Birth Control & Family Planning

Planning your reproductive future is a personal and important part of your health journey. Whether you’re looking to prevent pregnancy, prepare for a baby, or just explore your options, birth control and family planning services are here to support your goals. With so many safe and effective options available today, our role is to provide clinically based information, allowing you to make the most informed decision that fits your body, your values, and your lifestyle.

What Is Family Planning?

Family planning involves more than just birth control. It’s about helping you make informed decisions about if and when you want to have children. This includes:

  • Choosing the right form of contraception
  • Preconception counseling and fertility awareness
  • Managing health conditions that could affect pregnancy
  • Spacing pregnancies in a safe and healthy way

Whether you’re not ready for children now, planning for a future pregnancy, or finished building your family, your OB/GYN can help you take control of your reproductive health.

Birth Control Options

There is no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to contraception. Your provider will help you understand the pros, cons, effectiveness, and side effects of each option so you can choose the one that fits best.

Hormonal methods:

  • Pill – Taken daily; regulates cycles and reduces cramps
  • Patch – Worn on the skin; changed weekly
  • Vaginal ring (NuvaRing) – Inserted monthly
  • Injection (Depo-Provera) – Given every 3 months

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs):

  • IUD (Intrauterine Device) – Hormonal or non-hormonal; lasts 3–10 years
  • Implant (Nexplanon) – Placed in the upper arm; lasts up to 3 years

Barrier methods:

  • Condoms – Also help prevent STIs
  • Diaphragm or cervical cap – Inserted before sex

Surgical options:

  • Tubal ligation – Surgical procedure to block or cut the fallopian tubes (Permanent or reversible options)
  • Vasectomy – A permanent procedure for male partners (Reversible)

Emergency contraception:

  • Pills or copper IUDs can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex

Choosing the Right Method

During your appointment, we’ll discuss factors like:

  • How long you want to prevent pregnancy
  • Your menstrual cycle and symptoms
  • Your health history and risk factors
  • Your comfort with hormones or devices
  • Whether STI protection is important to you

We’ll also review any potential side effects, risks, and what to expect as your body adjusts to a new method.

Planning for a Future Pregnancy

If you’re thinking about getting pregnant soon (or even in the next few years), family planning can help you prepare your body and mind for a healthy pregnancy.

Preconception counseling may include:

  • Reviewing medical history, current medications, and assess any familial risk that may impact pregnancy
  • Managing chronic conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues
  • Updating vaccinations
  • Starting prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid)
  • Talking through lifestyle changes to support fertility

Fertility awareness and cycle tracking may also be part of the conversation for those hoping to conceive naturally.

What If You’re Not Sure Yet?

It’s okay to not have everything figured out. Many patients aren’t sure if or when they want children, and that’s perfectly normal. Family planning can evolve over time. We’re here to support you with nonjudgmental, honest conversations, whatever stage you’re in.

When to Schedule a Visit

Consider making an appointment if:

  • You’re starting or switching birth control
  • You are concerned about a recent health diagnosis and if it will impact your ability to conceive
  • You’re ready to stop birth control to try for a baby
  • You have questions about your fertility or cycle
  • You’re experiencing side effects with your current method
  • You want to explore permanent contraception options

We’ll help guide you through every option and decision, without pressure.

Take Charge of Your Reproductive Health

Birth control and family planning put you in control. With compassionate care and expert guidance, we’re here to help you make informed choices for today and for your future.

Schedule your appointment today to discuss your birth control options or family planning goals.