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, has encountered unanticipated hesitations regarding her contraceptive method. Despite her extensive knowledge on the subject, she found herself questioning the suitability of a hormonal coil (IUS) due to growing concerns fueled by online discourse. Over six months, the 26-year-old repeatedly delayed her appointment, swamped by posts that cast doubt on hormonal contraception. “Some of the claims I saw were so compelling that they made me question what I already know to be true,” she reflects.
The Shift in Perception
Across platforms, conversations about hormonal contraceptives like the pill, coil, and implant have taken on a dual tone. On one side, women share personal side effects, while on the other, influencers spread myths often tied to ideological stances. This latter trend, particularly in the US, has a distinct right-wing, religious flavor, emphasizing “clean living” and “divine femininity.” Lauren Haslam, a 25-year-old from Manchester, echoes similar worries. She follows fitness and wellness content creators who frequently label hormonal contraception as “unnatural,” which makes her positive experience with the combined pill feel diminished.
Haslam, who has relied on the pill for four years, credits it with managing her premenstrual dysphoric disorder—a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. She describes it as alleviating intense cramps and unpredictable behavior before her period. Yet, the persistent online narratives have left her questioning whether her choice aligns with the broader narrative.
Expert Insights on the Debate
As social media trends gain traction, their influence extends beyond screens. In the US, viral posts have shaped public perception, with one widely shared claim describing birth control as “so bad for you” and another labeling it “sucks.” A new mother in a 17-year-old video, seeking advice, highlights the emotional weight of these debates. Meanwhile, Evie Plumb, a psychosexual therapist, notes that even those with medical credentials contribute to the spread of misinformation in online spaces and podcasts.
Dr Fran Yarlett, medical director at the Lowdown, points out that while some claims are clearly inaccurate, others are based on small-scale studies with questionable methods. For instance, the idea that the pill “shrink your clitoris” is often presented without context. These discussions are no longer confined to digital spaces—UK clinics report rising “aversion” among patients, with some citing fears of side effects after exposure to social media content.
The NHS lists common side effects of hormonal contraception, such as headaches, nausea, mood swings, and acne, but emphasizes that these typically improve over time. It also notes that the method may slightly increase risks of blood clots and breast cancer, though these are described as “very low.” However, the impact of online narratives remains unclear. Jenny Hall, a UCL professor, highlights that NHS data doesn’t account for users accessing pills through pharmacies or newer devices that require fewer replacements. Despite this, overall trends suggest a growing shift away from hormonal methods, with a 2023 study noting a decline in usage among women seeking abortions in England and Wales between 2018 and 2023.
The Viral Power of Fear
Research from last year also reveals that negative side effects are discussed more frequently on social media than benefits. This aligns with the observation that scary stories tend to attract attention and go viral, often overshadowing nuanced information. For women like Evans and Haslam, the challenge lies in navigating these conflicting messages while making decisions that fit their individual needs.
“It’s hard to accurately say how much these online conversations are truly affecting contraception usage in the UK,” says Jenny Hall, who notes gaps in current data.
