Lately a lot of people’s TikTok “For You Pages” and Reels have been flooded with videos that spread anti-birth control messages. For many young people who already use birth control, or are thinking about it, this can create a lot of confusion and stress.
We are going to break down why these trends can be harmful, what’s actually true, and how you can make informed decisions about your body.
First, Let’s Get on the Same Page
Birth control also known as contraception helps prevent pregnancy before it happens. Some common methods include:
- The Pill
- The Patch
- The Ring
- The Shot (Depo)
- Implant (Nexplanon)
- IUDs
This also includes barrier methods like condoms. Order barrier methods today using our CAP Project. When used correctly and consistently, these methods are very effective. You can learn more about each one anytime on TeenSource. And even though TikTok might say otherwise, here are the facts:
- There is no solid scientific evidence that hormonal birth control causes major weight gain
- Birth control does not make you infertile, you can still get pregnant in the future after stopping it.
- Like many medications, hormonal birth control can come with risks, but for young people the overall risk is low, similar to everyday things like sun exposure or eating processed foods these have risks too.
If you’re unsure about side effects, a medical provider can walk you through your options. And remember if one method doesn’t fit your body or lifestyle, you can switch whenever you want. You’re in control.
What Even is Anti-Birth Control Content?
These videos often come from influencers, not medical professionals, who share negative experiences with hormonal birth control or promote “all natural” methods without explaining how effective or safe they actually are. This kind of content usually includes:
- Scary claims about birth control
- “Natural girl” or “clean girl” aesthetics marketed as healthier
- Fake science like “detoxing your hormones”
- Judging people’s choices (“Healthy people don’t use the pill”
- The idea that birth control ruins your life
It hides under buzzwords like wellness, clean living, or hormone balancing, but ends up replacing real medical info with aesthetic vibes and fear.
Why is this Trend Harmful?
The problem isn’t that people share their personal stories, it’s that many influencers are giving medical advice without medical training. They may promote things like “track your cycle” or “just be natural,” but don’t explain that these methods can be less effective or easy to mess up especially if your cycle is irregular. That's not to say these methods don't work, when used correctly.
And these messages don’t exist in a bubble. Conversations about birth control are happening at different levels too. Some states are limiting access to birth control or don’t offer accurate health education, making it harder to get the facts you need. Some information can have real-life outcomes.
Birth Control Can be Empowering
People use birth control for lots of different reasons, and all of them valid.
- To manage pain
- To prevent pregnancy
- To support gender-affirming care
- Or simply because it makes them feel more in control of their health
Birth control is about having options and the freedom to choose what works best for you.
What Can You Do?
Stay critical and informed about your options. People who want to limit access to birth control rely on misinformation spreading online. That’s why it’s important to think critically about what you see on TikTok or Instagram.
Personal stories can be meaningful, but they don’t represent everyone’s experience and shouldn’t be the only source you use to make health decisions.
If you have questions, talk to a trusted medical provider, they’re there to give you accurate information. Use our clinic finder to locate a clinic near you. As a young person you have the right to ask questions and receive clear, supportive answers.