Focus on family planning

Everyone has different goals for the size of their family. Some people want a small family. Others want to have a lot of children. You will need to consider which birth control method you want to use to prevent pregnancy when you are not ready for a baby. You should also know when to stop using it.

Choosing the birth control option that is right for you1

Contraception counseling can help you and your health care provider decide what form of birth control is right for you. You can discuss these options with your health care provider:

  • Hormonal methods, such as birth control pills, skin patches, and vaginal rings.
  • IUDs (intrauterine devices), such as copper and hormonal options. Your health care provider will need to place the IUD in your uterus. Some individuals choose to have an IUD implanted right after they deliver their baby. With this option, they do not need to schedule an additional procedure and already have contraception in place. IUDs typically last three to five years but can be removed at any time. Talk to your health care provider about the best option for you.
  • Barrier methods, such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges.
  • Natural family planning. This is tracking the time of month when your body releases an egg (ovulation). If you do not want to get pregnant, you should avoid having sexual intercourse when you are ovulating or use a barrier method for protection.
  • Permanent birth control, which is also known as sterilization. These procedures are available for both men and women and include a vasectomy to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg or tubal ligation (or "getting your tubes tied.”)
  • Emergency contraception (EC), which is also known as “the morning after pill.” Plan B One-Step® is one type of EC. It is used when other birth control methods fail. For example, you might use EC if the condom breaks or you forget to take your birth control pills.3

Planning for another baby2

The decision to expand your family is a big one. If you decide that it is time to try for another baby, you can stop using birth control. Each birth control method works differently and may affect how soon you will ovulate. This guidance can give you an idea of when you should stop using it:

  • Birth control pills: You’ll begin to ovulate about two weeks after you stop taking these pills. Your periods may not be regular for a few months. This can make it harder to track when you are ovulating.
  • Condoms: This barrier method prevents sperm from reaching a woman’s egg. You can get pregnant as soon as you stop using them.
  • Depo-Provera: You get this shot every three months to prevent pregnancy. It may take 10 or more months after the last injection before you ovulate regularly.
  • Implant or intrauterine device (IUD): These devices are implanted in your body to prevent pregnancy. Once it is removed, you can start trying to get pregnant.

 

Sources
1Getting pregnant. UPMC. Reviewed Sept. 5, 2024. Accessed Jan. 17, 2025. upmc.com/services/womens-health/services/obgyn/obstetrics/pregnancy/journey/getting-pregnant
2Weir W. Birth control overview. UPMC MyHealth Matters. Accessed Jan. 16, 2025. https://www.upmcmyhealthmatters.com/birth-control-overview/#:~:text=Hormonal%20methods%20include%20the%20birth,to%20use%20your%20birth%20control.