Health misinformation around hormonal birth control on social media: NPR Shortwave investigates influencer claims and clinical context

Overview

In this NPR Shortwave episode, host Emily Kwang and science correspondent Katie Riddle examine how social media health influencers shape perceptions of hormonal birth control. They discuss the dangers of misinformation from individuals without medical training, the variety of claimed side effects, and the need for careful medical consultation. The program highlights real-world consequences for patients seeking information, including access to care in rural areas and how doctors contextualize individual anecdotes within broader risk. The discussion emphasizes balanced decision-making that weighs pregnancy risks against potential side effects, and argues for physician-led conversations over influencer content or AI tools.

Introduction: The influencer effect on birth control

The episode opens by addressing the growing influence of social media on health decisions, especially among adults under 35. A key focus is hormonal birth control, which, though broadly safe and effective, is the subject of many misinformation videos on platforms like TikTok. The hosts point out that most health influencers lack medical credentials and often present unproven claims as fact, which can skew how people evaluate contraception risks.

Medical context and evidence

Katie Riddle reviews scientific evidence supporting birth control safety for most users, while acknowledging that medications can have side effects. A primary concern is how misinformation distorts risk perception, such as the idea that birth control could alter personality or severely disrupt the gut or skin, claims that lack robust evidence or misinterpret probabilities.

La Trobe University research is cited, showing that a minority of popular contraception videos are created by medical professionals, with many videos fostering distrust of healthcare providers. The conversation emphasizes that patients may encounter a flood of anecdotes online, which doctors must rebalance with clinical data and personalized care.

Communication, risk, and context

OBGYNs stress the importance of a two-way doctor-patient dialogue. One physician notes that personalized medical advice cannot be reliably provided by Google or AI, and that individual medical histories, risk factors for blood clots, and other conditions should guide contraception choices. A common problem is how personal stories—often dramatic and rare—dominate discussions while the more frequent outcome of unintended pregnancy remains underappreciated.

Another focal point is access to care, particularly in rural areas or states with abortion restrictions. The episode discusses the societal costs of pregnancy and parenthood, framing contraception as a tool for equality and independence, yet recognizing that access to reproductive healthcare is uneven.

Practical guidance for listeners

Experts advocate talking to a trained professional rather than influencer content or AI tools. The need for context and risk framing—assessing likelihoods of side effects versus the probability and consequences of pregnancy—is highlighted as central to informed decision making. The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to bring health questions to Shortwave for expert input.

"There is no way that Google or AI is going to have your exact answer to your exact question for your exact body." - Jennifer Conti, OB/GYN

"One problem with highlighting these stories is that they often lead with fear." - Jennifer Conti, OB/GYN

"Much more common, says Conti, is an unplanned pregnancy without the use of contraception." - Jennifer Conti, OB/GYN