Abstract

Dr. Vidyavati R. Chavan*, Dr. Papiya Jana and Dr. Shridevi M. Reddi

ABSTRACT

Family planning is important for health of a mother and her children, as well as the family?s economic status as parents are responsible for providing education, shelter, clothing, and food for their children. Family planning also known as contraception which includes all measures temporary and permanent, designed to prevent pregnancy due to coital act. According to WHO it is defined as “A way of thinking and living that is adopted voluntarily upon the basis of knowledge, attitude and responsible decisions by individuals and couples, in order to promote health and welfare of the family group and thus contribute effectively to the social development of a country. In Ayurveda it is termed as Garbha Nirodha which means control of conception. Various side effects have been observed with modern contraceptives. An incantation in the Rigveda says “A man with many children succumbs to miseries”. This is perhaps the oldest statement with a suggestion against a large family. Some local and oral contraceptives described in the ancient classics and treatises like Yogaratnakara, Brihat Yoga Tarangini, Tantra Sara Sangraha, Brihat Nighantu Ratnakara, Rasa Ratna Samucchya etc are listed. Some claims have been tested scientifically and some yet to be tested. This has been based on the wise knowledge of physiology of conception, healthy methods of fertilization, stressing on the quality of progeny and family welfare.