Is withdrawal effective?
(and how to choose non-hormonal birth control that's right for you)

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Let's be honest that most of us are poorly informed about all the non-hormonal birth control options we have. 

Our providers basically tell us we should either choose something they have on offer (whether that's IUD's or hormonal contraception of one kind or another), and dismiss the efficacy of the myriad non-hormonal birth control options we have access to outside of the medical system.

IUD's are incredibly commonplace, and while they work for many, they also have risks and side-effects that are often overlooked.

Our bodies are our own, and my biggest wish is for you to make the choice that's right for your body in whatever season of life you're in.

But if you are curious about non-hormonal birth control options, this episode is a great place to start. 

I've been practicing a combination of Fertility Awareness Method, withdrawal, occasional condom use and occasional herbal allies for my contraception practice for nearly two decades.

This is not some short-lived thing.

This is long term, deeply embodied confidence I have in these forms of contraception working effectively - especially when combined. 

It's empowering to know what's possible, which is why I wanted to do an entire episode on withdrawal - what withdrawal is, how to make it more effective, when in your cycle you may want to try it if you're newer to it or more experienced, and how edging can play a role as well.

I hope it offers you some grounded information you can use as you explore what feels true and right for you!

Resources:

• Get started tracking your cycle: Track Your Cycle (FAM) guide

• Sign up for the waitlist here: Natural Contraception winter 2025/2026 waitlist

• Episode 90: Effective Non-hormonal birth control options
• Episode 146: 5 benefits of practicing natural contraception
• Episode 186: When contraception fails!

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.

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Learn to track your cycle and listen to your own body wisdom - Track Your Cycle Simply in 3 Easy Steps Guide (click here)  

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