If you aren’t ready to grow your family yet, it’s important to know what your options are. While the only 100% guaranteed method to prevent pregnancy is abstinence, there are a number of other methods available that are highly effective if you are sexually active but not wanting to become pregnant, including condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicide. These are all barrier methods of contraception. Other forms of contraception, such as birth control pills, the intrauterine device, implants, vaginal rings, and patches are all hormonal methods of contraception. While barrier methods are designed to prevent sperm from entering the uterus, hormonal methods use hormones to regulate or stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy. To determine which form of contraception is right for you, consult with your gynecologist.

Female sterilization, or tubal occlusion, is a permanent form of birth control. This procedure closes off the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from traveling to the uterus and keeping sperm from reaching the egg.

At some point in every woman’s life (usually around age 50), the menstrual cycle will naturally stop. This is called menopause. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, during which the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries will begin to fluctuate. You may begin to experience a change in cycles, heavier or lighter menstrual flow, interrupted sleeping patterns, and hot flashes. Estrogen-only therapy (ET) and estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT) can help with these symptoms, though it is important to consult with your gynecologist to determine which type of therapy is right for you.

Urinary incontinence can range from leaking just a few drops of urine to completely emptying the bladder. Usually, nonsurgical treatment includes lifestyle changes, bladder training, physical therapy, and the use of certain bladder support devices. There are also several surgical procedures available if nonsurgical options don’t alleviate your urinary incontinence.

It’s important to know that although all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are preceded by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), not all STIs result in the development of STDs. There are a number of STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV. Testing is done with either a urine or swab sample, or from a blood test. Some STIs can be treated and cured, while others cannot. Sexually active women younger than 25 and women older than 25 with high risk factors, multiple sex partners, or a sex partner with an STD, should be screened every year.

An infertility evaluation includes exams and tests to try and find the reason why you and your partner have not become pregnant. If a cause is found, treatment may be possible. In many cases, infertility can be successfully treated even if no cause is found. Treatment for infertility can include hormone treatments, fertility drugs, and surgery.