Birth Control & Family Planning

Planning your reproductive future is a personal and important part of your health journey. Whether you are looking to prevent pregnancy, prepare for a baby, or explore your options, birth control and family planning services are designed to support your goals. At Complete Care ObGyn, our Henderson OB/GYN team provides evidence-based guidance so you can make informed decisions that align with your body, values, and lifestyle.

What Is Family Planning?

Family planning involves more than choosing a form of contraception. It focuses on helping you decide if and when you want to have children, while supporting your overall reproductive health. Family planning may include:

• Selecting the right birth control method
• Preconception counseling and fertility awareness
• Managing health conditions that could affect pregnancy
• Safely spacing pregnancies

Whether you are not ready for children, planning a future pregnancy, or finished building your family, family planning is an important part of ongoing gynecological care.

Birth Control Options

There is no single method that works for everyone. Your provider will review the effectiveness, benefits, and possible side effects of each option so you can choose what fits best.

Hormonal methods:

• Birth control pills taken daily
• Patch worn on the skin and changed weekly
• Vaginal ring inserted monthly
• Injection given every three months

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs):

• IUDs, available in hormonal and non-hormonal options, lasting several years
• Implant placed in the upper arm, effective for up to three years

Barrier methods:

• Condoms, which also help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections
• Diaphragm or cervical cap used before intercourse

Surgical options:

• Tubal ligation, a permanent form of female contraception
• Vasectomy, a permanent option for male partners

Emergency contraception:

• Oral medications or a copper IUD used after unprotected sex

Choosing the Right Method

During your visit, your OB/GYN will discuss factors such as:

• How long you wish to prevent pregnancy
• Your menstrual cycle and related symptoms
• Medical history and risk factors
• Your comfort with hormones or devices
• The need for STI protection

You will also review possible side effects, risks, and what to expect as your body adjusts to a new method.

Planning for a Future Pregnancy

If you are considering pregnancy in the near or distant future, family planning can help prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy. Preconception counseling may include:

• Reviewing medical history, medications, and family health risks
• Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders
• Updating vaccinations
• Starting prenatal vitamins, including folic acid
• Discussing lifestyle changes that support fertility

Cycle tracking and fertility awareness may also be part of planning for natural conception, alongside routine preventive visits such as well-woman exams.

If You’re Unsure About Your Plans

Not having all the answers is common. Many patients are uncertain about if or when they want children, and family planning can change over time. Our team provides supportive, nonjudgmental care to help you explore options at your own pace.

When to Schedule a Visit

Consider scheduling an appointment if:

• You are starting or changing birth control
• You are concerned about how a health condition may affect fertility
• You plan to stop birth control to try for pregnancy
• You have questions about your cycle or fertility
• You are experiencing side effects from your current method
• You want to discuss permanent contraception

Take Control of Your Reproductive Health

Birth control and family planning give you control over your reproductive choices. With compassionate care and expert guidance, our Henderson OB/GYN team is here to support you at every stage.

Schedule an appointment with Complete Care ObGyn to discuss birth control options or family planning goals tailored to your needs.