Report on Short-Term and Long-Term Family Planning Methods, Immunization and Child

Welfare Clinic

Date: 12th January 2024

To: The Physician and the Diseases Control Officer
From: Sandra Agyepong

I. Introduction

This report extensively explores both short-term and long-term family planning methods,
emphasizing their crucial role in reproductive health and the broader context of public health. It
provides comprehensive information on methods such as condoms, foaming tablets, injectables,
implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), offering individuals and couples diverse options tailored
to their preferences and needs. In parallel, the report underscores the pivotal roles of family
planning and immunization in addressing the intertwined issues of contraception and disease
prevention. It delves into the advantages and disadvantages associated with each method, ensuring
a nuanced understanding for informed decision-making. Additionally, the report comprehensively
examines the significance of immunization, a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, and elucidates
the integral role of child welfare clinics in monitoring and fostering child health.

II. Short-Term Family Planning Methods

A. Condoms
Condoms, constructed from latex or polyurethane, serve as a primary means of preventing
unwanted pregnancies and STIs. This section provides a detailed analysis of male and female
condoms, elucidating their composition, mechanism of action, and advantages. The male condom,
a sheath made of thin latex rubber, fits over a man's erect penis, creating a barrier to prevent sperm
from entering the woman's vagina. Conversely, the female condom, a sheath of thin, transparent,
soft plastic, is placed high in the vagina, covering the entire vaginal wall and part of the external
genitalia. Emphasizing their effectiveness, condoms not only prevent sperm-egg fertilization but
also curb the exchange of body fluids, thereby mitigating the spread of STIs, including HIV. The
advantages, such as dual protection and accessibility across different age groups, are juxtaposed
with the inconvenience of interference with the sexual act and the necessity for single-use.

B. Foaming Tablets
This section navigates through the landscape of foaming tablets, an intriguing contraceptive option.
Delving into their composition, application procedure, and advantages, the report underscores the
ease and convenience offered by these tablets. Foaming tablets, when inserted into the vagina
before intercourse, dissolve, and effectively eliminate sperm, providing a lubricating effect.
However, potential interruptions during sexual activity and the likelihood of irritation in some
individuals are recognized as notable disadvantages.

C. Injectable
The report meticulously unpacks injectable contraceptives, delineating their categorization,
administration process, and mechanism of action. With three distinct types - Depo Provera
(Famplan), Noristerat, and Norigynon - administered at varying intervals, injectables present a safe

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and effective contraceptive strategy. By preventing the release of eggs and thickening cervical
mucus, they offer high efficacy. The advantages, ranging from safety and ease of use to privacy
and reversibility, are counterbalanced with potential drawbacks such as changes in menstrual
bleeding, weight gain, and delayed fertility.

III. Long-Term Family Planning Methods

A. Implant
The section on implants provides an exhaustive examination of these capsules placed under the
skin of a woman's upper arm. Focusing on the specific example of the two-rod Jadelle, the report
elucidates the mechanism of action, advantages, and disadvantages. Implants release a drug that
thickens the fluid at the opening of the womb, creating a formidable barrier against sperm passage
and inducing ovulation suppression. Safety and reversibility are highlighted as advantages, while
light spotting between monthly periods and limited user control emerge as disadvantages.

B. Intra Uterine Device (IUD)

Intricately exploring IUDs, the report details their insertion into the uterus, functionality, and
associated advantages and disadvantages. IUDs make it difficult for sperm to move through the
woman's reproductive tract, providing effective and immediately reversible contraception. Despite
advantages such as no weight gain and no interference with intercourse, the absence of STI
protection and a heightened risk of ectopic pregnancy are acknowledged as significant drawbacks.

IV. Immunization

Immunization, as a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, is expounded upon in this section. The

report classifies immunization into active and passive methods, providing a comprehensive
overview of their respective roles. Active immunization involves introducing a harmless form of
the pathogen to stimulate the immune system, fostering a robust and enduring response.
Conversely, passive immunization relies on administering pre-formed antibodies, providing
immediate but short-term protection. The report underscores the significance of immunization as a
process that confers protection against diseases through vaccination.

V. Child Welfare Clinic

The final section of this report delves into the integral role of Child Welfare Clinics in fostering
child health and well-being. With a detailed breakdown of the stages involved, from waiting area
and registration to weighing, immunization, and counseling, the report highlights the multifaceted
nature of these clinics. Child Welfare Clinics emerge as crucial hubs for monitoring a child's health,
development, and growth, offering invaluable guidance and counseling to parents.

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, this extensive report offers a nuanced exploration of family planning methods,
immunization, and the vital role of Child Welfare Clinics. The depth of analysis presented in each
section underscores the complexity and diversity of strategies available for individuals and
communities to achieve comprehensive healthcare. As we navigate the intricacies of reproductive

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health and disease prevention, the report advocates for informed decision-making, heightened
awareness, and continued research to advance the collective well-being of societies.

This report provides comprehensive information on short-term and long-term family planning
methods along with the significance of immunization. These methods play a crucial role in
reproductive health, offering individuals and couples choices that suit their preferences and needs.
Additionally, the report outlines the advantages and disadvantages associated with each method.