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 doubiting my contraception choices?
Milly Evans: A Shift in Confidence
Milly Evans, a seasoned sex educator, has encountered a shift in her confidence regarding contraceptive methods. Despite her expertise, she felt uncertain about choosing a hormonal coil (IUS) before her appointment. Her social media feed was inundated with posts casting doubt on hormonal birth control. She questioned whether the potential downsides outweighed the benefits. For six months, the 26-year-old kept postponing her visit.
“Some of the claims I saw were so compelling that they made me question what I already know to be true,” she says.
Conversations Online and Offline
Conversations about hormonal contraceptives typically fall into two camps: personal accounts of side effects and curated misinformation. The latter, often tied to conservative ideologies, frames birth control as a challenge to natural processes. This perspective, heavily promoted by American influencers, emphasizes “clean living” and “divine femininity.”
Lauren Haslam’s Experience
Similar content has appeared on Lauren Haslam’s Instagram feed. The 25-year-old, based in Manchester, follows fitness and wellness creators. She grows frustrated with posts that portray hormonal contraception as unnatural. Haslam, who has relied on the combined pill for four years, credits it with transforming her life. It eased symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which once caused severe cramps and unpredictable behavior.
“The pill has ‘honestly changed my life,’ but the posts make my positive experience feel ‘invalidated,’ ” she adds.
Spread of Misinformation in the US
In the US, social media has amplified anti-hormonal narratives. A post from a new mother, holding her unplanned child, sparked debate. Comments like “Birth control is ‘so bad for you'” and “Contraception ‘sucks'” gained widespread traction. Some users even blamed the pill for their depression.
Experts Warn About Context
Psychosexual therapist Evie Plumb notes that even qualified professionals share misleading information online. Dr Fran Yarlett, medical director at the Lowdown, highlights that while some claims are incorrect, others stem from studies with questionable methods. For instance, the idea that the pill “shrink your clitoris” often ignores broader scientific consensus.
Impact on UK Usage
This trend isn’t limited to the US. UK sexual health experts report growing hesitation in clinics. London GP Jenny Dhingra observes more patients citing social media fears. Common side effects, like headaches or mood swings, are acknowledged by the NHS as temporary. However, the organization notes that risks such as blood clots and breast cancer remain “very low.”
Challenges in Measuring Trends
Professor Jenny Hall of UCL argues that NHS data underrepresents contraceptive use. It excludes pharmacy prescriptions and overlooks newer devices that last longer without replacement. Despite this, data suggests a decline in hormonal methods. A 2023 study found a drop in usage between 2018 and 2023, using abortion records from England and Wales.
Virality of Fear
A review of studies last year revealed negative side effects are more frequently discussed online than benefits. While the NHS lists common effects, fear-driven stories often dominate attention. This creates a perception that hormonal contraception is risky, even as evidence supports its safety for most users.
