The very words ‘contraception’ ‘Family Planning’ evokes such extreme response in the Christian circle. Many Couples are seeking to find a balanced view.

“Children are a heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them “PS. 127:3,5. Christians who ardently follow this think it is ‘ananthema’ to even mention words like contraception or Family planning. They consider women as ‘Baby producers’ – who should be willing to bring forth any number at shortest interval.

The other extreme takes the ‘right to life’ in their hands. They in planning their family use ‘abortion’ as means of contraception. They give all sorts of flimsy reasons: the first child is too small; I didn’t have a proper servant; I have a tough boss; I get severe vomiting throughout pregnancy; My husband feels we cannot have one more issue now; we will be better prepared one year later, etc.

Christians are called to weigh both the views and come to a balanced opinion and practice. We need discernment and guidance from God concerning this important aspect of family life. ‘Supersonic’ 21st century with its one room apartments, working mothers, and nuclear families – makes children really a rich heritage. We are called to be good stewards of this ‘rich heritage’. Time is one of the biggest gifts we can give a baby. Time to breastfeed, to cuddle and to play. Later on, we need time to discipline, to teach, to listen and to talk. The early years are the most formative in a child’s life. Their early experiences affect the rest of their lives.

Having children at short intervals deprive the children their all round development physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. This adversely affect the health and efficiency of the mother. She needs atleast 2-3 years to recuperate and replenish original stores and prepare for the next pregnancy.

The contraceptive devices that are freely available in India to us, can be divided into Temporary and Permanent contraceptives.

A – Temporary includes

– Natural Methods

– Barrier

-Chemical

– Hormonal

– Intrauterine Device

B- Permanent Contraception

-Tubectomy for women

– Vasectomy for men

1.Natural Methods

(a) Abstinence: This can be used to a short period 6 – 8 weeks after delivery. Depriving the husband for a long time leads to many Psychological as well as marital disharmony. That is why Paul says in I Cor 7:5 ‘do not deprive one another except with consent for a time’.

(b) Safe period: Most ideal method that can be used by couples who have good understanding (not a demanding husband). More over the menstrual cycle has to be regular so that the safe period can be calculated. This is based on the fact the ‘ovum’ from the ovary is released only once in every cycle. The day of release of the ovum called ovulation falls 14 days before the next cycle. (ex) in a 28 days cycle the day of ovulation falls on 14th day (ie) 14 days from the cycle. In 26 days cycle the day of ovulation falls on 12th day from the previous cycle. In 35 days cycle the day of ovulation falls on 21st day from the previous cycle. 3-4 days before and 3-4 days after ovulation is considered as unsafe period. (ex) In 28 days cycle 1 1th – 17th day from the last cycle (1st day of the last cycle is the 1st day of whole cycle and not the end of the periods, consider the first day of the next cycle) is unsafe. Avoiding intercourse during these days can prevent conception.

2.Barrier: Widely available and used is Nirodh for men.

3. Chemical contraceptives are not ideal and much cumber- some to use.

More over failure rate with these are very high.

4.Hormonal – This method of contraception is well accepted and used world wide. The hormones that are used in the ‘Pill’ are estrogen and progesterone. There are varying combinations and varying methods of administering the hormones – oral, subdermal implants, injectable etc. The mechanism of action is that the hormones in the pill suppress the normal cyclical Rhythm of the ovarian function and thus prevent ovulation, thus preventing fertilisation – conception.

(ex) Overal; Triquilar; Mala D; Mala N (Supplied by Govt)

Hormones can produce side effects such as nausea, vomitting, weight gain, pain in the breast, pimples (acne) in the face, headache etc. The most important contradiction for the use of hormones are obesity; Hypertension; Diabetes; previous Liver disorder; Heart diseases; previous thrombo embolic phenomenon (Venous Problem). So please check with a doctor before starting on hormonal contraceptive. Irregularity in taking the pills will not prevent conception and may lead to irregular bleeding.

-Dr. Jessie Lionel