
Family Planning and Health
Including men in family planning conversations could help drive the uptake of family planning. If your husband is educated about family planning, conversations around your health and birth control will only get easier.
So, if having kids is not on your agenda, being on birth control is a journey that you can seriously consider. It’s your right to take control of your body and your life circumstances, and the time is now. Consult your doctor to find out more about the different methods of family planning
References:
- Najafi-Sharjabad F, Abdul Rahman H, Hanafiah M, Syed Yahya, SZ. Spousal communication on family planning and perceived social support for contraceptive practices in a sample of Malaysian women. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2014;19(7 Suppl 1):S19-S27. Available at Reference link Accessed on 19 September 2018.
- Najafi-Sharjabad F, Syed Yahya SZ, Abdul Rahman H, Hanafiah M, Abdul Manaf R. Barriers of modern contraceptive practices among Asian women: a mini literature review. Glob J Health Sci. 2013;5(5): 181-192. Available at Reference link Accessed on 19 September 2018.
- Family planning.org. Benefits of contraception use. Available at Reference link Accessed on 19 September 2018.
- World Health Organization. Family planning/contraception. Available at Reference link Accessed on 19 September 2018.
- Sonfield A, Hasstedt K, Kavanaugh ML, Anderson R. The social and economic benefits of women’s ability to determine whether and when to have children. 2013. New York: Guttmacher Institute. Available at Reference link Accessed on 19 September 2018.
- Davanzo J, Hale L, Razzaque A, Rahman M. The effects of pregnancy spacing on infant and child mortality in Matlab, Bangladesh: how they vary by the type of pregnancy outcome that began the interval. Popul Stud (Camb). 2008;62(2): 131-154. Available at Reference link Accessed on 19 September 2018.
- Population matters.org. The financial case for smaller families. Available at Reference link Accessed on 19 September 2018.
- Kavanaugh ML, Kost K, Frohwirth L, Maddow-Zimet I, Gor V. Parents’ experience of unintended childbearing: a qualitative study of factors that mitigate or exacerbate effects. Soc Sci Med. 2017;174:133-141. Available at Reference link Accessed on 19 September 2018
