Taking Control of Your Reproductive Journey: A Guide to Family Planning
Every woman is at a different place in her reproductive journey. Whether you’re preparing for your first child, spacing out your next pregnancy, or looking for effective ways to prevent pregnancy altogether, having a dedicated plan is essential.
At Discovery Medical Center in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, IL, Pekka Soini, MD, FACOG, respects your individual goals and provides the tools you need to honor your decisions about your family.
Family planning is about taking intentional action. It involves controlling your fertility to ensure you are emotionally, physically, and financially ready for the next chapter of your life.
Promoting a healthy pregnancy through preconception care
If your goal is to expand your family, the journey begins long before a positive pregnancy test. Dr. Soini offers comprehensive preconception care to ensure your body is in the best possible shape for a healthy pregnancy. Taking these steps can improve your odds of conceiving quickly and reduce the risk of complications for both you and your baby.
During a preconception exam, we review your medical history, manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, and ensure you are caught up on immunizations. We also offer infertility assistance and STD testing to address any potential hurdles early on. Once you conceive, our practice provides full obstetrical care, supporting you from your first prenatal visit through labor and delivery.
Exploring your options for pregnancy prevention
Family planning also means having the power to prevent pregnancy until the time is right for you. Dr. Soini meets you where you are in life to discuss various methods that align with your lifestyle and health needs. Our prevention services include:
- Birth control: We help you navigate the many different hormonal and non-hormonal options to find the most effective fit.
- Sterilization: For women who are certain their family is complete, we provide counseling and guidance on permanent solutions.
- Natural family planning: We offer complete instructions and counseling for those who prefer to use natural methods to track their fertility.
By choosing the right method, you can avoid the stress of an unintentional pregnancy and protect your overall reproductive health.
The lifelong benefits of intentional planning
The ability to control your fertility provides significant emotional and physical benefits. It allows you and your partner to avoid the stress of being unprepared for a new arrival while improving health outcomes when you do decide to conceive.
Family planning is also a vital part of preventive wellness. Services such as regular Pap smears and STD testing help you stay in charge of your body, ensuring you remain healthy regardless of your reproductive goals. Dr. Soini is dedicated to providing instructions, counseling, and compassionate guidance for whichever path you choose.
Whether you’re hoping to have a baby within the next couple of years or you’re looking to prevent pregnancy, Dr. Soini can help. To learn more about our family planning services, call Discovery Medical Center or use our online tool to schedule your appointment today.