Planning for your future family? At Jennifer Almonte, MD in McAllen, our board-certified OB/GYNs are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring contraception, planning a pregnancy, or seeking infertility evaluation, we offer personalized care tailored to your needs. Let our McAllen family planning doctors help you make informed decisions for your reproductive health.
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Family Planning
Family planning is about taking control of your reproductive health and making choices that align with your goals and lifestyle. Whether you want to have children in the future or space out your pregnancies, we work with you to create a plan that suits your needs. This may include discussing your health history, future goals, and various birth control options, as well as providing guidance on preparing for a healthy pregnancy when you’re ready.
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Contraceptives
Choosing the right contraceptive method is an important decision, and we are here to help you explore your options. We offer various birth control methods, including pills, patches, injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and implants. We take the time to explain how each method works, how effective it is, and what side effects you might expect. Our McAllen family planning doctor’s goal is to find a solution that fits seamlessly into your life while aligning with your health and family goals.
Hormonal Methods
Hormonal birth control methods use hormones to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg) or make it harder for sperm to reach an egg. These may include birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, injections, and hormonal IUDs. These methods are highly effective when used correctly and can also help regulate periods, reduce menstrual cramps, and manage hormonal acne.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
IUDs are small, T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. They come in two types: hormonal and copper. Hormonal IUDs release progestin to thicken cervical mucus and stop ovulation, while copper IUDs create an environment that prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. Both types are long-lasting (3 to 10 years) and highly effective.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg. These include male and female condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. Condoms are the only birth control method that also protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Barrier methods are best used consistently and correctly every time you have sex to be most effective.
Permanent Methods
For individuals or couples who are certain they do not want children in the future, permanent birth control options are available. These include tubal ligation (female sterilization) and vasectomy (male sterilization). Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that blocks or seals the fallopian tubes, thus preventing eggs from meeting sperm.
Infertility Evaluation & Referral
If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, our family planning doctors in McAllen provide a thorough infertility evaluation to help identify potential causes. This may involve reviewing your medical history, performing blood tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic procedures. Once we understand the underlying issues, we’ll discuss possible treatments. If specialized care is needed, we’ll refer you to trusted fertility specialists to ensure you receive the support you need on your journey to parenthood.
Fertility & Family Planning FAQs
How Long Should I Try to Get Pregnant Before Seeing a Doctor?
If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year without success, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation. If you’re 35 or older, you should see a doctor after six months of trying. Women with irregular periods or known fertility issues may need to seek help sooner.
What Should I Expect During an Infertility Evaluation?
An infertility evaluation involves reviewing your medical history, performing blood tests to check hormone levels, and imaging studies like ultrasounds to assess reproductive organs. Your partner may also need to undergo testing. Based on the findings, we’ll discuss possible treatment options or refer you to a fertility specialist if advanced care is needed.
How Soon Can I Get Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control?
Fertility can return quickly after stopping most birth control methods. For some methods, like the birth control pill or IUD, ovulation may resume within a few weeks. With Depo-Provera (birth control shot), it may take several months for fertility to return.
Why Choose Jennifer Almonte, MD?
Jennifer Almonte, MD is dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care for all your fertility and family planning needs. Our board-certified OB/GYNs, including Dr. Jennifer Almonte, a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, offer personalized guidance to help you make informed reproductive health decisions. Schedule a consultation today to speak with a family planning doctor in McAllen, Texas.
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