Psychosocial aspects of family planning
Satija, D.C.
Rajasthan Medical Journal 12(2): 133-138
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0485-9561 PMID: 12261341 Document Number: 515488
Family planning can be instrumental in preventing the development of mental disorders among some individuals and can be used to prevent the birth of mentally deficient individuals. At the same time, inappropriately applied family planning methods can lead to psychological disturbances. Family planning can prevent the mental stresses and disorders which sometimes accompany pregnancy among 1) emotionally immature who might view an infant as a competitor for affection; 2) unmarried women incapable of withstanding social disapproval; 3) overburdened mothers; 4) women at risk of postpartum depression; and 5) women who place high value on maintaining their figures. Sterilization is sometimes used to discourage the reproduction of retarded and mentally diseased individuals. On the other hand, the use of contraceptive methods may produce negative psychological effects. The use of coitus interruptus and vasectomy for men and of IUDs and tubectomy for women sometimes induces psychological disturbances. 6 cases of sterilization in which the patients suffered psychological side effects were reviewed. Most of the patients had suffered from psychological problems prior to sterilization. This observation led to the recommendation that patients should be screened for psychological disorders before sterilization is prescribed. The age, sex, contraceptive method, and psychological disorders for each of the 6 reviewed cases are presented in tabular form.