Complex Family Planning

Contraceptives prevent pregnancy and potentially prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Our providers will discuss various options to see which works best for you.

There are four main types of birth control. These include:

• Barrier Methods – condoms, sponges, spermicide, or diaphragms
• Hormonal Methods – oral medications (“the pill”), patches, vaginal rings, injections or implants.
• Long-acting Reversible Methods – intrauterine devices (IUD) or implants in the arm
• Permanent Methods – Salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tube) or tubal ligation (interruption of the fallopian tubes)

Some methods work better than others. Our staff will work with you to select the most effective method for you.

Finding out that you are pregnant can bring excitement, questions, and sometimes uncertainty. At Bridgeport Hospital, we are here to guide you through every step of early pregnancy.

During your first visit, our providers will perform an ultrasound to confirm that the pregnancy is growing normally and help you begin prenatal care. Our providers will discuss:

• Early pregnancy symptoms and how to manage them
• Options for prenatal screening
• Pregnancy conditions that may require specialized care
• Common concerns about what is safe and what is not safe to do during pregnancy

If you’ve been diagnosed with an early pregnancy complication, our family planning doctors are well equipped to care for you. We specialize in:

• First and second trimester miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that grows outside your uterus, often in the fallopian tube)
• Cesarean scar pregnancy – when the pregnancy grows on or in the location of a previous cesarean section.

IUDs are very effective and convenient. They are also very safe; however, they can raise questions for some people.

• If you are interested in an IUD but worried about pain, we offer several options to help make the procedure more comfortable. These options include topical anesthesia (numbing spray) and paracervical block (numbing injection).
• If you have had a challenging IUD insertion or removal, we can help. We are experts in handling these difficult situations. We will locate the device accurately and discuss the safest options for you.

Consultations and Support

If you have other health conditions, our family planning doctors can help you determine which methods of birth control are safe for you. If you are unsure about which method is best, schedule a consultation. Telehealth visits are available to discuss birth control, IUD insertion or removal, and other ways to prevent pregnancy.

There are many reasons why being pregnant might not be the right option for you. Our family planning experts are experienced in abortion care and can help guide you through this challenging time. We offer a variety of medical and surgical options depending on your emotional and physical health as well as the condition of your pregnancy. Our staff will perform a comprehensive evaluation of you and your pregnancy to help you determine what is the best option for you and ensure you have the support you need.