Family planning

Maiden Lane Medical: Family planning

Family planning can be a confusing and challenging process, and it can be incredibly tough to make the right decision without a professionally guided consultation.

The team here at Maiden Lane Medical are well versed in all forms of contraceptives and would love the opportunity to discuss these with you further and one of our many New York City locations.

“My Doctor is patient, knowledgeable and kind. She takes the time to understand my personal needs and carefully explains the complicated medical lingo most doctors gloss over.”

SARAH M.

What is family planning?

Family planning is the given name for the use of any form of contraception. When you decide to use contraception, you are essentially taking control of your own situation, allowing you to determine when, or when not, to try for a baby.

There is a very long list of different contraception; some are temporary, others permanent, some you will barely notice, and others are hard to ignore. Each has its applications and uses, but everybody’s requirements and wants are different, so it can be challenging to find the right family planning solution that suits your individual needs.

Common types of contraceptive

Condoms

External male condoms and internal female condoms are both forms of barrier contraceptives. Condoms are usually made out of a very thin latex that works as a preventative wall for sperm, as well as STDs.

Condoms are an as needed form of contraceptive, and only need to be used during sex.

Combined pill.

The combined contraceptive pill usually referred to as ‘the pill,’ is a hormone-based contraceptive that alters the levels of estrogen and progestogen in the blood.

The needs to be taken every day and works by:

Thickening cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to pass through.
Thins the lining of the uterus, making it far less likely to accept a fertilized egg.

The implant.

The implant is a popular contraceptive for many women due to its ease of use and longevity. The implant is a small, flexible rod that is ‘implanted’ into the upper arm. Said implant releases the hormone progestogen, which stops the ovaries from releasing eggs.

Once in, the implant will work as a contraceptive for up to 3 years, although it can be taken out at any time, and normal fertility will resume back to normal in rapid succession.

IUD (Intrauterine device.)

An IUD is made up of a small plastic T-section and a copper coil that is placed inside your womb via the cervix. The copper sections of the IUD kills sperm and stops them from fertilizing any eggs.

IUDs are effective for between 5 and 10 years and are a popular choice for older but still premenopausal women.

An IUD is often referred to as the ‘coil.’

Sterilization

Sterilization is the only permanent form of family planning on this list, and it can be performed on both men and women.

Male sterilization (vasectomy) is performed by cutting or tying the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles, to the penis and into the vagina

Female sterilization (tubal occlusion) is performed by cutting or tying the Fallopian tubes which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

Sterilization is a serious irreversible form of contraceptive that takes careful planning and consideration.

Contraception

Contraception, or birth control, is the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types. Some are reversible, while others are permanent. Some types can also help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Read about the different options, and their risks and benefits.

Fertility awareness methods.

Fertility awareness is a ‘contraceptive’ method that involves learning to identify the signs of fertility during the menstrual cycle and planning intercourse around this time accordingly.

During a menstrual cycle, a woman is fertile and likely to get pregnant during only around 8-9 days. Any intercourse that happens outside this window is very unlikely to lead to pregnancy, so it is often considered a natural form of contraceptive.

How do I choose the right contraceptive for me?

Choosing the right family planning method for your needs and situation is an important decision to make, and it all comes down to your specific requirements.

If you are looking for a method that you can forget about, the implant or coil might be the best option, or If you would prefer something a little less invasive and would like the added benefit of STD protection, the tried and tested condom might be a better choice.

Having a large option base might be a little daunting, but it also means that there you are more likely to find a method that suits you best.

Who can I speak to about my contraceptive options?

When looking to discuss family planning, whether it be an initial consultation, or moving forward with a method you have chosen, our doctors and nurses at any of our Maiden Lane Medical centers are on hand to help you every step of the way. Our expert team can give you extensive information on all contraceptive options and help you to make an informed decision.

Plan your visit to our Downtown, Midtown, Bay Ridge, Soho, or Upper East Side clinic to discuss all of your family planning needs.

Birth Control Methods

Birth control (contraception) is any method, medicine, or device used to prevent pregnancy. Women can choose from many different types of birth control. Some work better than others at preventing pregnancy. The type of birth control you use depends on your health, your desire to have children now or in the future, and your need to prevent STIs. Learn more.