Family Planning, Birth Control and Reproductive Health Services in New Jersey
Family planning helps individuals and couples plan the number and spacing of pregnancies, prevent unintended pregnancies or achieve a pregnancy if that is what they desire. RWJBarnabas Health offers access to affordable and convenient reproductive health care, including contraceptive methods.
Our high-quality services are provided by obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) and nurses, and include screenings and testing. RWJBarnabas Health participates in publicly funded services to ensure access for underserved populations. We strive to provide family planning services to all, including poor women and unmarried women who may face higher rates of unintended pregnancies and barriers to care.
Family Planning Services
Family planning services include:
- All birth control methods, including birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants
- Contraceptive services
- Sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment
- Infertility screening and referral
- Referrals to specialized doctors as needed
- Referrals to local community organizations as needed
- Pregnancy tests, counseling and referrals
- Health promotion and education on sexual health
At RWJBarnabas Health, we provide confidential birth control and fertility services to suit your personal preferences.
Importance of Reproductive Health
Reproductive health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing not only physical health but also emotional and social stability. Access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including family planning, is essential for preventing unintended pregnancies and reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. These services also support healthy pregnancies and childbirth, which are fundamental to the health of families and communities.
Contraception/Birth Control
Contraceptive use is a key component of family planning and is essential for preventing pregnancy and improving maternal health. Contraception plays a crucial role in reducing maternal mortality, preventing adolescent pregnancy, and protecting high risk populations, including adolescent girls. Additionally, contraception is important for disease control, particularly in preventing sexually transmitted infections that can result from sexual intercourse.
There are numerous contraceptive options and family planning methods available to women, including a variety of contraceptive methods such as barrier methods like condoms and the cervical cap.
The ideal contraceptive method for a patient varies depending on their medical history, age group, sexual activity, and plans for the future. Some forms of birth control are short-term, such as condoms, spermicides, the cervical cap, and other methods, while others offer longer periods of protection like an IUD or contraceptive rings. There are also surgeries available for permanent birth control, with female sterilization being a common contraceptive method.
Contraceptive technologies are continually being developed to expand contraceptive options and improve access and effectiveness.
Short-Term Contraceptive Methods
These are examples of barrier methods:
- Male and female condoms
- Spermicides
- Cervical cap
- Timing sex during natural periods of infertility (this method is not recommended as it can be difficult to accurately predict)
Long-Term Birth Control
Long-term birth control methods include
- Intrauterine devices (IUD)
- Birth control pills
- Birth control implants
Advances in contraceptive technologies, including new contraceptive technologies, have expanded the range of long-term birth control options available.
Permanent Birth Control Procedures
Permanent birth control procedures include:
- Hysterectomy, in which a woman’s uterus is removed surgically
- Tubal ligation, or getting your tubes tied, is when a surgeon blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from reaching the uterus
- Tubal sterilization, also sometimes referred to as getting your tubes tied, is when a surgeon cuts or removes the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from reaching the uterus
Female sterilization is a widely used permanent contraceptive method, and its prevalence varies among different demographic groups and is influenced by socioeconomic factors and national family planning policies.
Be sure to speak with a doctor about the best means of birth control for you. It is important to keep in mind that there are many misleading rumors about birth control, like standing after sex or sex during menstruation can prevent pregnancy. You will want to be sure that your birth control method is safe and effective.
Preventing Unintended Pregnancy
Unintended pregnancies can lead to a range of health challenges, including higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum complications. Family planning services are essential in helping individuals avoid unintended pregnancies by providing access to effective contraceptive methods, including modern contraceptive methods like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. These options are among the most reliable ways to prevent pregnancy.
Despite their effectiveness, many women — especially those in underserved communities — face obstacles such as cost, lack of insurance and limited access to providers. Expanding access to family planning services and modern contraceptives is critical for improving public health and supporting women’s well-being.
Infertility
Learning that it may be difficult to carry a successful pregnancy is a very emotional realization for many women. Infertility most commonly affects women of reproductive age who are trying to achieve their desired number of children. There are several fertility treatments available for men and women diagnosed with fertility issues. You will need to speak with a fertility expert to gain a realistic understanding of your chances for pregnancy and the best course of treatment.
Some of the more successful infertility treatments for women include:
- In vitro fertilizations (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injections (CSI)
- Intrauterine insemination
- Surgery
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
Infertility is not an uncommon condition, and it is nothing to be ashamed about. Our compassionate team will help you understand all of your options and refer you to any community resources that may help you through this challenging time.
Genetic Counseling
Families with a history of genetic diseases such as cancer may want to learn more about their genetic predispositions before attempting to get pregnant. We offer genetic counseling to enable parents to become more informed. Genetic counselors can review your family’s medical history and provide you with a comprehensive guide on your risk factors.
Testing and Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infection (STIs, often referred to as “sexually transmitted diseases” or STDs) are infections spread from one person to another during sexual or intimate contact. Individuals who are sexually active or engage in sexual activity are at risk for STIs and should consider regular testing.
Certain populations, such as those with multiple partners or other risk factors, are considered high risk for STIs and may require more frequent screening. Sexually transmitted infections are very common and may or may not cause symptoms, so it is possible for someone to have an infection and not know it. STIs can adversely affect fetuses and newborn babies. RWJBarnabas Health tests for and treats the following STIs:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Herpes
