Contraceptives: Doctors Clear the Controversy | capital Cities

The TikTok Trend is encouraging women to switch from birth control pills to natural methods. Gynecologists warn of the dangers of pregnancy

The hashtag #gettingoffbirthcontrol has gained popularity among TikTok users in recent weeks. Women from different countries use the platform to talk about the side effects that occurred when using birth control pills, and suggest replacing them with natural methods, such as the tablet.

Among the reports are women claiming to feel depressed, without libido, gaining weight and having severe acne making them feel ugly after starting to use birth control pills.

Doctors are worried that the fashion will lead to an increase in the number of unwanted pregnancies and warn that before abandoning contraceptives, women should ask a gynecologist for an individual assessment. Simply changing the method can contribute to symptom relief, for example.

“These currents against contraception are very dangerous, and many women may have inadequate guidelines. We have a rate of over 60% of unwanted pregnancies in our country,” says gynecologist Camille Vittoria Resigato, member of the Society for Women, Science and Reproduction. Human Rights Watch in Brazil (AMCR).

The doctor explains that women who do not adapt to hormonal contraceptives have the possibility of making other choices with the help of health professionals. “An unwanted or unplanned pregnancy is always the most dangerous pregnancies. It’s a social, economic and emotional problem. I usually say there’s always a contraceptive to call you in,” he says.

Undesirable effects

The expected adverse effects in the package leaflet relate to the hormones contained in the contraceptive, its formulation and dosage. Gynecologist Rafael Lupo, of the Tivoli Clinic in Brasilia, explains that flare-ups of acne are more common among people who use progesterone methods, such as some pills, an intrauterine device (IUD) and the contraceptive implant.

Weight gain is only associated with women using quarterly injections. “Injecting progesterone every three months was the only way, in a scientific study, that resulted in a 20% weight gain in patients who were already obese. In overweight or normal weight patients, this increase has not been proven in research,” Lupo explains.

Weight gain will actually be related to fluid retention and some metabolic changes caused by hormonal changes. It can happen, but it’s not for everyone. “It depends from case to case,” Camille says.

Natural ways

Application schedule and assessment of cervical mucus and body temperature are some of the natural methods shown on social networks.

Although the schedule is a good guideline for the menstrual cycle, especially for women who have a regular cycle, it is not considered a safe way to avoid pregnancy. Studies show that it is associated with an 85% risk of pregnancy.

Lobo suggests that these methods should only be used by people who have mastered their menstrual cycle “from start to finish.” “The patient must have a very regular cycle, which is the same every month – which is very rare. However, the failure rate is much higher than with any other method of contraception.

“It’s a practice that needs a lot of monitoring and care and association with other non-hormonal methods, such as condoms,” Camille explains.

I did not cope. And now?

Contraceptive methods are divided into two large groups: short-term – birth control pills, patches, intravaginal rings – and long-acting, including IUDs, implants and hormonal injections.

The choice depends on factors such as the patient’s history; menstrual cycle behavior (volume and flow); And if you manage to maintain the frequency of use, without forgetting. “The method must be adapted to the patient’s reality and take into account contraindications,” says Lobo.

According to the doctor, a young woman who suffers from migraine attacks has up to three times the chances of having a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) if she takes estrogen pills, for example. Those over the age of 35, who smoke, or who are undergoing treatment for high blood pressure, cannot use birth control pills with estrogen. “The first step is to calculate the patient’s risk regarding the method,” he says.

Women who do not adjust to hormonal contraceptives have the option of using non-hormonal methods, ranging from condoms to the copper or silver IUD.

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