Contraceptive Methods

• Condoms: Thin sheets worn over the penis to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms are also vital for preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and are recommended in many circumstances, even if a woman is using alternative birth control.

• Diaphragms and Cervical Caps: Silicone cups placed over the cervix to block sperm. This hormone-free option may be preferable for women who struggle with hormone-based contraceptives but are less commonly used than condoms.

• Birth Control: Pills that contain hormones to prevent ovulation, or patches worn on the skin to release hormones on a regulated schedule.

• Injectable Contraceptives: Hormonal injections administered every three months.

• Vaginal Rings: Flexible rings inserted into the vagina that release hormones similar to birth control pills but require less frequent maintenance.

• Implants: Small rods inserted under the skin of the arm that emit hormones over several years.

• Copper IUDs: Release copper that stops sperm from fertilizing the egg. This method may be preferable for women seeking a non-hormonal family planning solution.

• Hormonal IUDs: Release progestin to prevent fertilization and alter the uterine lining. These are sometimes recommended to relieve menstrual symptoms.

• Fertility Control: Natural family planning can potentially be effective but may also be less reliable than hormonal or barrier methods. It requires careful and accurate tracking of menstrual cycles to avoid intercourse on fertile days. This includes the two-day method and the sympto-thermal method, which focuses more on tracking symptoms than days.

• Vasectomy: Surgery for men to cut or seal the vas deferens.

• Tubal Ligation: Surgery for women in which the fallopian tubes are cut, tied or sealed.

Benefits and Challenges of Family Planning

Family planning has been paramount in lowering maternal and child mortality rates. The ability to better space birth and lower the risk of unintended pregnancy and STIs has been critical in keeping families healthier and more financially secure.

An unplanned pregnancy can drain families’ savings accounts or leave parents in situations where they simply can’t make ends meet. Not every parent is necessarily in the right place in their life or maturity to handle the responsibilities of parenthood and all that raising healthy and happy children requires of them.

That said, there are significant challenges with family planning. Geographical and cultural barriers make it so that it can be more difficult for women in some areas to get access to family planning resources than others, creating a divide between countries, regions and even urban, suburban and rural areas within the same metro area (including in Houston). There are also economic barriers, as contraceptives and hormone-based therapies can be expensive, require maintenance and regular use and may also impact a person’s mental and physical health and finances.

Challenges can also arise when couples, particularly in their mid to late 30s or 40s, struggle to conceive after adhering to a family plan. Families in this situation should consult with a family planner and may want to seek a referral to a fertility clinic.

Talking to your doctor about family planning can help ensure you have access to the professional guidance and flexible resources you need. The doctors at St. Hope Healthcare have the experience and expertise to create a personalized family planning strategy that suits your vision for the future and makes it easier to attain.

Family Planning for Different Life Stages and Situations

Adolescents and Young Adults

Family planning can help teenagers and young adults prevent early pregnancy. It’s important for educators, parents and doctors to discuss contraceptive methods and help young people follow safe practices that reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy and the transmission of STIs.

Single Women

Single women can learn more about using contraceptives that help prevent both unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections from their gynecologist or primary care physician. If you’re a Houston woman struggling with your hormonal birth-control method or are seeking an easier or less invasive alternative, you can discuss your challenges with a women’s health professional at St. Hope Healthcare.

Married Women

Married women can use family planning services to learn more about methods to effectively space the births of their children, like IUDs and implants, as well as surgeries if you and your partner decide you don’t want to have more children.

Premenopausal Women

Women who are close to menopause and don’t want to risk an unintentional pregnancy may discuss with their doctor strategies to mitigate their risk, whether with specific contraceptives that don’t react negatively to their hormone levels or with surgeries.

Women with Health Concerns

Family planning can be critical for women with health concerns who need to avoid certain contraceptive methods. This can vary from those who have allergies to women who are breastfeeding and need to be wary of medications that can decrease their milk supply. Our doctors can provide guidance, helping you find the right contraceptive that’s safe and effective.

Women in Crisis Situations

Doctors who specialize in family planning may be able to provide emergency contraception to women who are the victims of sexual violence or in another type of emergency situation. Clinics and outreach programs can provide essential family planning services to displaced women and girls.

Houston Patients Can Feel Secure Knowing That Our Physicians Will Provide Dedicated Healthcare Services and Assiduous Monitoring to Ensure They Stay Healthy

The team at St. Hope Healthcare has decades of experience providing personalized family planning counseling to patients looking for a family planning method that suits their needs and preferences. We take a multi-faceted approach to family planning, integrating it into our full spectrum of healthcare services to ensure you’re healthy and can have children safely and responsibly.

Learn more about our services today by calling (713) 778-1300 or by scheduling an appointment through our online portal.