2025-09-24
The pill, myths & realities: what you’re not (often) told
Gynecology
By Ana Espino | Published on september 24, 2025 | 3 min read
#HormonalContraception #ReproductiveHealth #HealthMisinformation #Hormones
Long heralded as a major advance for women’s reproductive autonomy, hormonal contraception is increasingly questioned today—despite its well-established benefits. This skepticism is rooted in a specific climate of misinformation. Side effects, often poorly explained, are amplified, while the real benefits are downplayed. This climate of distrust is all the more concerning as even some healthcare professionals, unintentionally, contribute to spreading misconceptions—due to outdated training or insufficient communication.
The current challenges are therefore complex: restoring trust, reconciling medical discourse with lived experiences, and adapting scientific messages to a younger generation highly influenced by subjective accounts and so-called “natural” approaches, which are often perceived as more legitimate than clinical recommendations.
In this context, the study set out to deconstruct the main myths about hormonal contraception by addressing, clearly and scientifically, the most common concerns: weight, mood, sexuality, fertility, hormones, menstruation, cancer, thrombosis, and side effects.
Weight gain is a common reason for discontinuation, but only injectable methods (DMPA) are associated with significant weight gain. Other methods have a very limited impact. Regarding mental health, the results are mixed: a minority of women report mood decline, but rigorous studies do not show a clear link with depression.
In terms of sexuality, effects vary widely. Some women experience a decrease in libido, while others notice an improvement. Fears of infertility are unfounded: fertility returns quickly after stopping, except with DMPA, which can delay ovulation by a few months.
Rejection of so-called “artificial” hormones is common, yet there are options containing hormones similar to those naturally produced by the body, such as estradiol. Menstrual disturbances (absence or irregularity of periods) are frequent but generally not serious and often temporary.
Regarding cancer, the risk of breast cancer increases slightly, but the risks of ovarian and endometrial cancers decrease. Overall, the balance remains positive. Hormonal contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but remain safe, despite some contradictory data.
The risk of thrombosis increases with certain pills, but it remains lower than during pregnancy. Finally, the lack of listening to some women by healthcare professionals worsens the difficulties. It is crucial to better inform, listen to patients, and adapt contraceptive choices to their expectations.
Distrust of hormonal contraception remains a major issue. One of the key challenges is to combat misinformation, restore trust, and tailor medical advice to women’s needs and expectations. The goal of this study was to clarify the facts based on reliable and recent data, in order to correct the most widespread misconceptions.
The results show that for the vast majority of women, the benefits of hormonal contraception far outweigh the risks. It not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also provides numerous medical benefits. It is therefore essential to put side effects into their real context and offer nuanced, clear, and science-based information.
To continue this effort, it is crucial to disseminate this knowledge in formats that are understandable, accessible, and adapted to the target audiences. Taking into account women’s individual expectations and concerns must also become a priority in clinical practice. Finally, developing reliable, scientifically validated digital resources represents a key lever to counter misinformation and restore trust in hormonal contraceptive methods.
About the author – Ana Espino
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions through impactful communication.
#HormonalContraception #ReproductiveHealth #HealthMisinformation #Hormones
Long heralded as a major advance for women’s reproductive autonomy, hormonal contraception is increasingly questioned today—despite its well-established benefits. This skepticism is rooted in a specific climate of misinformation. Side effects, often poorly explained, are amplified, while the real benefits are downplayed. This climate of distrust is all the more concerning as even some healthcare professionals, unintentionally, contribute to spreading misconceptions—due to outdated training or insufficient communication.
The current challenges are therefore complex: restoring trust, reconciling medical discourse with lived experiences, and adapting scientific messages to a younger generation highly influenced by subjective accounts and so-called “natural” approaches, which are often perceived as more legitimate than clinical recommendations.
In this context, the study set out to deconstruct the main myths about hormonal contraception by addressing, clearly and scientifically, the most common concerns: weight, mood, sexuality, fertility, hormones, menstruation, cancer, thrombosis, and side effects.
Are we being lied to about the pill?
Weight gain is a common reason for discontinuation, but only injectable methods (DMPA) are associated with significant weight gain. Other methods have a very limited impact. Regarding mental health, the results are mixed: a minority of women report mood decline, but rigorous studies do not show a clear link with depression.
In terms of sexuality, effects vary widely. Some women experience a decrease in libido, while others notice an improvement. Fears of infertility are unfounded: fertility returns quickly after stopping, except with DMPA, which can delay ovulation by a few months.
Rejection of so-called “artificial” hormones is common, yet there are options containing hormones similar to those naturally produced by the body, such as estradiol. Menstrual disturbances (absence or irregularity of periods) are frequent but generally not serious and often temporary.
Regarding cancer, the risk of breast cancer increases slightly, but the risks of ovarian and endometrial cancers decrease. Overall, the balance remains positive. Hormonal contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but remain safe, despite some contradictory data.
The risk of thrombosis increases with certain pills, but it remains lower than during pregnancy. Finally, the lack of listening to some women by healthcare professionals worsens the difficulties. It is crucial to better inform, listen to patients, and adapt contraceptive choices to their expectations.
Taking back control of one’s body
Distrust of hormonal contraception remains a major issue. One of the key challenges is to combat misinformation, restore trust, and tailor medical advice to women’s needs and expectations. The goal of this study was to clarify the facts based on reliable and recent data, in order to correct the most widespread misconceptions.
The results show that for the vast majority of women, the benefits of hormonal contraception far outweigh the risks. It not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also provides numerous medical benefits. It is therefore essential to put side effects into their real context and offer nuanced, clear, and science-based information.
To continue this effort, it is crucial to disseminate this knowledge in formats that are understandable, accessible, and adapted to the target audiences. Taking into account women’s individual expectations and concerns must also become a priority in clinical practice. Finally, developing reliable, scientifically validated digital resources represents a key lever to counter misinformation and restore trust in hormonal contraceptive methods.
Read next: Free contraception for minors under 15 years old
About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
Last press reviews
By Ana Espino | Published on october 1st, 2025 | 3 min read<br><br>...
Gallstones: Genetics strikes back!
By Ana Espino | Published on september 30, 2025 | 3 min read