How to Start Your Family Planning Journey Today

Planning for a family is an important decision that requires careful thought and consideration. Whether you're exploring birth control options or want to start having children right away, you may benefit from family planning services. 

In this guide, our providers in Denton, Plano, and Wylie, TX discuss some key steps to begin your journey. We also cover topics like how to get pregnant at the right time, and why finding the right healthcare provider is crucial for your reproductive health. To book an appointment with Health Services of North Texas, click here. 

Step one: Assess your current health 

Before embarking on your family planning journey, patients should assess their current health status. This includes understanding any pre-existing medical conditions that may cause infertility or complications during pregnancy. Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders should discuss their plans with their provider to ensure they are in the best possible health before trying to conceive. 

Step two: Understand your birth control options 

For patients who are not ready to conceive, understanding all available birth control options is essential. There are many methods to choose from, including hormonal birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, and more. At Health Services of North Texas, our experienced team can help weigh the pros and cons of each option to find the best fit for your needs and lifestyle. We offer onsite Depo-Provera injections and can prescribe the pill, patch, and ring. Additionally, we provide IUDs and implant devices and offer referrals for specialized options, such as sterilization, that we don’t handle directly.

Step three: Create a timeline 

Creating a timeline can be helpful in planning for your family in Denton and Collin Counties. This may include setting goals for when you want to start trying to conceive, determining the time of year for pregnancy based on work or other commitments, and discussing potential considerations with your partner. Having a clear timeline can also alleviate stress and give you a sense of control over the process. 

Here are some factors to consider when making a timeline:  

• Age: As women age, their fertility declines, making it more challenging to get pregnant and increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy. 
• Career and financial stability: Many patients want to ensure they are in a stable position with their careers and finances before starting a family. 
• Emotional readiness: Discuss your thoughts and feelings with your partner and make sure you are both ready for the responsibilities of parenthood. 

Step four: Track your menstrual cycle 

For those wondering how to get pregnant on their own timeline, tracking their menstrual cycle can be a useful tool. It allows you to determine when you are most fertile and increases your chances of conceiving. There are many apps and tools available to follow your cycle, or you can simply use a calendar. Tracking ovulation symptoms, such as changes in cervical mucus or mild cramping, can also pinpoint your most fertile days. 

Step five: See a provider if you have trouble conceiving 

If you and your partner are having a hard time conceiving or want to discuss the topic of infertility, our comprehensive family planning services include blood work and a sonogram of your reproductive organs to see if you have issues that impact your reproductive health, including an ovarian cyst or abnormal uterus. We can also provide referrals for more specialized fertility treatments if needed. 

Benefit from family planning services 

We understand that family planning is a personal and sometimes complex decision. Whether you want to discuss infertility or how to get pregnant when the time is right, our providers in Denton, Plano, and Wylie, TX, are here to provide support. Book a family planning appointment with Health Services of North Texas by clicking here.