Family Planning 101: Things to Consider for Reproductive Life Planning

Whether you're thinking about having children someday, want to start a family soon, or prefer to wait, family planning puts you in charge of your future. At Twentyeight Health, we believe everyone deserves easy access to the information and care they need to make these important choices.

What is Family Planning?

Family planning simply means taking control of if and when you want to have children. It's about making choices that work for your life, your body, and your future.

Some people think family planning only means preventing pregnancy, but it's much more than that! Family planning includes:

• Learning about your body and reproductive health
• Choosing birth control that works for your lifestyle
• Planning for pregnancy when the time is right
• Getting support before, during, and after pregnancy
• Protecting yourself from STIs (sexually transmitted infections)

Your Birth Control Options Explained

Finding the right birth control is about matching your lifestyle with a method that works for you. Here's a simple breakdown:

Daily Options

The Pill: Take it once a day to prevent pregnancy. Many people like that they can stop it anytime. It can also help with period problems!

Weekly Options

The Patch: Wear a small patch on your skin and change it weekly. No daily reminders needed.

Monthly Options

The Ring: A flexible ring you insert yourself once a month and forget about it for three weeks.

Every Few Months

The Shot: Get an injection every three months. Great if you don't want to think about birth control often.

Long-Term Options

IUD or Implant: These work for several years but can be removed when you're ready for pregnancy.

Condoms: Help prevent both pregnancy and STIs when used correctly. Can be used along with other methods for extra protection.

Finding What Works for You

Everyone's body and life situation is different. The family planning method that works for your friend might not be the best choice for you.

Some questions to consider:

• How often do you want to think about your birth control?
• Do you need something discreet?
• Are you looking for options that can help with period problems?
• Do you want something you can stop using without a provider's help?
• When might you want to get pregnant in the future?

Family Planning Support and Resources

Having access to reliable information is a key part of your family planning journey. Check out Twentyeight Health's Sex Health Guide on our website for in-depth articles about birth control options, emergency contraception, and important sexual health topics. Our blog covers everything from how to start birth control to figuring out what kind of pain during sex is normal – all written by healthcare professionals and reviewed by doctors.

Not sure where to start? Explore our blog posts to learn more about your body, reproductive health, and the tools available to help you take control of your future.

When You're Ready for Pregnancy

If having a baby is part of your plan now or in the future, these steps can help you prepare:

1. Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid at least one month before trying to get pregnant
2. Talk with a healthcare provider about any health conditions or medications
3. Track your menstrual cycles to learn when you're most likely to get pregnant
4. Make healthy lifestyle changes like cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking
5. Create healthy habits that support conception and pregnancy like eating well and staying active

Access to Prenatal & Postpartum Care

At Twentyeight Health, we provide comprehensive support throughout your pregnancy journey. Our providers can prescribe prenatal vitamins, offer preconception guidance, and help you navigate your early pregnancy needs – all through convenient telehealth visits.

Ready to prepare for a healthy pregnancy? Connect with a Twentyeight Health provider today to discuss your prenatal health plan and get personalized care delivered right to your door.

Breaking Through Barriers

We know that getting reproductive healthcare isn't always easy. You might face challenges like:

• Limited healthcare access in your area
• High costs or insurance issues
• Finding time for appointments
• Feeling uncomfortable talking about these topics

That's why Twentyeight Health is working to break down these barriers. We accept Medicaid and most insurance plans, offer affordable self-pay options, and provide care through convenient online visits. 

Family Planning Myths vs. Facts

Myth: "Birth control causes infertility."
Fact: Most birth control methods are completely reversible. When you stop using them, your fertility returns to normal.

Myth: "I can't get pregnant while breastfeeding."
Fact: While breastfeeding can reduce fertility, it's not reliable birth control.

Myth: "I need a pelvic exam to get birth control."
Fact: Most birth control options don't require an exam first.

Myth: "You need to take a 'break' from birth control every few years."
Fact: Most birth control methods are safe to use continuously for many years.

Myth: "Young or unmarried people shouldn't plan for their reproductive future."
Fact: Everyone deserves access to family planning services, regardless of age or relationship status.

Getting Care Your Way

At Twentyeight Health, we understand that life gets busy and healthcare isn't always easy to access. That's why we offer:

• Online visits with caring providers
• Free delivery of your prescriptions in discreet packaging
• Affordable options with or without insurance ($0 with most insurance, starting at $18 without)
• Medicaid accepted in more states than any other telehealth platform
• 24/7 messaging with your care team

Common Questions Answered

"Is it normal for birth control to affect my period?"
Yes! Many birth control methods can change your period. Some make it lighter or more regular, while others might make it go away completely. Talk with your provider about what to expect.

"How soon after stopping birth control can I get pregnant?"
For most methods, you can get pregnant right away after stopping. Some people might take a few months for their cycle to return to normal.

"How effective is birth control?"
It depends on the method and how carefully you use it. Some methods like IUDs are over 99% effective, while others might be less effective if not used perfectly.

"What if I can't afford birth control?"
Twentyeight Health accepts Medicaid and most insurance plans. We also offer affordable self-pay options and can help you find programs that make birth control more affordable.

Your Next Steps

Think it’s time to take more control of your reproductive health? Here's how to get started with Twentyeight Health:

1. Complete our quick online questionnaire (it takes less than 5 minutes!)
2. Connect with a provider who will listen to your needs
3. Discuss your goals and concerns openly and honestly
4. Explore your options with expert guidance
5. Get personalized care delivered discreetly to your door

Your reproductive health journey is unique, and you deserve care that's personalized to your needs. Whether you're trying to prevent pregnancy, planning to start a family soon, or anywhere in between, we're here to support you every step of the way.

…And remember, family planning is all about making informed choices that work for YOU. No matter where you are in your journey, we're here to support you every step of the way.

This article was medically reviewed by Twentyeight Health's clinical team.

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