Family planning for every body
No matter your age, gender or goals, family planning is a big part of staying healthy. It matters at every stage and helps you make informed choices.
Family planning is about more than preventing or preparing for pregnancy. It includes routine care that helps protect your body. It supports your health now and in the future. Here’s what to know.
The basics of family planning
Family planning means care for your reproductive health. This includes the parts of your body that help you have children. Even if you don’t want kids now, or ever, this care is still important.
Family planning helps you:
- Understand your body
- Prevent or plan for pregnancy
- Support a healthy pregnancy
- Stay healthy before, during and after pregnancy
- Practice safer sex
- Prevent or treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Seeing your PCP is key
Regular visits with your primary care provider (PCP) are the foundation for family planning. These visits may include:
- A well-woman exam
- A pap test to check for cervical cancer
- A breast exam
- Talking about periods, pain or other concerns
- Testing for and prevention of STIs
Men and people of all genders need reproductive care. It’s for everyone, not just women.
Get the most out of your benefits
Preventing pregnancy
Don’t want to get pregnant right now? You have many safe birth control options. Birth control, also called contraception, helps prevent pregnancy.
There are two main types of birth control: hormonal and barrier methods.
Hormonal birth control changes hormone levels to lower pregnancy risk. It comes in many forms:
- Pills
- Shots
- Patches
- Vaginal rings
- Intrauterine devices or IUDs (placed in the uterus)
- Implants (placed in the arm)
Barrier methods work like a shield. They block sperm from reaching the egg. These include:
- Condoms (worn outside or inside the body)
- Diaphragms
- Cervical caps
Condoms are the only type of birth control that also helps prevent STIs. Using condoms with another method gives you the best protection against both pregnancy and STIs.
Talk to your PCP about which birth control is best for you. Most options are covered by your plan at no cost to you.
Preparing for pregnancy
Ready to start a family? You can take steps now to get your body ready for a healthy pregnancy.
First, schedule a visit with your PCP. During your visit, be sure to:
- Talk about your health history. Tell your PCP about any health problems you have or medications you take. You can also ask questions and share any concerns you have.
- Ask about vaccines. They can protect you and your baby from getting sick while you’re pregnant.
- Get tested for STIs. They can harm your health and may cause problems during pregnancy. You can also pass STIs on to your baby. Testing is easy and private. If you have any STIs, your PCP can help treat them to keep you and your baby safe.
- Get help quitting smoking, vaping, drinking or using drugs. These habits can cause problems during pregnancy and harm the baby.
- Manage health conditions. Do you have a chronic condition like asthma, diabetes or depression? Work with your doctor to help get it under control.
While you're pregnant
If you become pregnant, see your PCP as soon as you can. They will help you start prenatal care (regular checkups during pregnancy). These visits help track your health and your baby’s growth.
Let Aetna know you’re pregnant, too. Member Services can set you up with a care manager. They’ll help coordinate your care and connect you with helpful resources.
Your plan may offer other extra benefits, too. You may be able to get things like 24/7 pregnancy support or rewards for completing prenatal care. Check your plan’s website or your member handbook for details.
After you have your baby
You'll be focused on keeping your newborn healthy. But it’s just as important to take care of your own health. Keep up with your PCP visits. They can help you with breastfeeding and birth control options. They can also help look out for signs of postpartum depression.
