Family Planning and Counseling

What are family planning and counseling?

Family planning and counseling involve working with your partner and your gynecologist to choose a contraceptive strategy that aligns with your goals. With contraception and family planning, you can choose to get pregnant when the timing is right or avoid pregnancy altogether. 

Family planning also allows you to avoid pregnancies that are too close together so you can decide on the spacing you want between births. Dr. Gentry gives you and your partner all the information you need to make the right decision and can help you compare birth control options in the context of your relationship. 

What are my options for family planning and counseling?

At Turning Point Women’s Center PA, Dr. Gentry can answer your questions about every contraceptive option so you can compare them and decide on the most suitable option for you. You can gain control over when to get pregnant by using:

Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives are pills you take daily to regulate your hormones, which prevent you from ovulating (releasing an egg from your ovaries). You can stop taking the pills at any time. 

Intrauterine devices

Some intrauterine devices release hormones, while others are made of copper, which makes the environment of your uterus toxic to sperm. These are long-acting options that work for a few years before you need to replace them. 

Vaginal rings

A vaginal ring is another hormonal type of contraception. You place the round device in your vagina, where it stays for a month before you have to replace it. 

Barrier methods

Barrier methods like male condoms, female condoms, and diaphragms physically block sperm from reaching the egg. 

What should my partner and I consider while choosing a family planning method?

Every situation is different, and your best method or methods of birth control might not be the best choice for someone else. While making your decision, you should consider:

• If you want to get pregnant in the future
• When you want to get pregnant in the future
• Ease of use
• Rates of effectiveness
• How often you have to use it
• Possible side effects

Many people get the best results from using two methods, like hormonal contraception alongside condoms. Male condoms are unique because they’re the only option that offers some protection from sexually transmitted diseases. 

Call Turning Point Women’s Center PA or schedule an appointment online today to receive family planning and counseling services.