Influence of Family Planning on Conception among Women in Ilorin South, Nigeria

This study aimed to examine the influence of family planning on conception among women aged 15–49 in Ilorin South, Nigeria. This is significant given Nigeria’s high fertility rate (4.8 children per woman) and rising contraceptive use, yet limited localized data on conception outcomes. Using a descriptive survey design, 200 women from four randomly selected healthcare centers in Ilorin South were surveyed with a pretested, structured questionnaire. Data on contraceptive use, conception timing, unintended pregnancies, and side effects were collected face-to-face and analyzed using SPSS 25.0 with descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). Results showed a trend of high contraceptive uptake (54% traditional, 85% modern, often combined), with 56.5% conceiving within 1–3 months post-use, yet 42.5% facing delays. Despite modern method prevalence, 60% experienced unintended pregnancies, linked to side effects (51.5% physical, 72.5% reproductive), highlighting inconsistent effectiveness. Family planning facilitates conception control but poses challenges, including delays (42.5%) and unintended pregnancies (60%). Enhanced counseling on method reliability and reversible options could reduce these issues, informing policies to prioritize education and access in Ilorin South. Despite rising contraceptive use, its influence on conception remains underexplored locally. This study fills a gap in understanding conception outcomes, supporting tailored interventions.