NEET PG High-Yield: Family Planning
Family planning is a vital public health strategy that empowers couples to space or limit the number of children, directly reducing maternal and infant mortality.
Contraceptive Methods (Classification)
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Barrier | Condoms, Diaphragms. |
| Hormonal | Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), Injectables (DMPA), Implants. |
| Intrauterine | Cu-T 380 A, levonorgestrel IUS. |
| Permanent | Tubectomy (Female), Vasectomy (Male). |
Key Public Health Concepts
- Pearl Index: Measure of contraceptive effectiveness (number of unintended pregnancies per 100 woman-years of exposure). Lower is better.
- Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM): Effective only if: <6 months postpartum, fully breastfeeding, and amenorrheic.
- Emergency Contraception (ECP): Levonorgestrel (1.5 mg) taken as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours.
- Vasectomy: Simpler, safer, and cheaper than tubectomy. Requires follow-up semen analysis to confirm azoospermia.
High-Yield NEET PG Pearls:
- Most Effective (Reversible): Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) like Cu-T or Implants.
- Contraindications for Combined OCPs: Smoking in women >35 years, history of DVT/PE, breast cancer, severe hypertension, and migraine with aura.
- Non-Contraceptive Benefits of OCPs: Reduction in risk of ovarian/endometrial cancer, regulation of cycles, and reduction in dysmenorrhea.
- MTP Act (India): Legal framework for Medical Termination of Pregnancy, recently amended to increase the gestational limit for specific categories.