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Is There More to Family Planning Than Birth Control?

Birth control lets you plan the number of children you’ll have and when you’ll get pregnant, but there’s another component to family planning that you should consider before you get pregnant — preconception counseling.

When you schedule a preconception appointment, your doctor at Tidewater Physicians for Women reviews your medical history, gives you a thorough examination, and makes sure you don’t have any health issues that might put a pregnancy, you, or your baby at risk.

Family Planning

What Birth Control Options are Available at Tidewater Physicians for Women?

Women have many birth control options, so your doctor at Tidewater Physicians for Women will take the time to talk with you about the different types, their benefits and risks, and which one is best for your lifestyle. Your age, overall health, and when you plan to get pregnant are all important to consider when choosing one of these types of birth control:

  • IMPLANON®: It’s a small device that’s implanted just under the skin on your inner, upper arm. It works for three years, releasing hormones that prevent pregnancy.
  • Oral contraceptives: These include birth control pills and the mini-pill, which contain different types of hormones to prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg. When an egg isn’t released from the ovary, you can’t get pregnant.
  • Hormone shot: Depo-Provera® is a hormone injection that lasts three months.
  • Intrauterine device (IUD): It’s a small device that’s inserted into the uterus. Some are plain copper, while others contain hormones.
  • Diaphragm: This is a soft, thin rubber cup that holds contraceptive jelly in place over the cervix, which prevents pregnancy by blocking sperm from reaching an egg.
  • Rings and patches: Both of these contain hormones to prevent ovulation, but the ring is inserted into the vagina once a month, and the patch attaches to your skin and is replaced every week.

What if Your Family is Complete?

When you’re sure that your family is complete, and you don’t want to worry about ongoing birth control, the doctors at Tidewater Physicians for Women offer several options. Two common methods of permanent birth control are tubal ligation and micro-insert devices.

Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure in which your fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked. The micro-insert doesn’t require surgery. The tiny device is inserted into each fallopian tube, where it creates scar tissue that permanently blocks the tube.

Family Planning
What services do you offer for family planning?

We provide birth control counseling, preconception care, fertility evaluations, and permanent contraception options like tubal ligation. Our team helps you choose the best method based on your health and future pregnancy plans.

What is emergency contraception, and when should I use it?

Emergency contraception (EC) prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Options include the morning-after pill, which works best within 72 hours, and the copper IUD, which is effective up to five days after intercourse.

Can birth control help with conditions like PCOS or endometriosis?

Yes, hormonal birth control can help regulate periods, reduce pain, and manage symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis by controlling hormone levels and preventing excessive tissue growth.

Is tubal ligation reversible?

Tubal ligation is considered permanent, but reversal surgery is possible in some cases. However, success depends on factors like age, overall health, and the type of procedure performed.

How long should I try to conceive before seeking help?

If you’re under 35, try for one year before seeking medical advice. If you’re over 35, consult a doctor after six months of trying. If you have irregular cycles or a known reproductive condition, seek help sooner.