Family planning means making choices about having children. It also includes learning how to stay healthy before, during and after pregnancy. Primary Care providers help families with these choices every day. They can answer questions and provide support.
Primary Care is the place people go when they need medical help or check-ups. It includes doctors, nurses and other health workers who take care of your overall health. They can help with check-ups, shots and common illnesses. But they also help with family planning.
Primary Care providers can:
- Talk to you about birth control options – they can explain the different types of birth control, like pills, patches or IUDs and help you choose what’s best for you.
- Give pregnancy tests – if you think they might be pregnant, you can get tested.
- Offer advice before pregnancy – if you want to have a baby, your provider can help you get ready by checking your health and giving fertility tips.
- Help after a baby – your provider can support you as a new parent and connect you with a pediatrician.
Primary Care can help with all aspects of current and future care. Family planning is one aspect of overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Office of Population Affairs (OPA) say that family planning includes:
- A full range of birth control methods for people who want to prevent pregnancy
- Pregnancy testing and counseling
- Help for people who want to get pregnant
- Basic infertility services
- Pre-pregnancy health checks to make sure people are ready for a healthy pregnancy
- Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections
Family planning helps people make educated choices. It can:
- Keep moms and babies healthy
- Help families plan for school, work and money
- Lower the number of unplanned pregnancies
- Help with fertility information for younger or older people
Good family planning starts with trust and communication. When patients feel safe talking to their healthcare provider, they are more likely to ask questions and share concerns. Primary Care teams at Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. work hard to build strong relationships with patients, so they feel heard and supported every step of the way.
Questions you might have at an appointment:
- What kind of birth control is best for your body?
- Can you stop birth control if I want to get pregnant soon?
- How can you prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy?
- What should you do if you have trouble getting pregnant?
- Are there any side effects to birth control?
- How do you talk to your partner about family planning?
Family planning isn’t just one visit – it’s a journey. Your needs may change over time, and that’s okay. Whether you’re thinking about birth control, planning for a baby or just want to talk. Your primary care provider is here at every stage. Regular check-ins help make sure your plan still fits your life.
Visit Clinicas
At Clinicas, everyone is welcome. Staff listens without judgement and gives honest, caring advice. The goal is to help patients feel safe and supported in making the best choices for themselves and their families. Book an appointment for Primary Care Services today.