TikTok videos about IUDs have millions of views, but experts say they may be normalizing dangerous misconceptions

• TikTok videos about IUDs have racked up over hundreds of millions of views.
• But many are promoting myths and misinformation about the contraceptive device.

Sexual education and awareness is a massive topic on TikTok, with #SexualHealth having 730 million views worth of videos. One aspect that has become extremely popular is intrauterine devices (IUDs) — a kind of contraceptive device that is placed inside the uterus.

The hashtag #IUD has 577 million views on the platform, and #IUDinsertion has 205 million.

While TikTok can be a great place for raising awareness about contraception and sexual health, it also lends itself to myths and misinformation spreading.

Insider spoke to gynecologists about some of the blind spots TikTok appears to be creating around IUDs, and what the truth is behind the misconceptions.

Some TikTokers appear to be removing their IUDs at home, which can be dangerous

Insider's Andréa Becker and Kathleen Broussard reported in August that people were posting TikTok videos trying to remove their IUDs at home due to a lack of health insurance or because the procedure was delayed numerous times.

While it is possible to take an IUD out at home, it is not recommended. Dr Amy Roskin, a resident gynecologist at online contraceptive pill provider The Pill Club, explained it may dislodge but not be fully extracted which can cause "painful cramps and discomfort," as well as making it less effective for preventing pregnancy.

"If an IUD is embedded into the muscle wall of the uterus, it might not be able to even be removed in the office by a provider," she added. "It's uncommon, but in those cases, a more in-depth procedure is done under anesthesia to fully remove the IUD."

Overall, she said she would always recommend people make an appointment with a healthcare provider to remove their IUD.

"If someone feels that they have no choice but to remove their own IUD because they don't have access to healthcare, that is a much greater problem," she said.

IUDs should not cause pain if inserted correctly, despite TikToks suggesting otherwise

There are two main types of IUDs: hormonal ones, which prevent pregnancy by releasing progesterone, and copper ones, which let copper ions out into the womb and alter cervical mucus to make it less hospitable for sperm, Dr Roskin explained.

Both have some side effects. Copper IUDs can cause spotting between periods, irregular or heavier periods, or some increased cramping, while hormonal IUDs might notice breast tenderness, headaches, acne, irregular periods, or cramping as well, Dr Roskin said.

But there are TikTok videos spreading misinformation about side effects that experts say are inaccurate.

Dr Lora Shahine, an OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, noted videos suggesting IUDs are painful after insertion.

"If placed correctly, IUDs should not be felt or cause pain," she said.

TikToks talking about 'excruciating pain' or weight gain may make women more fearful of IUDs than they need to be

There are several videos on TikTok describing the "excruciating" pain of having an IUD put in. Pain tolerances vary, so everyone's experience is going to be different, but viewers may assume that what they see in these videos is going to be their own experience too, Dr Shields said.

Discomfort is common when an IUD is inserted, but it is likely to be less than what patients expect. A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2015 found the average pain level felt when an IUD was inserted was a 4 out of 10 — significantly lower than the pain median of 6 that a pool of 89 women had anticipated.

Some women on TikTok also report gaining weight after having an IUD inserted. Dr Roskin said there is some evidence of this, but the finding is controversial. As reported by Healthline, a 2020 study found that low levels of weight gain can be a side effect of hormonal IUDs, however, more research is needed.

People without medical training are offering advice and users may not realize the risks of trusting them

Dr Roskin said she understands that many people turn to social media platforms like TikTok for information because they want to learn more, or they aren't able to receive care. But it's important to remember people are often sharing their own particular individual experience or perspective, which can spread false information that can be dangerous.

"I think it's important to recognize that some of those posting on social media platforms don't have specific credentials, training, or scientific knowledge," she said. "Some of the false information that has no conclusive scientific backing has been concerning."

For example, videos that predict menstruation based on moon cycles, or claim that drinking lemon juice will delay your period, are not based in scientific research. These trends vary in their levels of risk and harm, but they should still be taken with "a grain of salt," Dr Roskin said, and people should seek the advice of a medical professional when they are unsure or have questions.

"Myths and misinformation on the app are an important indicator that we have to continue to push for accessible healthcare for all, so that everyone has equal access to advice from a licensed medical provider," she said.

For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here.