Birth Control Options

Driven by curiosity and built on purpose, this is where bold thinking meets thoughtful execution. Let’s create something meaningful together.

you asked…

Featured
What are the real side effects people notice (weight, acne, mood, libido, periods), and how long does it usually take for your cycle/fertility to come back after you stop?
How strict is the “expires at X years” thing—do I need to schedule a replacement exactly on time, or is there a safe grace period if I’m busy/insurance is being annoying?
If I’m trying to be more sustainable, which type (gel vs foam vs film) usually has the least waste/most eco packaging—and do any of them actually perform well without needing a ton of product?
How fast does the shot start working, and if I’m even a little late getting my next one, how risky is that—do I need to use condoms as backup?
If I’m in my early 20s and not sure about kids yet, is there any downside to choosing the longer-lasting one (like Mirena) vs a shorter one (like Skyla)?
Are there certain ingredients in gels/foams/films that are lowkey red flags (like drying alcohols, fragrance, or stuff that causes breakouts), especially if I’m sensitive or acne-prone?
Like, how does the birth control shot actually stop you from getting pregnant—does it fully stop ovulation or is it doing something with cervical mucus too?
What’s the real difference between Mirena vs Kyleena vs Skyla—like who is each one actually best for, and how long do they last without me having to think about it?
Okay but like… what’s the actual difference between gels, foams, and films, and how do I know which one will work best for my hair/skin without it feeling crunchy, sticky, or heavy?
People Often Ask about Copper IUDs: Period Cups, Duration, STIs, Heavy Periods, and Sex
I keep seeing mixed info online—can the copper IUD affect acne, mood, or libido even though it’s “non-hormonal,” and how do I know if it’s not a good fit for my body?
What does getting a copper IUD inserted feel like in real life (pain level + recovery), and is there anything I can do to make the appointment less brutal?
People Often Ask – How the implant works
Can you feel it under your skin or see it through your arm, and what’s the removal process like (is it painful or scary)?
How fast does it start working after you get it, and what happens if it “runs out” before you replace it—like do you need backup protection right away?
Can I use the combo pill to help with acne/PCOS-ish symptoms or brutal periods, and what should I ask my doctor to make sure I’m not getting brushed off?
How risky is the combo pill for blood clots if I vape sometimes or fly a lot, and what symptoms would be an actual red flag vs me overthinking it?
If I start a combo pill, how long until I actually feel “normal” on it—like mood, anxiety, libido, and just overall vibes?
Okay but like… how does the implant actually work in your arm—what is it releasing, and how does that stop ovulation?
If I go with the copper IUD because I want to be hormone-free, how bad are the heavier periods/cramps *actually*—like, will it mess with my work/school life for the first few months?
Plan B (levonorgestrel): How it works and when to take it
People Often Ask – Male condoms: Types, materials (latex, polyurethane), and proper use
Can someone walk me through proper condom use without it being awkward—like when exactly to put it on, how to check it’s the right way around, and what to do if it slips or breaks?
If I’m trying a sex toy for the first time, what’s the safest way to insert it properly (lube type, cleaning, and how do I avoid irritation or a UTI)?
What’s the real difference between thin, ribbed, and “ultra sensation” condoms—like is any of that actually safer or better, or is it mostly marketing?
What’s the most hygienic way to use and insert stuff like boric acid or yeast infection suppositories—like do I need gloves, how far up, and what should I not do after?
How to insert and remove rings
If I’m sensitive to latex (or just get irritated down there), are polyurethane condoms actually a good swap, or are there other materials I should look for?
How do I actually insert a tampon/menstrual cup the right way without it hurting (and how do I know it’s in correctly)?
How effective is "pulling out"?
Featured
Can anxiety really feel like a stroke or blood clot?
Does PCOS make blood clots or stroke more likely?
Does COVID or the COVID vaccine really increase clot risk in young women?
Can my period or menstrual cycle itself increase my stroke or clot risk?
Are the blood clots in my period the same as dangerous blood clots in my leg or lungs?
What can I realistically do to lower my risk without spiraling — like are there specific labs/tests I should ask for, or lifestyle changes that actually make a difference (and what’s just internet fear-mongering)?
How much do my personal factors (like vaping, migraine with aura, family history, being on hormonal birth control, long flights/road trips, or being postpartum) change my real risk of clots or stroke?
What are the best study methods for teens that actually work when you’re juggling AP classes, sports, a job, and like… being exhausted?
If something like a blood clot is "rare," how would I actually know it’s happening vs just anxiety or a normal weird body thing — what are the red-flag symptoms that mean ER now?
What’s the best way for teens to set boundaries with social media (doomscrolling, comparison, DMs) without feeling totally cut off from friends?
If you’re trying to teach a teen basic money stuff, what’s the best method for budgeting/saving that’s realistic when they only make like $50–$200 a week?
People Often Ask about best methods for teens
People Often Ask – Allergic reactions to latex or spermicide
What are the best non-latex condom options that still feel safe/reliable (and won’t trigger a reaction), and do I need to worry about lube ingredients on the condoms too?
If I get burning/itching after using spermicide, does that mean I’m allergic, and are there better options that won’t mess with my pH or make me more prone to BV/yeast infections?
How can I tell if I’m actually allergic to latex vs just irritated from friction or not enough lube—like what symptoms are the “this is an allergy” giveaway?
Are there certain types (pill vs hormonal IUD vs implant) that are less likely to mess with my mood or cause weight changes, or is it basically a trial-and-error situation?
Is it normal to feel more anxious or moody on birth control, and how long should I wait it out before deciding it’s not for me?
If I start hormonal birth control and I gain weight, how do I tell if it’s actually the pill vs like stress, cravings, or my routine changing?