Family Planning
Empower Your Choices, Plan Your Future
Children are one of the greatest blessings in life, and their birth into loving and nurturing families is central to God’s purposes for humanity. For shared responsibility and a healthy relationship, we recommend having candid communications with your partner about family planning. Pray and counsel together as you plan your family. Consider religious and cultural influences, your physical and mental health, and your capacity to provide the basic necessities of life for your children.
Understanding Family Planning
Discussions between you and your healthcare provider about birth control are confidential. Prepare for the conversation by researching different birth control methods beforehand.
Think about your goals. Bring a list of questions like these to ask your doctor:
- What are my birth control options?
- How effective is each one?
- What are the possible risks or side effects?
- Which one do you recommend for me?
Why schedule a visit?
An appointment with a healthcare provider such as the BYUH Health Center can help you:
- Understand different birth control options
- Get answers to questions in a private setting
- Get prescriptions or refills
- Discuss family planning goals
Things to Know and Consider About Birth Control
- Breastfeeding will not prevent pregnancy
- Effectiveness - how well does it prevent pregnancy?
- Ease of use - not all methods are the same: see Health Topics Link below
- Protection against STIs - not all methods offer STI protection
- Menstrual cycle effects - some may regulate or change your period
- Cost & access - what's covered by insurance or available on campus?
