Family planning — pick what works for your life

Family planning covers two main goals: preventing an unplanned pregnancy and planning a pregnancy when you’re ready. You don’t need perfect knowledge to start—just the right questions and a basic plan. This guide gives clear, useful steps so you can pick a method that fits your body, your schedule, and your budget.

Pick a method that fits your life

Think about daily habits, health issues, and whether you want children soon. Here are the common options and what to expect:

- Long-acting reversible contraception (IUDs, implants): very low failure rates (over 99% effective). Set-and-forget for years, but require a clinic visit for placement and removal.

- Combined pills, patch, ring: great control and reversible, but need regular attention. Typical use effectiveness is lower than perfect-use because missed doses happen. Combined estrogen-containing methods aren’t recommended if you smoke and are over 35, or if you have certain clotting or migraine issues.

- Progestin-only pills and injectables: good for people who can’t use estrogen. Injectables last months but can change bleeding patterns.

- Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms): protect against pregnancy and, in the case of condoms, STIs. Condoms are the best dual-protection option.

- Fertility awareness and withdrawal: rely on timing and behavior. They can work but need careful tracking and carry higher failure rates for typical users.

- Sterilization (vasectomy, tubal ligation): permanent. Consider this only when you’re sure you don’t want more children.

Practical steps and where to get help

Start with a quick appointment or a telehealth visit. Tell the provider about your medical history, smoking status, any medications, and future pregnancy plans. Ask about side effects, how easy it is to stop, and cost. If you use pills, learn what to do after a missed dose. If you use an IUD or implant, ask about follow-up checks.

Always keep an emergency contraception plan in mind—levonorgestrel pills work best within 72 hours, and a copper IUD can be used up to five days after unprotected sex. For STI protection, always use condoms or get tested regularly if you have new or multiple partners.

Where to get care: community health clinics, sexual health centers, family planning nonprofits, primary care, and many pharmacies. Telemedicine can handle pill prescriptions and counseling. If cost is a concern, ask about sliding-scale fees, public programs, or coupon programs at pharmacies.

Final tip: try one method for a few months, then reassess. Side effects often settle after a few cycles, but if something feels wrong, switch. Family planning is personal—there’s no single right answer, just the right choice for you right now.