Choosing birth control can feel overwhelming—so we’re breaking it down. In this episode, we’re joined by nurse Claire Frampton to walk through all your options, from the pill and patch to IUDs and implants, and what actually matters when choosing one.
We cover effectiveness, side effects, hormones, periods, and the questions everyone is asking—like how birth control affects mood, whether you can skip your period, and which options are best if you want to avoid hormones.
Whether you’re starting, switching, or just curious, this is your no-BS guide to birth control.

**Please note at 1:02:20 Claire accidentally says "tonsils" when she meant "wisdom teeth."**

📚 Episode Resources:
Medisafe Medication Management App – A free app that helps you stay on track with your medications, including daily birth control reminders: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/medisafe-medication-management/id573916946
Sex Sense (Options for Sexual Health) – A confidential, evidence-based resource call line offering information and live support on sexual health and contraception: https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/sex-sense/
Scarleteen – A platform providing inclusive and accurate education on sex, relationships, and reproductive health: https://www.scarleteen.com/about
Planned Parenthood – A leading provider of reproductive health care and education, with detailed information on birth control options and sexual health: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Chapters:
00:00–01:06 Trailer 
01:06–03:35 Introduction 
03:35–08:22 What Is the Best Contraceptive Method? 
08:22–10:13 How Does Birth Control Work? 
10:13–19:30 Least Effective Methods (Condoms, Diaphragm, Withdrawal, Fertility Awareness) 
19:30–21:15 Condoms 
21:15–42:15 Birth Control Pill 
42:15–46:00 Vaginal Ring 
46:00–47:20 Patch 
47:20–52:00 Injection (Depo-Provera) 
52:00–01:05:05 IUD 
01:05:05–01:09:45 Implant 
01:09:45–01:19:30 Tubal Ligation 
01:19:30–01:23:23 Systemic Hormones 
01:23:23–01:26:02 How to Choose the Right Birth Control 
01:26:02–01:27:53 One Thing You Wish More People Knew 
01:27:53–01:29:00 Resources 
01:29:00–01:33:23 Conclusion