Did you know that about half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned? According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, women with accidental pregnancies are more likely to deliver early and suffer from postpartum depression.
At Cary OB/GYN, we know firsthand how an unexpected pregnancy affects you and your baby’s health, which is why we make family planning a priority. Our team of women’s health experts offers contraception options to fit any family planning need.
Here, we share some family planning options for you to consider.
About family planning
Family planning is one of the major objectives of Healthy People 2030, a national data-driven program aimed at promoting overall health and well-being. The goal of the family planning objective is to improve pregnancy planning for women and families and prevent unplanned pregnancies.
At Cary OB/GYN, our family planning program aims to provide you with the services, medications, and treatments you need to properly plan and space your pregnancies. We want to help you stay in control of your body and your health.
Family planning options
Your family planning needs are unique to you and depend on many factors, such as your overall health, lifestyle, health risks, and current and future pregnancy plans. Some of the family planning options we offer include:
Short-acting hormonal birth control
Short-acting hormonal birth control includes the birth control pill, patch, ring, and shot. They work by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg or preventing sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization.
In addition to helping you plan and space pregnancies, these methods of birth control may help you manage a gynecological condition like abnormal bleeding, endometriosis, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Intrauterine device (IUD)
IUDs are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). They work like short-acting hormonal birth control, but once inserted, there’s nothing else you need to do. We offer both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs, which can prevent pregnancy anywhere from 3 to 10 years. IUDs are considered one of the most effective forms of birth control.
Tubal ligation and reversal
Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that severs or blocks your fallopian tubes. It’s a type of female sterilization and very effective at preventing unplanned pregnancies.
Typically, a tubal ligation is only performed if you have no future pregnancy plans. However, a tubal ligation is reversible. We perform tubal ligation reversals for women who want to restore their fertility.
In addition to offering birth control options, our family planning consultations also include education about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility counseling, and preconception health screenings.
Things to consider
Family planning is an important part of your overall wellness plan. But given all of your options, it can be difficult to figure out what’s best for you. That’s why we’re here.
When it comes to your family planning options, the things we take into consideration include your:
- Current and future pregnancy plans
- Personal health needs
- Family history
- Sexual activity
- Lifestyle
- Personal preferences
We also educate you about the different types of birth control so you can make the most informed decision about the family planning option that works best for you.
Family planning is all about making sure you stay in control of your body and maintain good health during your reproductive years. To schedule an appointment to discuss your options, call the Cary OB/GYN office nearest you today.
