More and more women are starting to feel skeptical about hormonal birth control, questioning its long-term effects and whether it's the best option for their health. The Skimm polled their Instagram followers and found that among people currently taking birth control, 13% said they were considering going off of it. Of those who said they weren’t on birth control, 32% said they had ditched it within the last year. What’s causing the shift in attitude? The growing uncertainty is fueled, in part, by concerns over side effects, as well as the spread of misinformation online about the safety and effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

As the conversation around reproductive health evolves, many women are exploring non-hormonal alternatives. Options like fertility awareness app, Natural Cycles, are gaining traction as women seek more natural ways to manage their fertility sans synthetic hormones. What’s happening is a broader movement toward individualized, informed choices in birth control.

Why are women quitting hormonal birth control?
On social media, misinformation about birth control is running rampant. Young women on TikTok and Instagram are attributing migraines or weight gain to their birth control, some even claiming that hormonal birth control leads to infertility in the long run. But these young women aren’t doctors. In The Washington Post, Lauren Weber and Sabrina Malhi write, 

“Physicians say they’re seeing an explosion of birth-control misinformation online targeting a vulnerable demographic: people in their teens and early 20s who are more likely to believe what they see on their phones because of algorithms that feed them a stream of videos reinforcing messages often divorced from scientific evidence.”

According to an NIH survey, side effects are the most common reason people are quitting or switching contraceptives. Potential side effects of birth control include mood changes (mood swings, depression, or anxiety), headaches and migraines, an increased risk of blood clots, a decrease in libido, and weight gain. A surprising 83% of participants stated their healthcare provider never mentioned psychological side effects as a possibility during consultation appointments, and almost 23% of those who experienced side effects said their provider didn’t properly address their concerns. Clearly, this points to a disconnect in how doctors communicate the risks associated with hormonal birth control.

Many of my own close friends have quit birth control in recent years. I asked them why.

One friend pointed out that women have historically been underrepresented in health research, leading her to believe that hormonal birth control shouldn't be seen as the only option for managing fertility and other related symptoms. For another friend, quitting the pill was an opportunity to learn more about her body and optimize her daily functioning. She mentioned wanting to try cycle syncing, the practice of adapting your lifestyle to the four phases of your menstrual cycle, something she couldn’t do while on the pill. Other friends view discontinuing hormonal birth control as a form of protest—a way to reclaim control over their bodies in a political climate where women's bodies are often at the center of debate.

I, too, have a complicated relationship with birth control. I've been on the same hormonal pill since I was 16 years old, and while I'm grateful for the protection it offers and my access to quality healthcare, there's a part of me that wonders what my body and mind would feel like if I stopped taking it. Lately, I find myself blaming my birth control for any negative symptom I experience. If I feel anxious, lethargic, or simply off in any way, I can’t help but wonder if my birth control is the culprit. I go back and forth, questioning whether I should also opt for non-hormonal options. 

It's understandable to be wary of the potential risks of hormonal birth, but it's equally important to recognize that for many women, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Beyond pregnancy prevention, birth control can regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate cramps, reduce symptoms related to conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, help with acne, and so much more. 

And while the health benefits are significant, the broader impact of birth control on women’s lives is just as profound. Ever since the FDA first approved the birth control pill in 1960, it’s offered women more ownership over their bodies, and in turn, futures. The ability to plan when and if you want kids can have a very large impact on the decision to pursue higher education, the career path you choose, or the capacity to achieve financial independence. 

Right now, women’s reproductive health is at a crossroads. With states imposing stricter restrictions on abortion, birth control is especially more important than ever, representing freedom. Access to birth control isn’t just about preventing pregnancy—it’s about empowering women to make decisions about their bodies and lives.

How to make the best decision for your body
Birth control is a deeply personal decision. It’s okay to be curious about your natural cycles and want to be more attuned to your body, and also it’s okay to want a pill that prevents pregnancy and clears your acne. 

What’s important is to not let trends or misinformation dictate what’s right for your body. Social media can be a breeding ground for fear mongering, so it's crucial to do your own research, talk to your doctor, and explore all your options. Make sure your choice is informed by facts and what’s best for your health, not by what's popular online.

Get to know the different types of birth control

Hormonal birth control options include:

• Pills: Taken daily, these contain estrogen and/or progestin to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, reducing the chance of sperm reaching the egg.
• The patch: A skin patch usually worn on the abdomen or upper arm that releases estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream, changed weekly for three weeks, with one patch-free week.
• A hormonal IUD: A T-shaped device inserted into the uterus that releases progestin, thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy for 3-7 years.
• A vaginal ring: A small, flexible ring placed inside the vagina, releasing a continuous dose of estrogen and progestin for three weeks, followed by a ring-free week.
• An arm implant (Nexplanon): A matchstick-sized rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm, releasing progestin to prevent ovulation for up to three years.
• A Depo-Provera injection: A progestin injection given every three months to prevent ovulation and thin the uterine lining.

Non-hormonal options include:

• The copper IUD: A small, hormone-free T-shaped device inserted into the uterus, releasing copper ions that are toxic to sperm, preventing pregnancy for 10-12 years.
• Condoms: A barrier method worn during sex to physically block sperm from entering the vagina.
• Diaphragm: A dome-shaped, flexible cup placed over the cervix, used with spermicide to block sperm from entering the uterus. It’s inserted before sex and left in place for at least six hours after.
• Fertility awareness methods: Involves tracking ovulation signs such as basal body temperature and cervical mucus to identify fertile days and avoid unprotected sex during those times.
• Tubal ligation: A surgical procedure where a woman’s fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or sealed to permanently prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

Each method varies in effectiveness, and some require more frequent upkeep than others, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and health needs. 

Talk to a doctor you trust
Meet with a gynecologist who can help you navigate all your options and make the best choice for you. If you schedule a consultation appointment, be prepared and come with a list of specific questions to ask. A few examples of good questions to ask might include: 

Make sure you ask about pain management, too. For example, if you're nervous about IUD insertion, ask your doctor what your pain management options are—they can usually offer anti-inflammatory drugs, a lidocaine injection, anti-anxiety medication, or other numbing options. If you feel like you’re being dismissed or gaslit, you can advocate for yourself by stating simply, “I don’t feel like you’re taking my concerns seriously,” or see a new doctor. 

Get familiar with your rights
Research the laws and regulations about healthcare access and reproductive rights in your area since they can vary significantly by state. Use trusted organizations and government websites to gather accurate, up-to-date information. Resources like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood are good places to start. Keep in mind reproductive rights laws and policies are in flux and can change. Stay informed about current legislation and policy updates, and connect with advocacy groups or support organizations that focus on providing support, resources, and guidance on navigating and accessing care.