Family planning involves making informed decisions about when to have children and how many to have. Contraceptives are methods used to prevent or space pregnancies, ensuring individuals and couples have greater control over their reproductive health and family size.

The five methods of family planning include:

• Barrier Methods: Condoms and diaphragms that prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
• Hormonal Methods: Birth control pills, patches, injections, and implants that regulate ovulation.
• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Small devices inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilization.
• Permanent Methods: Tubal ligation (female sterilization) and vasectomy (male sterilization).
• Natural Methods: Tracking ovulation and avoiding intercourse during fertile periods.

The purpose of contraception is to prevent unintended pregnancies by inhibiting fertilization or implantation of the fertilized egg, allowing individuals and couples to plan and control their family size and reproductive health.

The most commonly used contraceptive method is the birth control pill, a hormonal method taken orally to prevent ovulation and fertilization.

Contraception refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy, focusing on inhibiting fertilization or implantation. Family planning encompasses a broader approach, including contraception methods as well as decisions about when to have children and how many to have, considering individual and family circumstances.