Overview
Plan when and whether, you have children, with expert guidance and support
With contraception, preconception care, genetic counselling, fertility treatment and other family planning services, you can make informed choices about when to become pregnant. The specialist team at Minerva Women's Healthcare supports you whether you want to avoid pregnancy for now, prepare for a healthy pregnancy, or improve your chances of conceiving. To explore contraception, address fertility concerns or access other family planning services, call us or book an appointment online today.
At a glance
- Family planning helps you decide whether, when and how to have children
- It covers contraception, preparing your body for pregnancy, and help if conception is taking longer than expected
- Many methods of contraception are reversible, and you can stop at any time when you are ready to conceive
- If you are under 35 and have not conceived after a year of trying, or after six months if you are 35 or older, ask us for an assessment
- Your visit is private, and your choices are respected
What is family planning?
Family planning is a set of services that helps you control the timing and number of your pregnancies. If you are thinking about getting pregnant, family planning helps make sure you are physically and emotionally ready. It can also help you avoid pregnancy until you are ready. Your doctor will answer your questions about contraception, fertility and the other things to think about when deciding to have a baby. If you struggle to get pregnant without help, we can explain your options and support you towards the best possible chance of conceiving.
What might family planning involve?
Depending on your needs, and those of your partner, your doctor may recommend:
Contraception: Choosing an effective method and learning to use it correctly lets you avoid pregnancy until you are ready. Options include pills, IUDs, an implant, an injection, a vaginal ring, a patch and condoms. Most are reversible, and you can stop at any time.
Preconception care: A visit before you start trying helps you be in the best health for pregnancy. We review your medical history and medicines, check your vaccinations, advise on folic acid, nutrition, weight, smoking and alcohol, and help manage conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid problems.
Genetic counselling and testing: Genetic tests can show whether you or your partner carry a gene or chromosome change that could be passed on to your children. We can discuss whether testing is right for you.
Fertility assessment and treatment: If you have trouble conceiving, we look for the cause and offer treatments such as medicines to help ovulation, treatment of conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids, and, where appropriate, surgery.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Sperm are placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to help fertilisation.
Referral for further treatment: We can refer you to trusted specialists for treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
When can infertility be a concern?
Infertility is usually diagnosed after a year of trying to conceive without success, or six months if you are 35 or older. It may be due to you, your partner or both, or have no clear cause. Conception is a complex process, and many problems can interfere. Common causes in women include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- A low egg count
- Hormone imbalances involving the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
- Premature ovarian insufficiency, which means the ovaries stop working normally before age 40
- Endometriosis
- Structural problems of the uterus, such as fibroids or scar tissue
- Blocked fallopian tubes
We can diagnose these problems and help you choose one or more treatments to improve your chances. We usually recommend that both partners are assessed.
Common questions
When should I start preparing for pregnancy?
Ideally at least three months before you start trying. Start taking folic acid, review your medicines with us, and book a preconception visit.
How soon can I get pregnant after stopping contraception?
For most methods, fertility returns quickly. With the injection, it can take several months.
How long should I wait between pregnancies?
Many doctors advise waiting at least 18 months after a birth before the next pregnancy, to protect your health and your baby's. We can help you plan.
Do I need genetic testing?
Not everyone does. It may be advised if there is a family history of an inherited condition, if you have had repeated miscarriages, or if you or your partner belong to a group at higher risk of certain conditions.
Can my partner come too?
Yes. Family planning involves both of you, and we welcome your partner at appointments.
Ready to book?
Family planning gives you and your partner more confidence about the future. Book your appointment with Minerva Women's Healthcare online or by calling our office. It takes about a minute, and no account is needed.
