Family Planning ~ Contraception ~ Birth Control

For most women, the reproductive years persist for some 30-40 years. If you choose not to have children for at least part of that time, then you will need to make some decisions about contraception, or the prevention of a pregnancy. However, with so many contraceptive options now available, finding the method/s that are right for you can often be challenging endeavor. The midwives at Vivante take the necessary time to discuss your unique reproductive circumstances and help you find the contraceptive method/s that best support your health and lifestyle.

Some important considerations we will review together in evaluating your contraceptive options:

Are you planning to have children? If so, do you have a timeframe in mind?
Are you in a monogamous relationship (meaning you only have sex with one person and that one person only has sex with you)? Or do you need protection against sexually transmitted diseases as well as pregnancy?
Can you fit a reliable routine into your life (whether it be to take a pill every day or to track your bodily signs of fertility)? Or would you prefer to not have to think about it that often?
Are you comfortable having to insert a contraceptive device?
Have you ever used hormonal methods and had undesirable side effects? Or are you a smoker who cannot safely used estrogen-based methods?
How do you feel about having to plan for sex, or would you prefer to be totally spontaneous?

An Overview of Contraceptive Options:

The Pill and other Hormonal Contraceptives
- Combination pill
- Progesterone-only pill
- Depo-Provera Injection
- Skin Patch
- Vaginal Ring
- Implant
Condoms and other Barrier Methods
- Male condom
- Female condom
- Diaphragm
- Cervical cap
Sterilization
- Tubal ligation
- Vasectomy
- Essure
Natural Family Planning
- Fertility Awareness Method
- Calendar (rhythm method)
- Lactation Amenorrhea Method
Intrauterine Devices
- Copper IUD
- Hormonal IUD
Emergency Contraception
Withdrawal