Family planning involves more than just birth control; it is a practice that enables women and their spouses to create family make-up that fits their cultural, financial, and personal goals and needs. The team at Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley can help you with family planning in McAllen and find a birth control method that is right for you.
Family planning is a prolonged process that enables you to control the number of children you would want to have and the time you want to have them. The right birth spacing is healthier for both the parents and the children as it enables the parents to establish and follow a financial plan that meets the needs of everyone.
Birth control is a crucial part of the family planning process, and there are many options available today for women to control their birth. If it has been a long time since you tried out a new method of birth control, there might be an option that is better suited for your lifestyle and needs.
Apart from preventing unwanted pregnancy, some forms of hormonal birth control can also treat symptoms of gynecologic disorders or restore hormonal balance.
What are the birth control options available?
Birth control can be categorized into two groups: hormonal methods and barrier methods. Both techniques have distinctive benefits and drawbacks.
Hormonal birth control
Hormonal birth control methods function by changing your hormonal balance to thicken your cervical mucus and prevent ovulation. These methods include:
· Implants
· Birth control injection
· Intrauterine device
· Patches
· Birth control pills
Hormonal birth control can also stop or slow down your menstrual cycle, which is an added advantage for some women.
Barrier birth control
Barrier birth control methods operate by creating a barrier that prevents the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the ovum. These methods include:
· Cervical cap
· Diaphragm
· Birth control sponge
· Female condoms
· Male condoms
Combining spermicide with any of these methods can further reduce your likelihood of getting pregnant. Condoms have the added benefit of minimizing the chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections.
For women who live a busy life or do not want the concern of following a daily dosing routine, long-term birth control methods are an excellent solution. These methods are lasting, reliable, and need virtually nothing from you apart from occasional visits to the Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley. Some of the methods offered by Dr. Otero include:
· Nexplanon implant that lasts for three years
· Depo-Provera injection that lasts three months
· NuvaRing vaginal ring that lasts for three weeks
Choosing the right family planning method is your first step to having a family of your dreams and safeguarding your family’s welfare, and Dr. Otero and his team at the Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley can help you achieve that.
To determine which is the right birth control option for you, visit Dr. Otero as soon as possible. You can schedule a visit by calling the Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley offices or using the online appointment tool at the convenience of your home.