Are your kids influenced by TikTok contraception misinformation?

Could social media be responsible for the spread of misinformation about contraception? Is it influencing the drop in the use of the combined pill? And could it be linked to a rise in abortion rates? The sexual health experts at YourGP answer these important questions and urge you all to think carefully about where you and your teenage children are getting your information about contraception from…

The problem with social media

A recent study screened TikTok videos from December 2022 to March 2023, retrieved under various search terms related to oral contraceptives. Researchers concluded that “TikTok videos related to oral contraceptive health had low quality and reliability of information”.

They also found “the majority of videos were made by non-healthcare providers, and the most common topic discussed was the effects of contraception. Videos made by healthcare professionals contained more reliable contraceptive information, but received less engagement than videos made by non-healthcare professionals.”

These results are worrying, to say the least. We know that social media has increasingly become a go-to source of information about reproductive health for many people, and the number of people that could be influenced by videos containing misinformation or biased information is potentially huge.

The effects of misinformation

Sharing personal experiences of the side effects of contraception on social media can be a helpful tool for many people who wish to tell their story and connect with others who may relate to it. However, for anyone seeking out information about contraception, relying solely on these social media posts to inform decisions is not advisable.

A recent BBC news report revealed sexual health clinics and GPs in Wales have seen the uptake for the combined pill drop from 8,531 in 2019 to 2,233 in 2023. They also highlighted the fact that data from Public Health Wales showed abortions were the highest on record in 2022.

Health experts are warning that misinformation spread via social media could be partly responsible for these figures, with sensationalist “horror stories” about the side effects of contraception such as the pill gaining lots of online engagement and putting some people off using it.

Breaking the taboo

Many young people turn to social media platforms such as TikTok for information because they simply aren’t getting that information elsewhere. So, this is a plea from the sexual health team at YourGP to parents everywhere to have an age-appropriate conversation about health, relationships and sex with your teenage children. Encourage them to think carefully about where they are getting their information from. Reassure them that they can come to you if they have questions. And book an appointment at YourGP if they need to speak to a medical professional.

It may feel uncomfortable at first for you and your child to have “the talk”, but keeping these lines of communication open is the best way to ensure your child grows up with a healthy, informed attitude to sex.

Speak to a sexual health expert

Here’s why the sexual health experts at YourGP are trusted by so many:

• We’re here to help you make an informed decision: During your appointment, we will ask you a series of questions relating to your overall health and lifestyle, before talking you through the options that are most suitable for you. We’ll give you plenty of time to ask questions and consider your choice. We’ll then talk you through how to use the contraception properly in order to maximise its safety and efficacy. We will also provide detailed information about any potential side effects that you should be aware of.
• We offer short notice appointments: We understand how busy you are, so we offer same-day appointments to fit your schedule, so you can be seen and treated as soon as possible.
• We pride ourselves on our relaxed, non-judgemental environment: YourGP is a safe environment where patients can discuss any sexual health concerns in the strictest of confidence. We always aim to make you as comfortable as possible.
• We guarantee discretion: We understand that many patients prefer to keep their sexual health matters discreet, and that’s why they choose YourGP. Our two practices are conveniently located on Dundas Street and in the Dean Village, and because we offer a wide range of GP services, no one need ever know the nature of your visit.

Book your appointment today

You can book an appointment using our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 381 0322 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.