Family Planning and Birth Control Methods

At GYN LA, we specialize in all matters pertaining to women’s health. We aim to provide our expertise to women no matter what phase of their life they may occupy. One of the major aspects of any woman’s life is thinking about having children and becoming pregnant. At GYN LA, we know how important this phase is for any women, and we can assist in all matters relating to pregnancy. There is a lot of information you may what to know, and we can help you understand it.

Whether you are planning on becoming pregnant or not, it is important to know about your options when it comes to family planning and birth control. Each woman’s experience is unique when it comes to pregnancy and birth control. Whether you want to start family planning or if you want to know about permanent birth control options, we are here to help you. At GYN LA, our OB-GYN specialists can assist and inform you about your available options all the while ensuring your wellness. Not only do we want to bring our expertise to the Los Angeles area, but we also want to engage in lasting relationships with our clients. With us, you can be sure that your questions and concerns will be heard. We know that every woman’s experience is different and we are here to help you no matter what your experience may be.

Family Planning

When it comes to pregnancy, some women may want to plan when they want to become pregnant. Family planning is a form of pregnancy planning that limits the uses of medicines and medical devices. With this practice, a woman may know when to have intercourse in order to become pregnant. However, family planning may be utilized for either avoiding pregnancy or becoming pregnant. Simply put, family planning usually involves the tracking of a woman’s bodily functions and changes during her menstrual cycle. There are many reasons why a woman may want to begin family planning, and, if so, you may seek help from medical professionals to begin the process.

What is Family Planning?

As stated before, family planning is a method through which you may keep track of your body’s changes during your menstrual cycle. This is done in order to determine when is your best chance for becoming pregnant. Usually, the chances are greatest before or after ovulation—the point in the cycle in which a woman’s body releases an egg. The egg will then move through the fallopian tubes towards the uterus where conception may occur. If it does not occur, then the uterus will shed its wall during the menstrual period. Family planning may be used to track these bodily changes.

When it comes to actually family planning, there are three common methods: the mucus or ovulation method, the symptothermal method, and the rhythm method. You may even choose to use all of these methods at the same time for more accurate readings. All methods involve keeping a daily record of your body’s changes to know when you are ovulating or not. This way you will know when to have intercourse or to abstain.

The first of the methods, the mucus or ovulation method, involves checking one’s cervical mucus on a daily basis. This means taking note of the mucus’ consistency which will indicate whether or not you are ovulating or not.

The symptothermal method involves taking a daily record of your basal body temperature (BBT) with a specific type of thermometer. Usually, if your BBT is between .5 and 1 degree higher than normal, then it may indicate you are ovulating. To get the proper readings for this method, you should take your temperature in the morning before you have moved around and repeat at the same time each day for greater accuracy.

The last method, the rhythm method, is the least accurate of the family planning methods. It involves basing your planning on the previous month’s menstrual cycle dates. However, it is important to know that menstrual cycles may change, and cycles may last between 28 and 32 days. Usually, ovulation occurs around the 14th-day mark.

How Should I Go About Beginning the Family Planning Process?

If you plan on beginning the process of family planning, you should talk to your doctor or OB-GYN. Together, you can discuss which method is best for you and how any health factors may affect your planning. If you choose this path in order to avoid becoming pregnant, then it is important to know that success rates for doing so are around 90%.

When it comes to family planning, it is crucial to adhere to the guidelines in order to achieve accurate records. Even though this is a fairly inexpensive option in order to increase or reduce chances of pregnancy, it requires you to stay on a strict schedule. Also, other personal health factors may affect the results and it is important to speak with your doctor should you begin the process.

Birth Control Methods

Even though family planning may be used as a method of natural birth control in some cases, there are even more options available. For women, there are many options to choose from in order to best fit your situation and your personal health. There are both reversible and permanent contraceptive methods available. Common reversible methods include IUDs, implants, birth control shots, birth control pills, birth control rings, condoms, and more. A more permanent option includes sterilization or tubal ligation.

Again, when it comes to finding the best method for you, it is important to speak with your doctor or OB-GYN to find what will suit you best in accordance with your health and lifestyle. Options may be determined by their accessibility, price level, permanence, effectiveness, and acceptability. Every woman’s experience is unique; thus, no single option will work for all women.

IUDs

An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small device that a doctor may place within your uterus in order to prevent any future pregnancy. They are small and T-shaped. The most important points about this birth control method include that it may be used long-term, it is reversible, and it is highly effective. IUDs come in two different types: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs. Also, IUDs can be easily taken out by a doctor or nurse should you decide you want to become pregnant.

