FAQ

WHERE CAN I GET A FAMILY PLANNING METHOD?? WHAT IS THE BEST FAMILY PLANNING METHOD FOR ME?? WHAT IS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT FAMILY PLANNING METHODS?? WHAT IS FAMILY PLANNING?? WILL USING FAMILY PLANNING METHODS AFFECT MY ABILITY TO BECOME PREGNANT?? HOW CAN I INCREASE MY CHANCES OF DELIVERING A HEALTHY BABY?? HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I WAIT BETWEEN PREGNANCIES?? WHAT IS MISCARRIAGE?? WHAT ARE THE BODY CHANGES GIRLS AND BOYS GO THROUGH TO BECOME WOMEN AND MEN?? WHAT IS A PERIOD?? WHAT ARE STIS?? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF STIS?? WHERE CAN I BE TESTED FOR STIS??

WHERE CAN I GET A FAMILY PLANNING METHOD??

Some family planning methods require a medical prescription and qualified medical professional to administer them such as IUDs, injections and implants while others such as condoms are available without a prescription at your local pharmacy. Consult your doctor or find a MSIY clinic to access family planning methods.

WHAT IS THE BEST FAMILY PLANNING METHOD FOR ME??

In order to determine the most appropriate family planning method for you consult your health care professional.

WHAT IS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT FAMILY PLANNING METHODS??

When used regularly and correctly contraceptive methods are very effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. The most effective methods are IUDs, injections, and implants. Pills and condoms are also effective however they must be used consistently and properly. For more information on the different contraceptive methods offered by Yamaan

WHAT IS FAMILY PLANNING??

The World Health Organization writes “family planning allows individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births. It is achieved through use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of involuntary infertility. A woman’s ability to space and limit her pregnancies has a direct impact on her health and well-being as well as on the outcome of each pregnancy.”

WILL USING FAMILY PLANNING METHODS AFFECT MY ABILITY TO BECOME PREGNANT??

No. Using a family planning method for any length of time does not reduce a woman’s ability to have a baby. There is no risk of infertility from using a family planning method.

HOW CAN I INCREASE MY CHANCES OF DELIVERING A HEALTHY BABY??

Good nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices are important before and during pregnancy. During pregnancy, DO NOT chew Qat or smoke cigarettes. These activities can severely damage your health and the health of the baby. During your pregnancy be sure to visit your health care provider regularly and follow his/her counsel.

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I WAIT BETWEEN PREGNANCIES??

Women should wait at least 2–3 years between pregnancies in order to reduce the risk of adverse maternal, perinatal and infant outcomes. If you become pregnant six months after your last birth there is a greater chance of death, while intervals of around 18 months or shorter are associated with elevated risk of infant, neonatal and perinatal mortality, low birth weight, small size for gestational age, and pre-term delivery. For the mother and child waiting 2-3 years is best.

WHAT IS MISCARRIAGE??

A miscarriage is the loss of an embryo or fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Many women experience miscarriages. They are completely natural and you should not blame yourself for your miscarriage.

WHAT ARE THE BODY CHANGES GIRLS AND BOYS GO THROUGH TO BECOME WOMEN AND MEN??

Puberty is the name given to the physical changes our bodies go through as we age. It is different depending on your sex. Puberty may begin in girls between the ages of 10 to 16. During this time you grow in height and weight quickly. Breasts start to appear and pubic hair begins to grow. During the later years, your hips will start to widen in relation to your waist and underarm hair will begin to grow. Your vagina also begins secreting a clear, whitish fluid called vaginal discharge and shortly after you will receive your first period.In boys puberty shows different symptoms but is around the same age as for girls. It takes a boy 4-6 years to complete puberty. The changes include growing taller and heavier, voice deepening, hair growth and penis, testicle and scrotum development. Sometimes one testicle grows faster than the other which is normal. Because his testicles produce sperm and his prostate produces semen, boys may experience wet dreams (erotic dreams accompanied by ejaculation). This is normal as is experiencing spontaneous erections, not all of which are for sexual reasons.

WHAT IS A PERIOD??

Period is the common name given to monthly menstruation or bleeding. Menstruation takes place every 21-35 days, most commonly every 28 days. It is the passing of an unfertilized egg. A period usually lasts about 3-7 days. The normal amount of menstrual flow for your entire period is about a quarter of a cup. Menstruation stops when an egg is fertilized and a woman becomes pregnant.

WHAT ARE STIS??

Sexually transmitted infections, also known as STDs short for sexually transmitted diseases are caused by infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact. Very often these infections do not cause symptoms, particularly for men. There are many kinds of STIs the most common include: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HPV, Herpes, Trichomoniasis, Scabies, Genital Warts, Pubic Lice, and HIV.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF STIS??

Symptoms of STIs, except for HIV, can be itching, coloured discharge, smell, pain, blisters or bumps. However, often individuals particularly men do not experience symptoms. If you think you may have an STI request to be tested by your health provider or visit an MSIY clinic. A list of clinics is available here.

WHERE CAN I BE TESTED FOR STIS??

MSIY clinics test for STIs.