Medical misinformation proliferating on social media platforms has led to misconceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of hormonal birth control methods.

The longstanding lack of transparency among physicians regarding certain rare but serious side effects has driven patients to seek guidance from unqualified online communities.

False narratives suggesting that birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) cause infertility and other health issues have led some women to base contraceptive decisions on fear rather than evidence.

Consequently, women may find themselves dealing with unintended pregnancies or other health issues.

What’s the most effective birth control method?

The Nexplanon implant and IUDs stand out as two highly effective forms of birth control. Classified as long-acting reversible contraceptives, both release hormones to prevent pregnancy. The implant is inserted into a woman’s upper arm, while an IUD is placed in the uterus. Copper IUDs, devoid of hormones, are equally effective.

Termed ‘get it and forget it’ methods, these options eliminate the need for daily reminders or maintenance, thereby minimizing user error, a leading cause of method failure.

Though no birth control method guarantees 100% effectiveness, Nexplanon and IUDs boast over 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, whereas the birth control pill hovers around 91% with typical use.

What are the side effects of hormonal birth control like the pill or IUD?

While birth control pills and IUDs are generally safe and efficient, like many medications, they may entail certain side effects. Common ones include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding.

Most of these side effects can be managed by switching to a different birth control type or waiting for symptoms to diminish over a few months.

However, more severe side effects, albeit rare, such as blood clots and stroke, may occur. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before starting birth control, particularly if you have a history of migraines with aura or smoking.

Many modern birth control methods have reduced estrogen levels to minimize the risk of blood clots. Additionally, the forthcoming over-the-counter pill, Opill, exclusively contains progestin, eliminating the blood clot risk.

How effective is ‘natural’ family planning as a form of birth control?

Natural family planning, also known as fertility awareness-based methods, involves tracking menstrual cycles to identify peak fertility periods for conception avoidance. While this method can be up to 98% effective with perfect use, it may have a failure rate of up to 23%, influenced by factors like regular menstrual cycles and precise ovulation tracking.

However, this method may be less effective for individuals who have recently given birth or had an abortion, are breastfeeding, have recently stopped using hormonal birth control, have conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or are nearing menopause due to hormonal fluctuations complicating accurate ovulation tracking.

Does hormonal birth control lead to weight gain?

Studies have not established a definitive link between birth control and weight gain. The exception lies with Depo-Provera, an injection containing progestin, which may cause an average weight gain of five pounds in the first year.

Physicians emphasize the importance of dispelling the misconception that birth control leads to weight gain, often cited as a reason for discontinuation. While acknowledging that weight gain is a common occurrence with age, they reassure patients that it’s unlikely related to their birth control method and offer alternatives if desired.

Does hormonal birth control cause depression?

Doctors assert that oral contraceptives are safe for women with mood disorders, and most users do not experience adverse mood effects. However, women with a history of depression may be more susceptible to mood changes while on birth control. It’s crucial for such individuals to communicate any mood changes with their healthcare provider.

Can birth control alter personality or affect attraction?

Research indicates that studies often cited by influencers suggesting personality changes or altered attraction due to birth control often have small sample sizes or methodological flaws. The gold standard for research is randomized controlled trials, which reveal no substantial impact on personality or attraction due to birth control.

Physicians caution against relying on social media influencers for medical information and encourage patients to seek reliable sources for accurate information.