Here’s what to know about claims birth control is harmful

Claims about the harms of birth control, particularly hormonal methods like the pill, IUDs, patches, and injections, have surged on social media, often fueled by misinformation. Below is a breakdown of these claims, the evidence, and the broader context based on recent information.

Common Claims and the Evidence

1. Claim: Hormonal Birth Control Causes Severe Health Issues

• Social Media Narratives: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram feature posts alleging that hormonal birth control causes depression, infertility, cancer, weight gain, gut issues, or low libido. Some influencers exaggerate risks or promote unproven alternatives like herbal supplements or “detoxing” after stopping birth control.
• Evidence: Decades of research show hormonal birth control (pills, IUDs, patches, implants, injections) is safe and effective for most users, with a pregnancy prevention rate of over 99% when used correctly. Common side effects include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and mood changes, which are usually mild but can impact quality of life. Serious risks like blood clots or stroke are rare and primarily linked to estrogen-containing methods, with higher risks for smokers or those with cardiovascular conditions.
• Cancer Risks: Studies indicate a slight, temporary increase in breast and cervical cancer risk, but hormonal birth control reduces the risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers, with protective effects lasting decades. Overall, the cancer risk-benefit balance is neutral.
• Mental Health: No definitive evidence links hormonal birth control to depression, though individual experiences vary.
• Infertility: Hormonal birth control does not cause infertility; fertility typically returns after discontinuation, except for injectable methods, which may delay conception slightly due to their design.
• Weight Gain: Only the hormonal shot (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is associated with minor weight gain; other methods show no consistent link.

1. Claim: Natural Methods Are Safer and Equally Effective

• Social Media Narratives: Influencers advocate fertility awareness methods (FAMs) like cycle tracking or apps, claiming they’re safer than hormonal methods. Some promote unproven herbal remedies like Queen Anne’s Lace.
• Evidence: FAMs, which involve tracking ovulation via temperature or cervical mucus, can be effective for those with regular cycles and strict adherence but have an 8-9% failure rate compared to <1% for hormonal methods. Errors are common, especially with irregular cycles, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy. Unproven herbal alternatives lack scientific backing and are unreliable.

1. Claim: Emergency Contraception (Plan B) Causes Abortion

• Social Media Narratives: Some posts falsely equate emergency contraception (EC) with abortion, claiming it prevents implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Evidence: The FDA clarified in 2022 that Plan B works by delaying or stopping ovulation, not by preventing implantation. If a pregnancy is already established, EC has no effect. Misinformation stems from outdated labeling, but studies confirm EC does not disrupt implantation or terminate pregnancies.

Context and Misinformation Trends

• Social Media Influence: Platforms like TikTok amplify personal anecdotes, often exaggerating rare side effects or presenting individual experiences as universal. A 2024 KFF survey found 39% of reproductive-age women encountered birth control content on social media, with 38% discussing it with others, though only 10% consulted a doctor. Misinformation is often spread by wellness influencers lacking medical credentials, sometimes for profit (e.g., selling “hormone reset” programs).
• Medical Mistrust: Claims gain traction due to distrust in healthcare, especially among women who feel dismissed by providers. A 2022 survey showed 29% of women felt their health concerns were ignored by doctors. This fuels reliance on social media for information.
• Political and Ideological Factors: Anti-abortion groups have historically mischaracterized EC and IUDs as abortifacients, influencing policy debates. The 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, heightened fears about contraception access, with some states’ vague abortion bans causing confusion about EC and IUD legality.
• Provider Misconceptions: A 2023 study found 17% of surveyed physicians believed IUDs and 39% thought EC were abortifacients, particularly among male doctors or those with higher religiosity, contributing to misinformation.

Risks of Misinformation

• Unintended Pregnancies: Misinformation discourages use of effective contraception, leading some to rely on less reliable FAMs, increasing pregnancy risks. Pregnancy itself carries higher health risks than hormonal birth control, especially in the U.S., where maternal mortality is significant.
• Access Barriers: Post-Dobbs, confusion over abortion bans has led some providers to limit EC or IUD access, fearing legal repercussions. A 2023 KFF poll found 50% of women in abortion-ban states were unsure of EC’s legality.
• Impact on Research: Misinformation may stifle efforts to improve contraception, as public perception sways against hormonal methods.

Recommendations

• Consult Healthcare Providers: Individualized counseling is key, as side effects vary. Providers should discuss risks and benefits thoroughly, addressing patient concerns to rebuild trust.
• Reliable Sources: Seek information from trusted sources like the Reproductive Health Access Project, Bedsider, or Planned Parenthood, rather than social media anecdotes.
• Comprehensive Education: Enhanced sex education can counter misinformation. A 2024 Lancet study noted that comprehensive sexuality education reduces unintended pregnancies by 50% compared to abstinence-only programs.
• Social Media Action: Platforms like TikTok have removed some misleading content after investigations, but monitoring remains inconsistent. Users should verify influencer claims with medical professionals.

Conclusion

While hormonal birth control can have side effects, the risks are often exaggerated online, and serious complications are rare. Decades of research confirm its safety and efficacy for most users, with benefits like reduced cancer risk and menstrual symptom relief. Misinformation, driven by social media and ideological agendas, can lead to risky decisions like relying on less effective methods. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, and critically evaluate online claims against evidence-based sources.