Family Planning Specialist

What is family planning?

Family planning involves individualized medical care and support to help you plan when to have children. Family planning typically incorporates the use of methods such as abstinence, natural planning, or birth control to help prevent pregnancy.

During your consultation, your health specialist will discuss contraception options and work with you to determine the right birth control method for you.

What are the different types of birth control?

Westmed Family Healthcare offers a number of birth control methods. Among them are:

The Pill

The birth control pill is a popular choice that utilizes estrogen and progestin hormones. You take the pill at the same time each day.

IUDs

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small T-shaped devices that are implanted into your uterus. These devices work to protect against pregnancy anywhere from 3 to 12 years. IUDs can be safely removed in the office at any time.

Patch

The birth control patch contains progestin and estrogen hormones. You place the patch on your skin once a week for around three weeks. During the fourth week, you don’t wear a patch to allow menstrual bleeding to occur. Similar to birth control pills, the patch releases hormones into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

NuvaRing

The NuvaRing® is placed in your vagina and releases a continuous low dose of hormones. NuvaRings are used in four-week cycles. The ring remains in your vagina for three weeks, and you remove it for one week. You can remove and place the ring yourself like a tampon. The NuvaRing should stay in your vagina prior to and after intercourse.

Nexplanon

Nexplanon® is a birth control implant that releases hormones and lasts up to three years. Your medical provider places the small, flexible implant discreetly under the skin of your inner, upper arm. Your Nexplanon implant can be removed at any time in the office.

What are the benefits of birth control?

Birth control works to prevent pregnancy. Some methods offer additional benefits, including:

• Helping clear up acne and improving skin texture
• Reducing menstrual symptoms such as pain and fatigue
• Protecting against sexually transmitted diseases by using devices such as condoms

In some cases, birth control is used to treat medical conditions such as:

• Anemia
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome

The providers at Westmed Family Healthcare are highly knowledgeable in women’s health and contraception. To explore your options in family planning, call or go online to book an appointment today.