Why You Should Think Twice Before Taking Birth Control Advice from Social Media

Why You Should Think Twice Before Taking Birth Control Advice from Social Media

The internet has revolutionized how we access information, making it easier to stay up-to-date with news, connect with loved ones, and learn new things. However, this also means that we are constantly exposed to an overwhelming amount of information, including medical advice that may not be accurate. At some point, we shifted from medical professionals being the primary source of expertise to social media and even Dr. Google, and I’m not quite sure when or how it happened. Nowadays, many patients come into their appointments armed with information they’ve gathered online, which can be both helpful and challenging. In fact, I would love to meet Dr. Google. As a doctor, I am passionate about helping women make informed decisions about their health and well-being, but unfortunately, social media has become a breeding ground for medical misinformation, especially when it comes to birth control. It’s crucial to remember that relying on unreliable information can have serious consequences for your health, including unintended pregnancies and other health issues.

How we got here

There are two main reasons why people turn to social media for medical advice. Firstly, doctors often have limited time during clinic visits to provide comprehensive information and answer all of their questions. As a doctor, I understand the challenges of balancing the needs of each patient with the limited time available, which can lead patients to look for information elsewhere. Secondly, the internet has made it easier to access and spread information, but unfortunately, this also means that medical misinformation can easily be spread, leading to a lack of trust in traditional sources of medical advice.

We need to distinguish between disinformation and misinformation when navigating medical information on social media. Disinformation is false information spread intentionally and maliciously for personal gain, while misinformation is not necessarily spread with the intent to harm, but can still have serious consequences. Misinformation can be convincing because it often contains a kernel of truth wrapped in misleading or fictitious information. That’s why it’s crucial for us to approach all information on social media with a critical eye and seek out reliable sources of information.

Just imagine scrolling through our social media feed and coming across a post claiming that drinking bleach can prevent COVID-19. It sounds ridiculous, but what if the post claims to have “scientific evidence” or has been shared thousands of times? It’s important to note that while bleach can be used to kill the virus that causes COVID-19 on surfaces, drinking bleach to kill the virus inside the body is not only ineffective, but it can also be incredibly dangerous and potentially fatal. The issue lies in the fact that a kernel of truth is being manipulated to support a completely different and potentially harmful message. This is just one example of the medical misinformation that can easily spread on social media platforms. That’s why it’s crucial to approach all information on social media with a critical eye and seek out reliable sources of information.

Social Media and Birth Control

Social media may have started as a platform to connect with friends and family, but it has become a source of information on everything from makeup tutorials to medical advice. When it comes to medical advice, it’s essential to be cautious because the stakes are higher. While messing up your makeup isn’t a big deal, relying on unreliable medical advice can have serious consequences for your health and well-being. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach all information on social media with a critical eye and look for reliable sources of information.

More and more women are relying on social media for advice on birth control, but with an overwhelming amount of opinions and sources, it can be difficult to discern accurate information. The unpredictability of what shows up on your feed and the abundance of conflicting opinions can make it challenging to make informed decisions. 

Social media influencers have become a popular source of information on birth control, but we must approach their advice with caution. While sharing personal experiences can be helpful, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s body is different, and influencers may lack the qualifications or expertise to provide reliable medical advice. The prevalence of misinformation on birth control can lead to unintended pregnancies and other health issues, emphasizing the need for accurate information and reliable sources. While sharing personal experiences can be helpful, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and one person’s experience may not be representative of others.

While influencers have the right to share their experiences and opinions, remember that they may not have the same expertise as medical professionals. Social media algorithms create an “echo chamber” effect where users keep seeing the same information based on their clicks and interactions, which can reinforce their beliefs and lead to relying on a narrow set of unreliable sources.

Here are some common myths about birth control you may see on social media: 

• Myth #1: Birth control makes you gain weight. While some women may experience weight gain, it’s not always due to the birth control itself. Changes in diet or exercise habits may be the cause.
• Myth #2: Birth control causes infertility. This is not true. Many forms of birth control, like the pill or condoms, are temporary and can be stopped when a woman wants to conceive.
• Myth #3: The pill is only for birth control. Actually, the pill can help manage other health conditions like acne, heavy periods, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Many women take the pill for reasons unrelated to contraception.
• Myth #4: Birth control causes cancer. There’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, some forms of birth control, such as the pill, may even reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Protect yourself. What should you look for? 

So, how can you find reliable sources of information when you don’t have time to talk to a doctor? Here are some tips:

• Look for information from reputable sources like government agencies, professional medical organizations, and well-known health websites.
• Verify information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
• Be cautious of personal anecdotes, as they may not be representative of everyone’s experience and should not be considered medical advice.
• But for sure, next time you see your doctor, don’t hesitate to ask what is best for you and your situation. They are the most qualified and reliable source of medical information and they know you best. Let’s rebuild this relationship. 

In conclusion, it’s crucial to approach all information on social media with a critical eye and seek out reliable sources of information. While social media influencers may have valuable personal experiences to share, it’s important to remember that they may not have the same level of expertise as medical professionals when it comes to providing medical advice, including advice on birth control. While it’s ultimately up to you to decide what is best for your body, it’s essential to ensure that the information you are using to make that decision is reliable and accurate. So, take the time to seek out reliable sources of information, consult with a medical professional if possible, and approach all information on social media with a critical eye. Remember, it’s your body, and you deserve to have accurate and trustworthy information to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.