Although there may be various religious and cultural influences opposing the use of contraceptive methods, no one has the right to deny your right to choose a family planning method that suits you.
Why is contraception important?
1. Delaying childbirth and preventing unplanned pregnancies
A sexually active couple may wish to have children in the future but may need to delay childbirth due to economic or social reasons. Temporary contraceptive methods can be used for this purpose.
The use of these methods does not cause any harm to future fertility; they only delay pregnancy while they are being used.
2. Spacing between pregnancies
Pregnancy and childbirth can be physically and mentally demanding for a mother. After giving birth, a mother’s body may be weakened and nutrient stores may be reduced.
Using contraception to increase the interval between two pregnancies allows the mother’s body to recover and restore nutritional balance.
This reduces complications during pregnancy and fetal development, and lowers the risk of stillbirth and infant mortality. It also improves the overall health of the newborn.
In addition, proper spacing ensures that the older child receives adequate care and attention, without being neglected due to the demands of a new baby.
3. Permanent contraception after completing the family
When a couple decides—either by choice or due to economic and social reasons—that they have had the desired number of children, they may choose permanent contraceptive methods to prevent further pregnancies.
What contraceptive methods are available?
A lack of awareness about contraception remains a major issue in Sri Lankan society. In particular, it is important for women to understand their bodies and the options available to control pregnancy decisions.
Temporary contraceptive methods
- Condoms – A rubber sheath worn over an erect penis that prevents semen from entering the vagina and collects it inside the condom.
- Oral contraceptive pills – A pack of 28 pills, taken one pill daily without interruption.
- Depo-Provera injection (DMPA) – An injection administered every 90 days continuously.
- Implant – A small rod inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm.
Oral contraceptive pills, Depo-Provera injections, and implants all work by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.
- Intrauterine device (IUD / Loop) – A small plastic device inserted into the uterus. It prevents fertilization of the egg and implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.
Permanent contraceptive methods
For women – LRT (Tubal ligation surgery)
In this procedure, the fallopian tubes—which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus—are blocked through a small surgical incision in the lower abdomen under anesthesia.
For men – Vasectomy
In this procedure, the vas deferens, which carry sperm from the testes, are blocked through a small incision made under local anesthesia in the scrotum. After this, the semen released during ejaculation does not contain sperm.