Family Planning
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Women's Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley
Gynecology & Obstetrics located in McAllen, TX & Edinburg, TX
Family planning is more than just birth control; it’s a process that allows women and their partners to create a family structure that suits their personal, financial, and cultural needs and goals. Fernando Otero, MD, of Women's Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley in McAllen and Edinburg, Texas, can help you find a birth control method that is right for you. Schedule a visit today to get started. Online scheduling makes it easy to find a time that fits your busy life, or you can always call to check appointment availability.
Family Planning Q & A
What is family planning?
Family planning is a long-term process that allows you to determine the number of children you’d like to have as well as when to welcome them into your family. Proper birth spacing is healthier for both mothers and children and also allows parents to create and follow a financial plan that meets everyone’s needs.
Birth control plays a central role in family planning, and women have never had more choices when it comes to birth control methods. If it’s been a while since you’ve explored a new type of birth control, there may be an option better suited to your needs and lifestyle.
Some types of hormonal birth control can also address symptoms of gynecologic conditions or restore hormonal balance in addition to preventing unwanted pregnancy.
What are my birth control options?
Birth control can be divided into two categories: barrier methods and hormonal methods. Both approaches have distinct pros and cons.
Barrier birth control
These methods work by creating an impediment that prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. Barrier birth control methods include:
- Male condoms
- Female condoms
- Birth control sponge
- Diaphragm
- Cervical cap
Incorporating spermicide with any of these methods can further decrease the chances of pregnancy. Condoms have the added benefit of reducing the risk of contracting many sexually transmitted diseases.
Hormonal birth control
These methods work by altering your hormonal balance to prevent ovulation or thicken your cervical mucus. Hormonal birth control methods include:
- Birth control pills
- Patches
- Intrauterine device
- Birth control injection
- Implants
Hormonal birth control can also slow or stop your menstrual cycle, which is an added benefit for some women.
Which birth control options require less planning and/or scheduled routines?
For women who live busy lives or don’t want the responsibility of adhering to a daily dosing schedule, long-term birth control methods are a great solution. These methods are reliable, lasting, and require virtually nothing from you other than an occasional visit to Dr. Otero:
- NuvaRingⓇ, a vaginal ring that lasts for three weeks
- Depo-ProveraⓇ, an injection that lasts three months
- NexplanonⓇ an implant that lasts for three years
To discuss these and other family planning options, visit Dr. Otero at your earliest convenience. You can set up a visit by phone, or try the convenient online scheduling tool that allows you to book your appointment from home.
