Family Planning And Counseling

What are my birth control options?

If you’re sexually active, but want to delay having a family, you have a wide variety of birth control options to choose from.

From hormonal options, birth control implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and permanent methods, the providers at Evergreen Women's Health, PC. review your options with you to help you determine which fits your family goals and lifestyle:

Hormonal birth control

Hormonal contraception prevents pregnancy by thickening your cervical mucus so the sperm can’t reach the egg. Hormonal options also interfere with ovulation. Types of hormonal birth control include the pill, vaginal rings, and some IUDs. Nexplanon®, a birth control implant, is also hormone-based. Hormonal birth control methods are extremely reliable when used correctly.

Barrier birth control

Barrier methods prevent the egg and sperm from meeting. Options include condoms, diaphragms, and the sponge. Barrier methods are convenient but aren’t as reliable when it comes to preventing pregnancy. But, condoms are the only form of birth control that offers some protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Natural birth control

Fertility tracking or cervical mucus observation are natural methods of birth control. You watch your cycle and the quality of your mucus to determine your most fertile days and avoid intercourse on those days. These tracking methods are less effective in preventing pregnancy than most other methods.

Permanent birth control

Women who are certain their families are complete may choose a procedure called tubal ligation. Our providers perform this procedure that serves as a permanent form of birth control.

You may also opt for a non-hormonal IUD known as Paragard®, which uses copper to repel sperm and prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. 

What does a family planning and counseling appointment involve?

During a family planning and counseling appointment, you discuss with your provider the best type of birth control for you. They talk to you about your plans to have a family in the future, your schedule and ability to remember to take a daily pill, and your sexual habits.

They also take into account your medical history and age when offering counseling on family planning. Our providers answer your questions and offer their thoughts as to the best options for you.

What should I do if I want to come off birth control?

Most birth control methods are reversible. If you do want to start a family, talk to your provider about stopping your birth control, and optimizing your health for pregnancy.

When an IUD or implant is removed, or you go off the pill, you can technically get pregnant right away. Remember though, it may take a few months for your cycle to normalize.

Call Evergreen Women's Health, PC. to receive expert family planning and counseling.