Family Planning

What’s family planning?

Family planning is the terminology that gynecologists use when they talk to you about your goals for having children. Family planning involves how many children you want to have, when you want to have them, and the types of contraception that may work best to help you meet your goals and timeframes.

Some women choose to take permanent steps not to have children, and these choices and discussions also fall under the umbrella of family planning.

What is birth control? 

Birth control, or contraception, is a term used for various procedures, methods, drugs, devices, and sexual practices that prevent pregnancy. It works by:

• Blocking sperm from reaching any of your eggs
• Preventing your eggs from releasing
• Interfering with your egg’s ability to plant itself in your uterus

Some methods are temporary while others permanently prevent pregnancy. Dr. Reiche and her team have years of experience guiding women through family planning options. Talk to them about your goals and future plans.

What are the most common types of contraceptives?

There are many birth control options to consider. Depending on your particular needs, each method offers its own pros and cons. The two main categories of contraception are:

Reversible

If your goal is to prevent pregnancy temporarily with the option to have a child in the future, then reversible birth control is right for you. The many choices include:

• Hormonal methods, such as pills, patches, rings, injections, implants, and intrauterine (IUD) devices
• Barrier methods, like condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms, sponges, and spermicides 
• Family planning methods, which includes the rhythm method and abstinence

Permanent

If you never want to have children, or if you don’t want to have any more children, permanent contraception may be the best choice for you. Options include:

• Sterilization, such as tubal ligation
• Vasectomy
• Transcervical sterilization

Which birth control methods help protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Only two contraceptive methods protect you against STDs: condoms and abstinence. Even though the many other birth control options are effective at preventing pregnancy, they offer no protection against STDs. Talk to the caring team at Andrea Reiche, MD, Inc. about vaccinations and other ways to defend yourself from sexual diseases.

To get started with your family planning consultation, call the office or book online to set up an appointment today.