[Family planning and contraception]. / Familjeplanering och anticonception.

PIP: The definition, early history, and practical implications of family planning are discussed as well as the age groups affected by it, choice of contraceptive methods, and effect on abortion rate. The introduction of oral contraceptives in the 1960's revolutionalized sexual behavior, but had a detrimental effect on family life. In Finland, a new law was passed in 1972 to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to help plan family size by providing advice about contraceptive use. As early as the 1800's there were efforts to disseminate information about family planning, but programs began in earnest only in the 1960's and 1970's. Advice about family planning is especially important to underage groups, those wishing childspacing, women over 40 -- because of risk of birth defects -- and to women whose health is threatened by complications in pregnancy. In Finland about 16,000 abortions are performed per year (most of the decisions are attributable to social reasons), and worldwide 50,000,000 procedures take place annually. 1/10 of all marriages in Finland are childless because of infertility (50% of infertile persons are women, 40% men). The choice of contraceptives is important: condoms protect not only against unwanted pregnancy but also against venereal disease. About 13-14% of all women in Finland use the pill, which is better for young women than IUDs; however, the pill is not recommended for women over 35, nor for those who are overweight or who smoke. IUDs can cause pain or irregular menstruation, but these risks can be eliminated by proper examination before fitting. About 80% of IUd users are satisfied with the device. Recently, a hormonal IUD has been put on the market. The age of women bearing their 1st child has increased to 28-30 years because of modern contraceptives; and since fertility decreases after age 30-35, it is very likely that family size will be smaller in the future.^ieng