Four Types of Artificial Family Planning Methods

1. Now, more than ever before, as ambitious couples race to pursue their education
and career goals, many choose to postpone -- or delay indefinitely -- having children.
They want to wait for the right moment before adding kids to the mix. On the other side
of the coin are those millions of men and women of reproductive age who face infertility
problems. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, infertility is
equally prevalent in women as in men, and these couples must use alternative
procedures to conceive. Fortunately, artificial family planning methods cater both to
those couples seeking to avoid unwanted pregnancies, and to those who cannot
conceive through natural means.
Intrauterine Insemination
2. IUI is an artificial insemination method in which the use of a catheter is involved to
inject semen into the uterus. While reproductive endocrinologists typically handle this
procedure, many women choose to do it themselves at home, using home insemination
kits purchased online. Success rates vary but can reach approximately 60 percent if
done through fertility centers. Costs for this procedure are usually between $300 and
$800, as of 2010.
IUD Birth Control
3. Also known as the "Copper T," the IUD is a small device made of plastic, metal, or
copper that is inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilization. Currently, the IUD is the
most commonly used form of female birth control on the market. Although costs can fall
between $500 to $1,000, depending on insurance plans and details, the IUD is effective
for up to 12 years. It can be removed if and when pregnancy is desired.
In Vitro Fertilization
4. Since the 1980s, more than 250,000 babies have been born via IVF. This procedure
involves combining male sperm cells with female ovarian eggs in a laboratory. Once
fertilization occurs, the embryo is placed in the uterus where it begins to develop
naturally. Less than 5 percent of infertile couples use this method, however, IVS remains
one of the only options to offer infertile couples the opportunity to produce children
biologically related to both parties. This procedure typically costs around $12,400, as of
2010.
Condoms
5. Condoms are the most common male contraceptive method on the market. They act
as a barrier between the sperm cells and the inside of the vagina, thereby preventing
the fertilization process. Ideally, condoms are about 97 percent effective in preventing
pregnancy, but the more realistic statistics cite a range of 80 percent to 90 percent as
being more accurate. Condoms are convenient in that they are inexpensive and can be
found in most drugstores.

FULL ANSWER

One method of "natural" family planning is the calendar, or "rhythm," method.

This involves abstaining from unprotected sex for approximately nine days a
month during the time a woman is most likely to conceive. This method fails
approximately 24 percent of the time, according to the CDC. The Levonorgestrel
intrauterine system IUD has only a 0.2-percent failure rate. Another method of
birth control, involving a progestin-secreting implant, works without any effort for
up to three years and has a failure rate of just 0.05 percent.
Protection against disease is another advantage of barrier methods of artificial
contraception. Barriers such as latex condoms are not only effective at reducing
the risk of pregnancy, but they provide effective protection against STDs such as
HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV) and hepatitis B,
according to About.com.
http://www.ask.com/health/advantages-artificial-family-planning-eccfefcc3d19f787