For decades, women have been turning to various forms of contraception, such as birth control, as a way of preventing pregnancy.
But recently, many women have chosen to ditch the pill due to being worried about possible side effects, something that has been exacerbated by social media.
Birth Control Is 99% Effective
Planned Parenthood has stated that the birth control pill is 99% effective.
As long as those on the pill take it at the same time every day, the pill retains this effectiveness, with roughly 7 in 100 pill users falling pregnant each year.
Social Media Users Say Birth Control Isn’t Natural
Despite the studies showing its effectiveness, some people have taken to social media to share that they don’t use it because they see it as unnatural.
One user took to TikTok to say that as she sees birth control as being unnatural, she doesn’t believe in using it.
Some People Say Not Being on Birth Control Improves Mental Health
Birth control carries many side effects, with some people reporting having poor mental health as a result of using it.
One TikTok user said after coming off the pill, she had seen an improvement in her mental health, feels happier, is no longer crying, has lost weight, and now feels like a completely new person.
There Are Various Birth Control Pills to Choose From
Different people have their preferred ways of what they would like their birth control pill to give them, such as stopping periods, and generally what might be best for them, especially if they are taking other kinds of medication.
Mayo Clinic has said the two main types of pills are the combination and the minipill. There are plenty of variations for people to choose from, and what might work for one person might not work for another.
Birth Control Pills Called ‘Poison’
As many people are taking to social media to find information about birth control pills, this can lead to a variety of misinformation from people who aren’t necessarily qualified to give out this information.
The Daily Mail has reported that one social media user had referred to the pill as being poison, which has subsequently worried many users and caused them to no longer use it.
Doctors Receiving Many Patients Who Believe Social Media
The Washington Post has reported that doctors are seeing an influx of patients coming to their offices regarding what they have seen on social media about birth control.
This has caused concern among doctors. They have to reassure their patients that what they are being told on social media isn’t true and that the pill is perfectly safe for them to use.
The Lack of Information from Doctors Led People to Social Media
Many people have said that the reason why they turned to social media for information regarding birth control has been due to the lack of information from their doctor.
Dr. Danielle Jones said in a YouTube video that even if your doctor isn’t giving you enough information regarding birth control, this doesn’t excuse the sharing of false information.
Birthrates Have Gone Up
The increase in women ditching birth control has caused birthrates to go up.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal has warned that women shouldn’t be ditching birth control, as this is going to increase the number of unwanted pregnancies.
Abortion Rates Have Risen
As the use of birth control has gone down and unwanted pregnancies have gone up, this has led to the number of women wanting an abortion also going up.
The Daily Mail reported that after Roe v. Wade was overturned in the U.S. in 2022, it has become harder for women in many states, including Texas, Georgia, and Idaho, to access the care they need, which has meant they have had to carry unwanted pregnancies to full term.
Birth Control Helps with Other Conditions
Despite being primarily used for preventing pregnancy, birth control can be used to help control other conditions.
Cleveland Clinic has said the pill can help make periods lighter, prevent anemia, reduce menstrual cramps, help with PMS and PMDD, help PCOS and endometriosis, prevent excessive hair growth, and lower the risk of ovarian, uterine, and colon cancers.
Birth Control Pills Are Perfectly Safe to Use
Despite the recent worry of birth control pills not being safe, Planned Parenthood assures people that the pill is perfectly safe.
The pill has been in use for over 50 years. and while users have every right to be aware of the risks that many medications are subject to, most people have nothing to worry about and should consult a doctor about any worries they might have.
