How Family Planning Can Benefit You When the Time Is Right
Planning is something we all do at some point in our lives. We plan to buy a house, take a vacation, throw a party, and much more. It’s because we strive for the best possible life. Along with that goes family planning, a way to prevent
Family planning is ideal for preventing unwanted pregnancies and, when the time is right, for deciding how many children you want to have and on what schedule.
Why you should plan for a family
Family planning is a topic that needs to come up at some point in a relationship. There are plenty of options when it’s time to plan for your family.
It used to be a simple choice between a condom or the pill. Today, though, there are many other methods to suit all kinds of lifestyles, preferences, and circumstances.
So, which method is best for you?
The best way to figure that out is to do your research and talk to Dr. Kelly Morales. But, first, you need goals.
Family planning goals and other considerations
Before you consider different kinds of family planning methods, you should have a clear idea of your family planning goals.
For instance, if you want to give the appropriate amount of care, love, and education to each of your children, you might need to limit how many you have to match your resources.
Whatever number you decide on, you should plan to have your pregnancies within a 15-year fertility window that runs from ages 20-35. Note that it’s wise to give your body a two-year rest before having another child. If you miscarry, it’s recommended that you wait six months before trying to get pregnant again.
Once you have your goals in place, you need to discuss preventing, delaying, or preparing for pregnancy.
Common family planning methods
Birth control pills
Oral contraceptives must be taken daily. It’s frequently a recommended method for women who can remember to take their daily dose and for those who want to get pregnant quickly when they come off the pill.
The pill also offers several health benefits: lighter periods, less likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy, and less-intense menstrual cramps.
You can get pregnant as soon as you stop taking the pill.
Barrier methods
Condoms, cervical caps, and diaphragms all fall under the barrier method umbrella. They prevent sperm from getting close to your egg or even making contact.
For barrier methods to be effective, they must be used right before intercourse. Barriers may put the brakes on being spontaneous, but they do prevent the spread of disease and encourage shared responsibility.
Overall, barrier methods are easy to use and widely available.
Long-term options
If you want to get pregnant down the road, but don’t want to take a pill every day or use barrier methods, a long-term solution may be the way to go.
These methods include intrauterine devices (IUDs), vaginal rings, implantable rods, and contraceptive shots. All of these methods are non-hormonal, and fertility returns as soon as you discontinue use.
Start planning when you’re ready
Family planning has several benefits. Not only can you discuss your options for birth control, but it allows you to take a good look at your financial situation, maturity, and overall readiness for children.
While motherhood certainly can be a positive and fulfilling journey, there are women who associate it with medical complications and emotional suffering. Family planning can’t solve every problem that comes with pregnancy, of course, but it goes a long way to ensure that, when the time is right, your children come into this world in the best way possible.
Want to talk about family planning? Call or use the online booking tool to schedule a consultation with Dr. Morales today.