Top Birth Control And Sterilization resources

Family planning is more than preventing unwanted pregnancy-it means deciding how many children you want and how to space them. A key factor in planning your family is the type of birth control you will use between pregnancies. You can usually start having sex about 3-4 weeks after giving birth. You should choose a form of birth control ahead of time, so you can have intercourse safely when you feel ready. Talk with your doctor or nurse about the methods available, and ask which are the best suited to your future childbearing plans.

Sterilization is permanent. Therefore, you and your partner must think about it carefully and figure out well before your baby's birth if it is right choice for you. It is not a decision to make at times of stress or near the end of pregnancy. If the procedure will be paid for by a government program, you must sign a consent form at least 30 days before delivery. Because you probably do not know exact day you will deliver and cannot be positive that you will not deliver before your expected due date, your doctor will ask you to sign the consent a number of months before your expected date.

You may wish to wait until the health of your newborn is ensured before making a decision about sterilization. If at any time you have doubts-even after you have signed papers giving your consent-let your doctor know. You can cancel the operation.