Doctors are warning that misinformation on social media is leading to a rise in unintended pregnancies among some young women, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Health care workers have reported an increase in patients discarding hormonal birth control and contraception due to false information spread on popular social media platforms.
Michael Belmonte, an OB/GYN based in D.C. and a family planning expert at ACOG, has seen a surge in unintended pregnancies and a lack of treatment for reproductive medical conditions as a result of misinformation. Belmonte noted that younger women, who tend to trust myths spread on social media, are particularly vulnerable to these falsehoods.
Dr. Ali Gannon, a reproductive endocrinologist at Shady Grove Fertility in Fairfax, Virginia, emphasized that hormonal birth control pills do not negatively impact fertility and that patients experiencing side effects can explore other options available on the market.
The spread of misinformation on social media is prompting some women to switch to alternative methods, such as fertility awareness, which requires identifying fertile days to avoid pregnancy. While this method may work for some, Belmonte stresses the importance of discussing reproductive health with a healthcare provider to ensure accurate information and personalized care.
Belmonte and Gannon both advocate for in-person doctor visits as the most effective way to address reproductive health concerns and make informed decisions. By debunking myths and discussing true facts and side effects, healthcare providers can empower patients to make the best choices for their reproductive health.