Your life. Your health. Your goals.
Family planning isn’t only about preventing pregnancy. It’s about having the information, healthcare and support you need to make informed decisions about if, when and how you want to grow your family.
Whether you want to prevent pregnancy, are thinking about having a baby, want to space pregnancies or aren’t sure what’s next, Eastern Iowa Health Center’s Women’s Health team is here to listen and help you explore your options.
Family planning healthcare can support you through different stages of your reproductive life.
Depending on your needs and goals, your visit may include:
Birth control and contraception
Pregnancy planning
Pregnancy testing
Preconception healthcare
STI testing and prevention
Reproductive health education
Discussions about spacing pregnancies
Preventive women’s healthcare
Referrals or additional resources when needed
Your goals may change over time. Your healthcare can change with them.
If preventing pregnancy is your current goal, our Women’s Health team can help you understand available birth control methods.
There are many options, including methods used when needed, short-acting contraception and long-acting reversible contraception.
The best choice depends on your health, preferences, lifestyle and future pregnancy plans.
Learn more: Birth Control – Finding the Option That’s Right for You
You don’t have to wait until you’re pregnant to talk with a healthcare provider.
A preconception visit can help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy before you begin trying to conceive.
Your healthcare provider may talk with you about:
Your medical history
Current medications and supplements
Prenatal vitamins and folic acid
Nutrition
Physical activity
Vaccinations
Existing health conditions
Previous pregnancies
Family health history
Tobacco, alcohol or other substance use
Mental and emotional health
This is also a great opportunity to ask questions about fertility, pregnancy and anything else you’re wondering about.
If you’re considering pregnancy, it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider about starting a prenatal vitamin before you become pregnant.
Folic acid is especially important during the earliest stages of fetal development—often before someone realizes they’re pregnant.
Learn more: Prenatal Vitamins – What You Need to Know
If you’ve recently had a baby but think you may want another child in the future, your healthcare provider can help you think about pregnancy spacing and birth control options between pregnancies.
Your postpartum visits are a good time to discuss your health, recovery, reproductive goals and what you want your next chapter to look like.
That’s okay too.
You don’t have to arrive at your appointment with a decision already made.
Family planning care can simply be an opportunity to ask questions, understand your options and talk with a healthcare professional about what matters to you.
Your Women’s Health team can provide information so you can make decisions that fit your health, values and goals.
Taking care of your reproductive health also includes protecting your sexual health.
Eastern Iowa Health Center provides services that may include:
STI testing and treatment
HIV testing
Pregnancy testing
Birth control
Preventive screenings
Reproductive health education
Talk openly with your healthcare provider about questions or concerns. These conversations are a routine part of healthcare.
Eastern Iowa Health Center participates in the Title X Family Planning Program, which helps make family planning and preventive health services accessible.
Depending on eligibility, the cost of certain family planning services may be based on income and ability to pay.
Our team can help you understand available services, confidentiality and potential costs.
Maybe you’re certain you don’t want a pregnancy right now. Maybe you’re ready to start trying. Maybe you’re somewhere in between.
Family planning is about having healthcare that supports you through all of those stages.
Our Women’s Health team is here to answer questions, provide information and help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Call Eastern Iowa Health Center at 319.730.7300 to schedule an appointment with our Women's Health team.
SCHEDULE A WOMEN'S HEALTH APPOINTMENT