An IUD works by changing the way that sperms cells may move so that they are unable to reach an egg. From this, you will be unable to become pregnant. More than this, a copper IUD may be even more successful since sperm cells tend to stay away from copper. Hormonal IUDs use hormones to further prevent sperm access.

Implants

Another birth control method is having an implant (Nexplanon). This is a thin, small rod that may be implanted in your upper arm. From this implant, hormones will be released that will prevent future pregnancy. Once your doctor has placed this implant, it may last up to five years. Should you decide you want to become pregnant, the implant may be easily removed and you can quickly get started.

Birth Control Shot

The birth control shot, or the Depo shot, is an injection that may be received once every three months. The shot contains the hormone progestin which can prevent impregnation by stopping ovulation. The hormone will also make the cervical mucus thicker so as to further prevent sperm from moving through.

With birth control shots, it is crucial to regularly receive the injections—usually once every three months. By not missing the shot, you can further ensure success. If you decide you do want to become pregnant, you can stop receiving the shots and wait until its effects have stopped.

Birth Control Pills

A popular birth control option is the birth control pill. This is a prescription medicine that contains specific hormones to prevent pregnancy. Usually, these have to be taken at least once a day. The hormones present in birth control pills prevent ovulation which stops fertilization; thus, preventing pregnancy. Also, the hormones may thicken the cervical mucus to prevent sperm movement.

When it comes to birth control pills, it is important to regularly take one pill daily. Should you forget to take a pill, skip taking the pills, or if you run out, you may have a higher risk of becoming pregnant. When beginning birth control pills, you should speak with your doctor to see if it will work for you.

Birth Control Rings

Birth control rings, or hormonal vaginal contraceptive rings, are another common form of birth control. This is a simple, safe, and fairly inexpensive birth control option that is placed inside the vagina. Similar to other methods, this device releases hormones that will stop the ovulation process; thus, preventing future pregnancy.

With birth control rings, you must also consider that there is a schedule you should adhere to in order to achieve full effectiveness. This can mean taking note of when you insert and remove the ring. Also, you will need a prescription for a birth control ring. So, you should speak to your doctor about this option. Lastly, this can be easily removed should you want to become pregnant in the future.

Barrier Methods

You may use barrier methods of birth control such as condoms, diaphragms, sponges, and spermicide. These are inexpensive forms of birth control that provide a barrier against sperm cells to prevent fertilization.

Female Sterilization

A permanent form of birth control may be female sterilization or tubal ligation. This may even be referred to as ‘tying tubes.’ Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that is meant to prevent any future pregnancy permanently. This may be an option for women do not want to become pregnant at all.

The tubal ligation mainly involves the permanent closure or blockage of your fallopian tubes. This will prevent future pregnancies since during the process of ovulation an egg must pass through the fallopian tubes in order to reach the uterus—where the fertilization process occurs.

For most people, this surgical procedure is safe and effective. However, you should speak to your doctor about this option. Once again, this is a permanent option so you should take special consideration about going through with it. This type of procedure may be done in either a hospital or an outpatient surgical center. Once the procedure has been completed, you may be able to go home the same day. Also, you may be able to resume your normal duties and activities within a few days.

Finding an Experienced OB-GYN Near Me

When it comes to pregnancy, every woman has different plans and experiences. Some women may choose to not become pregnant or it may be down the road a little bit. Other women may choose to become pregnant, but when they feel it will fit in with their lives. This is where family planning and birth control may come in handy. With family planning, you may be able to keep track of your body’s reproduction schedule in an effort to either increase or reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. With birth control, you may choose to limit your chances of becoming pregnant through many different methods. Also, you may even choose to permanently prevent any future pregnancy. In any case, you should discuss your own situation and your options with a professional doctor or an OB-GYN.

At GYN LA, we specialize in all matter’s relating to women’s health in the Los Angeles area. Whether you are seeking to become pregnant or not, we can help you. Our team of doctors and specialists are highly experienced and friendly. They want to hear from you and begin building a trusting relationship. Should you want to begin the process of starting a family or reducing your chances of becoming pregnant, we can speak with you about your options and talk about your health. No woman’s experience is the same and it is important to receive excellent and personalized medical treatment. Should you have any question or if you want to book an appointment, contact us at 310-375-8446.