Family Planning

Overview

What is Family Planning?

Family planning gives couples and individuals the ability to plan when to have a child or when to stop. Your Saint John’s Physician Partners doctor can help you choose the best method for you as well as discuss risks and benefits of each.   

For men, infertility may be caused by: 

• Erection or ejaculation problems including low sex drive 
• Low sperm count 
• Infection 
• Drug use 
• Alcohol use 
• Tobacco smoking
• Obesity
• Pain, discomfort or a lump or swelling in the testicle area 
• A history of testicle, prostate or sexual problems 
• A groin, testicle, penis or scrotum surgery 
• A partner over 35 

For a more permanent birth control solution, a vasectomy is a low-risk option that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy by cutting the supply of sperm to your semen.  The procedure can usually be performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia.  A vasectomy does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.  It’s important that you seriously think about the decision to have a vasectomy and have a candid discussion with your doctor.  While vasectomy reversals are possible, it should be considered a permanent form of birth control.   

Treatments

Family Planning Treatments

Your doctor may recommend the following treatments for male infertility: 

• Surgery 
• Treating infections 
• Medication or counseling for sexual problems 
• Hormone treatments 

There are several things you can do to increase your chances of achieving pregnancy, including: 

• Increase the frequency of sex 
• Have sex when your partner is ovulating 
• Use sperm-safe lubricants. 
• Live a healthy lifestyle such as maintaining proper weight, get enough sleep and exercise regularly 
• Don’t use of alcohol 
• Stop smoking  
• Don’t use illicit drug