Family Planning
Family planning is another way of talking about preventing pregnancy by using birth control or contraception. Currently, there are a number of birth control methods that are readily available. Common examples include:
- Barrier Methods - Barrier methods block sperm and egg from meeting one another. They are the most common and readily available form of birth control and include condoms, and other over-the-counter products such as spermicide and the sponge.
- Hormonal Contraceptives - Hormonal contraceptives work by altering a woman’s reproductive cycle, thus preventing her from becoming pregnant. These methods are available via prescription from a doctor and include birth control pills, the skin patch, and injectable birth control such as Depo-Provera.
- IUDs - Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are implanted in a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs can be effective for up to 10 years, making them among the most affordable methods of long-term birth control.
- Natural Methods - Natural family planning is a way of preventing pregnancy by avoiding sexual intercourse during a woman’s most fertile days of the month. The most effective form of natural birth control is abstinence. Avoiding sexual intercourse altogether is the only 100 percent effective means of preventing pregnancy.
- Sterilization - Sterilization is permanent form of birth control that can be performed on either a man or a woman. In men, the vasectomy is common option and there are several permanent sterilization options for women, as well.
- Emergency Contraception - Emergency contraception can be taken up to several days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Several options are available from your healthcare provider.
When choosing the birth control method that’s right for you, it’s important to consider several factors including how well the method works, how much it costs, the state of your health, how often you have sex, and whether or not you want to have children in the future. Talking to a health care provider can help you choose the best form of birth control for you. PhillyHealthInfo.org is here to help you find family planning clinics and other birth control resources in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia County. Our health services list in the blue box on the right side of the page is a good place to start. To get answers to all your family planning questions, visit our list of Recommended Sites.
Local Health Services For
Local Health Events For