German Medical Association warns of contraceptive myths on social media

The German Medical Association (BÄK) has issued a warning regarding the rapid spread of misinformation and myths about contraception on social media. The association noted that reliable, evidence-based information is often competing with one-sided opinions from influencers lacking medical expertise, as well as advertisements.

To address this, the BÄK board has released a formal statement titled ‘Contraception – Evaluation from Medical-Scientific Perspectives’. This document analyzes various hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive methods, evaluating their safety, risks, benefits, and effectiveness in preventing sexually transmitted infections.

BÄK President Klaus Reinhardt emphasized that neutral, evidence-based counseling is more relevant than ever. The initiative aims to provide a reliable foundation for patients, physicians, and policymakers to make informed individual decisions. Julia Gallwas, a lead for the working group, clarified that the goal is not to favor specific methods but to ensure decisions are made based on reliable evidence despite changing information landscapes.