BIRTH CONTROL: THE ULTIMATE ANTIHERO

Influencers say birth control is bad, so it must be true … right?

By: Vanessa Norris

Credit: Women's Health Week

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Over the past few months, I’ve noticed recurring discourse on social media surrounding a particular topic: birth control. 

In a time where every person, event and controversy seems to be politicized in American society, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that something as trivial and customary as birth control is in the hot seat. Nevertheless, it continues to impress me how over the past two years, birth control has become an ongoing issue in American politics and, consequently, on social media. 

In the United States, birth control’s debut had a profound impact. After decades of research and reform, the first birth control pill was legalized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1960. Having access to a safe contraceptive altered American life, giving couples more control over family planning and allowing more women to pursue careers outside of domesticity. By 1973, 10 million American women were taking the pill.

Credit: PBS

Since the pill’s introduction, multiple other forms of birth control have been deemed safe by the FDA and are routinely used by Americans. These include long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) options such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and arm implants. Plan B, condoms (male and female), patches and shots are several other common methods. In 2024, a KFF survey found that 82% of women aged 18 to 49 used some form of contraception in the past 12 months. 

Despite birth control’s popularity, it is continuously criticized by politicians and skeptics. Users on TikTok and Instagram rush to describe their experiences using birth control, reporting extreme side effects like weight gain, infertility, mental health setbacks, deprivation of nutrients, alteration of romantic and sexual attraction, and hormone imbalance. 

Research suggests these accounts lack merit or are extremely rare cases. Even one of the most reported side effects, weight gain, has no significant evidence connecting it to birth control. The only contraceptive method that has been linked to moderate weight gain is the Depo-Provera shot. 

Regardless of the evidence contradicting these reports, their prevalence on social media is pushing many young women away from using birth control. Much of the discourse on contraceptives is masked by the bustling wellness industry, which targets women through social media for profit. 

In 2023, the global wellness economy grew to a staggering $6.3 trillion. Consumers of this content are seeing it repeatedly, eventually giving into the misinformation and trusting its validity. 

Within the anti-birth control movement, I’ve noticed multiple people online suggesting an unfamiliar birth control method: cycle syncing, or Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs). It’s advertised as hormone-free, side-effect-free and pain-free. All you have to do to practice FAMs is track your menstrual cycle and fertile days to avoid pregnancy. No pill, no barrier, no shot, no insertion. What’s not to love? 

Credit: TikTok (@nicole.bendayan, @rorayoga, @skysayingthings)

Dr. Robyn Schickler, the Chief Medical Officer for Planned Parenthood of Florida, reveals the reality of FAMs — they average out to only 70% effectiveness. Compared to other methods like the pill, IUD or shot, which are over 95% effective, FAMs are significantly less reliable. 

Although every experience with birth control is individualized, the lifestyle that comes with practicing FAMs is demanding and inflexible. Depending on FAMs alone — without any other form of contraceptive — requires consistent tracking and routines. Dr. Schickler states, “For college-aged individuals, busy schedules, stress and irregular cycles can make FAMs unreliable.”

FAMs may be effective for a select few, but comparative data makes a compelling argument: don’t bet on it. It’s important to remember that influencers are not medical professionals in any capacity, despite titling themselves as  “fertility educators” or “hormone coaches.” 

If you’re interested in starting birth control or switching methods, speak with a medical professional and find the option that works best for you. If you’re entirely against using hormonal birth control, remember there’s always the copper IUD and simple barrier protection (when in doubt, use a condom). 

In a climate where birth control is actively destroyed and abortion bans are exploding across the country, it’s vital to consider highly effective contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy. As a college student, the power to choose when to build your family is an important component of creating the future you want. 

Credit: The New York Times

Dr. Schickler points out a striking reality for Floridians — we have a 6-week abortion ban, limiting options before most women realize they are pregnant. Evidently, a 70% guarantee of contraception isn’t going to cut it. Remember, decades of research back the safety and effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives — trust the data over hearsay.

When avoiding unintended pregnancy, prioritize yourself and discuss your healthcare needs with a medical provider. Don’t hesitate to combine contraceptive methods and take a monthly pregnancy test. As Dr. Schickler says, “Under Florida’s 6-week abortion ban, every day matters.”

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Vanessa Norris is a second-year journalism student at the University of Florida. She is an online writer for Rowdy Magazine and loves all things books, movies, politics and pop culture.