Family Planning

What is family planning?

Family planning at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology involves the careful planning of if or when you’d like to become pregnant and taking steps to avoid unplanned pregnancies using contraception and natural family planning methods. It allows you to have a family when the time is right, as well as peace of mind. 

Why is family planning important?

Becoming pregnant when you’re ready is important for the physical and mental well-being of you and your partner, as unplanned pregnancies are linked to preterm birth, low birth weight and mortality, and postpartum depression. It also helps you effectively space out pregnancies to further optimize the health of you and your new addition. 

What might family planning include?

Family planning at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology may involve one or more of the following methods:

Rhythm method

The rhythm method, also called the calendar method, teaches you ways of recognizing when you’re ovulating based on your menstrual period and establishes which are your most fertile days. 

You can avoid sexual intercourse on those days to reduce the chance of a pregnancy (this method is up to 88% effective as a form of birth control) or have sex while ovulating if you’re trying to become pregnant. 

Cervical mucus method

The cervical mucus method involves analyzing your vaginal discharge to determine the time of the month you’re most fertile. Fertile cervical mucus is clear and slippery, with an egg-white texture. This method is also up to 88% effective as a form of birth control or can help you become pregnant when the time is right.

Basal body temperature method

The basal body temperature method involves taking your body temperature first thing in the morning to help identify when you’re ovulating. Use a thermometer that measures temperature to at least one-tenth of a degree. Body temperature typically increases slightly (often less than one-half of a degree) during ovulation. However, this family planning method is less effective.

Abstinence

Abstaining from sexual intercourse is the only 100%-effective method for avoiding pregnancy and staying protected against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Contraception/birth control

If you’re not ready to be pregnant or you’ve already completed your family, Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology offers an array of contraception methods, including birth control pills, shots, patches, injections, rings, intrauterine devices (IUDs), emergency birth control, and others, based on your medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. 

Infertility treatments

If you and your partner are struggling to become pregnant, Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology offers infertility evaluations and treatments. 

Schedule a family planning consultation at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology by calling the office or requesting a visit online today.