A growing wave of misinformation on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram is fueling skepticism about hormonal birth control among young women, prompting some to discontinue use and raising concerns among medical professionals. The trend, characterized by unsubstantiated claims about negative side effects, is coinciding with a documented decrease in the uptake of long-term contraception in some regions.
In Wales, for example, prescriptions for the combined pill have fallen sharply, from 8,531 in 2019 to 2,233 in 2023, according to Public Health Wales data. Simultaneously, the country has seen a record number of abortions in 2022. Even as a direct causal link hasn’t been established, health officials are investigating whether the proliferation of online misinformation is a contributing factor. Dr. Helen Munro, clinical lead of the Women’s Health Network for Wales, noted that women are increasingly seeking information about what they are putting into their bodies.
The concerns center around claims circulating on platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag #contraception has amassed over 27,000 posts. These posts often feature personal anecdotes detailing alleged adverse effects of hormonal contraception, ranging from weight gain and acne to mood swings and decreased libido. Some claims extend to more serious, and medically unsupported, assertions about long-term impacts on fertility and overall health.
Experts point to the role of “wellness influencers” in amplifying these narratives. These content creators, often lacking medical qualifications, present themselves as trustworthy sources of information by sharing personal experiences and promoting a lifestyle focused on “optimal health and vitality.” This approach, rooted in the wellness movement that emerged in the 1970s, emphasizes a holistic approach to health but can also lend credibility to unsubstantiated claims. A recent report from NPR highlighted how one woman, Charlotte Freed, stopped using an IUD after a friend recommended a book questioning the safety of hormonal birth control, leading Freed to wonder if her anxiety, depression, and fatigue were linked to the device.
The spread of misinformation is particularly troubling given the established safety and effectiveness of hormonal contraception, backed by decades of research. Doctors and researchers worry that women are making crucial family planning decisions based on inaccurate information. The Conversation reported that content creators are exaggerating the risks associated with contraception, cancer, and infertility.
TikTok stated that users are permitted to share their own stories or experiences about medical treatment as long as it does not contain harmful misinformation. However, identifying and removing such content remains a challenge.
Jane Cowan, a long-term user of contraception, expressed concern about the online trend. “I’ve used different forms of contraception for many years. Of course, they haven’t all worked for me. But on the whole, I would call it a success story,” she said. Cowan highlighted the benefits she experienced, including clearer skin, lighter periods, and increased predictability in her menstrual cycle.
While free contraception is available to women aged 17 to 35 in Ireland, advocates argue that addressing the online misinformation is crucial to ensure women can make informed choices. Contraception, they contend, remains a vital tool for women’s empowerment and reproductive autonomy.
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