I’ve been a sex educator for six years. Why did I start doubting my contraception choices?

I’ve been a sex educator for six years. Why did I start doubting my contraception choices?

Shifting Perceptions in the UK

Sexual health experts in the UK report that conversations about hormonal contraception are increasingly influenced by online discourse. London GP Jenny Dhingra notes a growing “aversion” among patients, with some citing fears of side effects after exposure to social media content. This trend mirrors similar concerns in the US, where discussions around birth control have taken on a more ideological tone.

Online Influence and Misinformation

For six months, 26-year-old Milly Evans postponed her hormonal coil (IUS) appointment, unsettled by posts on her social media feed. These posts, often linked to right-wing, religious, and American sources, framed contraception as a challenge to “clean living” and “divine femininity.” “Some of the claims I saw were so compelling that they made me question what I already know to be true,” Evans admits, highlighting a broader pattern of skepticism.

“Birth control is ‘so bad for you’.”

Lauren Haslam, a 25-year-old from Manchester, follows fitness and wellness influencers who frequently “demonise” hormonal methods like the pill. Despite her four-year experience with the combined pill, which alleviates symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, she feels her positive outcomes are “invalidated” by such content. Haslam says it has made her doubt whether her choice is the best one.

The Spread of Concerns

In the US, fear-driven narratives about hormonal contraception have gained traction. A post from a new mother, who had an unplanned pregnancy, drew over 800 likes for a comment declaring birth control “so bad for you.” Another user criticized the pill for causing depression, echoing a sentiment that has become common in online spaces. Even medical professionals, including those on podcasts, contribute to this spread of misinformation, according to psychosexual therapist Evie Plumb.

NHS Data and the Role of Context

While some claims about hormonal contraceptives are questionable, others stem from studies with “dubious methodology,” says Dr. Fran Yarlett, medical director at the Lowdown. She points to the assertion that the pill can “shrink your clitoris” as an example of how context can be lost in viral discussions. The NHS lists common side effects like headaches, nausea, and acne, but notes these often improve over time. It also acknowledges a “very low” risk of blood clots and breast cancer, though these are less frequently highlighted.

Measuring the Impact

Jenny Hall, a UCL professor of reproductive health, highlights gaps in NHS data. She explains that the current statistics don’t account for users who access the pill through pharmacies or those who receive long-term devices without replacement. Despite these limitations, data suggests a growing move away from hormonal methods. A 2023 study found a decline in contraceptive use between 2018 and 2023, based on abortion seekers in England and Wales. Meanwhile, a review noted that negative side effects are discussed “much more frequently” online than benefits.

The reality is that fear-based stories often capture attention and spread rapidly, shaping perceptions even among those with prior knowledge. This dynamic continues to influence decisions, creating a complex landscape for women considering their contraception options.