The contraceptive pill, once hailed as a breakthrough for women’s autonomy when it was introduced in the 1960s, is facing mounting skepticism among younger generations. Concerns about side effects, amplified by social media misinformation, are prompting more women to explore natural alternatives — but experts warn these methods are often less reliable.
On TikTok, videos like “Reasons To Go Off The Pill” — which has drawn more than 18,000 views — highlight personal accounts of mood swings, reduced sex drive, or weight gain. Another viral clip shows a woman’s “before and after” photos with the caption: “ur sign not to start the pill unless you wanna gain two stone.” Such posts reflect growing unease but also risk spreading misleading claims, health professionals caution.
“Younger women are more wary of medication in general, and social media amplifies stories about side effects such as weight gain, mood changes, or rare but serious risks like blood clots,” said Ying Cheong, professor of reproductive medicine at the University of Southampton.
Around one in five European women use oral contraceptives, according to Statista. The two main types are the combined pill — containing both oestrogen and progestogen — and the progestogen-only “mini pill.” Both are more than 99% effective when taken correctly and can help with conditions such as heavy periods, acne, or endometriosis.
Like all medications, the pill carries risks. Common side effects include nausea, irregular bleeding, or breast tenderness. Rare but more serious risks include blood clots and a slight increase in breast and cervical cancer while using the combined pill. However, these risks diminish after stopping, while the pill has been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian, womb, and bowel cancers in the long term.
Despite its effectiveness, distrust has grown, partly fueled by frustration with gaps in women’s healthcare. “Women’s health is chronically underfunded. When hospital budgets are cut, gynaecology is usually first in line, leaving women with unacceptably long waits,” said Cheong.
This climate has contributed to rising use of fertility awareness-based methods, often supported by period-tracking apps. Between 2022 and 2024, uptake among Gen Z rose by more than 12%, according to Hertility Health. These approaches, while hormone-free, are significantly less reliable. “Natural methods can carry up to a 24% chance of pregnancy if not followed rigorously,” said Hertility founder Dr. Helen O’Neill.
Recent studies suggest a growing number of abortion patients had relied on such methods. Experts stress that while natural tracking can help women better understand their cycles, it should not be considered a foolproof form of birth control.
“The pill has risks, but they are small compared with the health and social risks of unintended pregnancy,” Cheong said. “What’s needed is not rejection, but more research, more investment, and more choice — including for men.”
