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?
Milly Evans, a seasoned sex educator with six years of experience, has encountered countless discussions on contraception. Yet, when preparing for a hormonal coil (IUS) procedure, she felt uncertain about her decision. Social media content began casting doubt on hormonal methods, leaving her anxious. For six months, Evans postponed her appointment, questioning if the risks of a negative experience justified the benefits.
The Influence of Online Conversations
She noticed her social media feed was overwhelmed by posts that discouraged the use of hormonal contraception. Some claims, like the idea that hormonal methods harm the body, seemed persuasive enough to make her second-guess her knowledge. This experience reflects a common trend among young women who frequently engage with online health discussions.
Lauren Haslam, a 25-year-old from Manchester, follows fitness and wellness influencers. She found their critiques of hormonal contraception—calling it “unnatural” or “demonising” it—frustrating. Despite taking the combined pill for four years, which has eased her symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, she now questions whether her positive experience is being dismissed.
Misinformation and Ideological Shifts
Evans highlights the prevalence of right-wing, religious, and American-focused content. These posts often frame hormonal contraception as a threat to “clean living” or “divine femininity.” Similar messages appear on platforms like Instagram, where a post about an unplanned pregnancy gained 800+ likes. One comment declared birth control “so bad for you,” while another user shared their dislike of the pill, claiming it caused depression.
Psychosexual therapist Evie Plumb notes that even those with medical backgrounds spread misleading information. Dr. Fran Yarlett, medical director at the Lowdown, explains that while some claims are unfounded, others stem from small studies with questionable methods. For instance, the idea that the pill can “shrink your clitoris” is often taken out of context.
Broader Trends in the UK
Experts in the UK observe this shift in attitudes occurring both online and in real-life settings. London GP Jenny Dhingra reports growing patient hesitation, with some citing concerns about side effects and fear from social media. The NHS lists common side effects like headaches, nausea, and mood changes, but notes these often improve over time.
However, the perception of risk remains strong. NHS data doesn’t fully capture usage trends due to gaps in tracking pharmacy prescriptions and devices that last longer than before. Jenny Hall, a UCL professor, points out that overall, data suggests a decline in hormonal contraception use. A 2023 study found a drop in its proportion among women seeking abortions in England and Wales between 2018 and 2023.
The Power of Viral Stories
Research also shows negative side effects are more frequently highlighted on social media than benefits. This dynamic helps explain the growing skepticism. While hormonal methods remain effective, the emotional weight of viral stories can overshadow their advantages, creating uncertainty among users.
