Doctors target TikTok for dramatic rise in UK abortions

Scottish doctors point to a multitude of factors that could explain this increase in abortions . Gynecologists and doctors denounce in particular a increase in misleading videos on TikTok and on social networks in general, with a proliferation of hashtags like #naturalbirthcontrol (natural contraception) and #hormonefree (without hormones).

An example of a message broadcast in the videos: “Natural contraception is “the way to go”. The fertility observation method is brilliant: You monitor your cycle by measuring your body temperature and analyzing your cervical fluid. It’s very effective. You can see your follicular, luteal, ovulation and menstruation phases, so you know when you are fertile and when you are not. I’ve been using it for three years and it’s really effective. But it has to be done well,” said the woman.

Fertility observation methods are generally recommended to increase a couple’s chances of conceiving. However, many videos show young women with a thermometer taking their temperature every morning. Influencers who use scientific terms and call themselves “hormone coaches”, “wellness coaches” or “lifestyle specialists”.

These contraceptive methods are not reliable. According to Scottish health experts, “natural” methods, such as taking temperatures, They are only 75% reliable (and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections). And even less reliable for women who have irregular periods, as is often the case with young girls. Influencers They don’t say it in their videos which rarely last more than a minute and often offer no alternatives.

This movement is accompanied by a rejection (still on social networks and on TikTok in particular) of pill and hormonal methods. There are stories described on these networks that have gone viral: women whose acne exploded with the pill, who gained a lot of weight or whose IUD fell out on its own.

These Self-proclaimed experts make terrifying claims -and unfounded- that hormonal methods are highly carcinogenic, alter the intestinal flora and cause depression. These are possible side effects of hormonal contraceptives, but they are extremely rare.

Scottish doctors They urge young women to consult their family doctors and gynecologists to find the most suitable contraceptive method, keeping in mind that every woman is different. But They regret the shortage of health professionals throughout the country and the resulting inequality in access to health care. They are calling for more sex education in schools, to give all young women the tools they need to combat medical misinformation on the Internet.