Start With Yourself

What does your reproductive life plan look like now? Has it changed over time? From puberty onward, everyone deserves age-appropriate conversations that reflect their identity, values, and choices. Whether you’re planning to conceive, still undecided, or navigating fertility with a donor or partner, your internal pep talk sets the tone for all the rest.

Primary Care / Specialist Team

Let your providers know your intentions early. From family planning to chronic condition management, the sooner you bring it up, the better supported you’ll be.

Include Your Health Providers

No single clinician can handle every aspect of preconception health, and not every healthcare provider will be comfortable bringing up preconception planning strategies. You may need to bring it up. Evidence-based PartnerPepTalk resources aim to make everyone more comfortable and confident with these conversations. Referrals and follow-up may need to happen too, because current insurance reimbursement structures may be limiting.

Tip: Share your goals with your healthcare provider at every life stage, no matter your sexual or gender identity. Preconception health and a supportive environment benefit everyone, not just the person who may become pregnant.

Mental Health Professionals

Mental wellness supports generational resilience. That goes for both future moms and future dads. Trauma-informed, preconception mental health care is part of the full picture.

Dentist / Hygienist

Oral health can affect pregnancy outcomes. Silent infections like gingivitis are transferable, and preconception check-ups for both partners are key. The dental office is an ideal setting to get blood pressure measured, too. Bring this up at your next visit.

Talk With Your Partner

Whether your relationship is casual or committed, it’s empowering and necessary to be clear on your shared intentions. Talk before the moment. Make a plan for how you’ll approach pregnancy, or prevent it altogether. Revisit the conversation regularly, especially if you’re open to the idea of having unprotected sex. And don’t forget to schedule check-ups for at least 3 to 6 months in advance!

Start With Yourself

What does your reproductive life plan look like now? Has it changed over time? From puberty onward, everyone deserves age-appropriate conversations that reflect their identity, values, and choices. Whether you’re planning to conceive, still undecided, or navigating fertility with a donor or partner, your internal pep talk sets the tone for all the rest.

Pharmacist

Instead of saying “no” to the “Consultation with a Pharmacist,” say “yes” the next time you pick up your prescription medication for yourself or your intimate partner. Teamwork is really important when it comes to medication management and family planning. Abrupt changes without medical supervision can do way more harm than good, so if your healthcare provider or pharmacist routinely asks about your reproductive intentions or contraception, take no offense. Proactive care shows professionalism.

Medical Providers – General & Specialty Care

No single clinician can handle every aspect of preconception health, and not every healthcare provider will be comfortable bringing up preconception planning strategies. You may need to bring it up. Evidence-based PartnerPepTalk resources aim to make everyone more comfortable and confident with these conversations. Referrals and follow-up may need to happen too, because current insurance reimbursement structures may be limiting.

Tip: Share your goals with your healthcare provider at every life stage, no matter your sexual or gender identity. Preconception health and a supportive environment benefit everyone, not just the person who may become pregnant.

Mental Health Professionals

Mental wellness supports generational resilience. That goes for both future moms and future dads. Trauma-informed, preconception mental health care is part of the full picture.

Dentist / Hygienist

Oral health can affect pregnancy outcomes. Silent infections like gingivitis are transferable, and preconception check-ups for both partners are key. The dental office is an ideal setting to get blood pressure measured, too. Bring this up at your next visit.

Talk With Your Partner

Whether your relationship is casual or committed, it’s empowering and necessary to be clear on your shared intentions. Talk before the moment. Make a plan for how you’ll approach pregnancy, or prevent it altogether. Revisit the conversation regularly, especially if you’re open to the idea of having unprotected sex. And don’t forget to schedule check-ups for at least 3 to 6 months in advance!

Food & Drink, Physical Activity & Sleep

A rich variety of wholesome foods can help protect the body’s own protective barriers—like the gastrointestinal tract—while supporting overall vitality. Pair this with regular movement and restorative sleep to fuel mind-body health and the quality of sperm and seminal fluid, eggs, and uterine lining. Resist the temptation to overdo one lifestyle habit at the expense of the others—most people, including spouses, partners, family, friends, and even co-workers, wrestle with this balance, and “perfect imperfection” is a good low-stress goal. RDNs (Registered Dietitian Nutritionists), sleep apnea specialists, and credentialed exercise specialists may all prove invaluable, especially if you’re living with a chronic medical condition.

Pain Management, Substance Use, Infection Management

• Pain Management with Opioids: Social media, music, and entertainment have blurred lines between legal opioid prescription and recreational opioid use, creating false safety perceptions and is of particular concern during the months before and after conception. Work closely with your prescribing physician to review whether continued opioid use is necessary, and explore safer options. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and complementary care specialists are also sources of support.
• Nicotine, Alcohol, Cannabis & Other Drugs: A strong legacy of resiliency begins with both partners practicing healthier habits before family building. Acknowledge that social circles and partners have tremendous influence on each other. Binge or chronic substance use? Trouble cutting back or quitting? Recognize situations that are working in your best interest and those that aren’t. Professional guidance may offer added security, ensuring you don’t have to carry burdens alone. We are working with collaborators to feature resources and screening tools for Substance Use Counselors, Mental Health Specialists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Care Coordinators and Crisis Interventionists.
• Infectious Disease &/or Sexual Health: Be open to updating vaccinations (see Preconception Medical Checklists) as well as testing and treatment for common sexually transmitted infections (STI). Most people don’t realize that even if an oral or genital infection has no symptoms, it can affect fertility, future pregnancy safety, and more. It’s critical to complete treatment as instructed and prevent reinfection by having both partners equally responsible for follow-up.