Family planning enables men and women to plan their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births while maintaining a normal sex life. Contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment, and the treatment of involuntary infertility help achieve this.
Family planning addresses three things:
The different types of birth control contraception for family planning comprise of:
Fertility tests
If you have been trying to conceive for a while without success, you may wish to have some tests to help find out the cause of any infertility and assist you in choosing the right treatment options.
Modern family planning methods are categorised into three types:
There are also traditional methods that consist of periodic abstinence, withdrawal, and various folk methods such as herbs.
The best type of family planning will depend on you and your partner and your lifestyles. Ramsay can give you advice on all the types of contraception available and what we think might be the best type for you based on our conversations during your consultation.
Some contraceptive methods are more effective than others. Some have the potential for user error such as remembering to take the contraceptive pill. Some contraceptive methods have side effects such as spotting or bleeding between periods, sore breasts, nausea, or headaches. The male condom gives the best protection against STIs and the female condom provides some protection.
Some people find they are not successful in getting pregnant and part of their family planning will focus on determining if there are fertility issues.
There are 15 types of contraception that support family planning.
The costs of family planning will depend on your chosen healthcare specialist and your preferred method of contraception or required STI or fertility testing.
You will receive a formal quotation price for your family planning following a consultation with one of our family planning specialists. This formal quote will be valid for 60 days.
Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Medical insurance policies often don’t cover family planning. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before your family planning if you wish to pay this way.
We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your family planning yourself. We offer interest-free finance with 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments, and pay-as-you-go payment plans.
The recovery process of family planning will depend on what type of contraception, STI or fertility testing you require.
There is no recovery time required for many contraceptives such as the pill and condoms. After the insertion of an IUD or IUS, you may feel some cramping and bleed, and these usually settle quickly. You should avoid sexual intercourse for 24 hours or until the bleeding settles, to prevent infection.
After a longer-term contraception surgery, such as a vasectomy, you may need to rest for a few days. You can usually go home the same day as your surgery. In the first few days, your testicles will probably ache. You should avoid sex for a week or so and use an alternative contraception until your surgeon has confirmed there are no sperm in your semen.
At Ramsay Health Care, we offer a full family planning service to confidentially discuss your contraceptive, sexual health and fertility issues. Our health professionals will offer advice and tests as required to ensure you receive the best family planning for you and that you’re fully aware of all the options available.
We offer permanent contraception including vasectomy for men and tubal occlusion for women. If you've changed your mind and you would like to increase the size of your family, we also offer reversal surgeries.
If you are having problems getting pregnant when you would like to add to your family, our doctors can offer advice to help you maximise your chances of conception. If necessary, we are able to perform further fertility tests and care.
You may be concerned about your sexual health and you can book into our discreet clinic to have STI tests to help put your mind at rest and receive the treatment you need.
Paul Foster MP, the newly elected Member of Parliament for South Ribble, and former Leader of South Ribble Council, visited Ramsay Health Care UK’s Buckshaw Hospital today to see people caring for people in action.
Patients are travelling nationwide to visit Pinehill Hospital for Aquablation Therapy, which they have been offering now for over a year. This is a new minimally invasive robotic treatment for patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
We are delighted to announce that Tees Valley Hospital have achieved the Silver accreditation for ANTT® Patient Protection Accreditation Programme for Healthcare Providers.